Delaware Blue Hens Gear Up for Spring Game After Bowl Glory

NEWARK, Del. — The University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football program launched preparations for the 2026 season with 15 spring practices, building on their 2025 campaign that culminated in a 68 Ventures Bowl Championship. An exclusive open practice is set for Saturday, April 18, open to 2026 season ticket members, Delaware Athletics donors giving $100 or more, and football alumni. This spring showcase comes amid fan anticipation for a robust year following recent recruitments, as initially reported by Delaware State News.

The Blue Hens face a challenging 12-game slate in their second FBS season in Conference USA, starting with a home opener against Merrimack on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Delaware Stadium. Non-conference matchups include road games at Vanderbilt on Sept. 12 and Virginia on Sept. 26, plus a home tilt versus Coastal Carolina on Sept. 19. League play kicks off with Liberty on Friday, Oct. 2, during Parents & Family Weekend, followed by midweek clashes: at Middle Tennessee on Tuesday, Oct. 13; hosting Missouri State on Oct. 20; and at Western Kentucky on Oct. 27.

Later games feature road trips to Kennesaw State on Nov. 7 and New Mexico State on Nov. 21, a Homecoming showdown with FIU on Nov. 14, and a season finale against Jax State on Nov. 28. Recent Conference USA adjustments swapped several dates and sites, including flipping the Missouri State and New Mexico State games. Season tickets are available now at bluehens.com/fbtickets, with the team ranked seventh in early CUSA projections.

Newark fans, who packed Delaware Stadium for recent successes, expect the spring game to preview a squad blending veterans from the bowl win with fresh recruits aiming to contend in the competitive conference.