September 3rd, 2026 4:00am
The 2026 PSAC football season started a week ago, in Week Zero, and there was definitely some excitement. #19 Slippery Rock, who entered the preseason as D2 Football’s #25 ranked team, started it all off with a comeback win in the second overtime against Minnesota Duluth who was ranked #20 heading into the season.
If you are just checking in for the first time here in 2026, #4 Kutztown was picked as the favorite by the head coaches in the PSAC East preseason poll. The Golden Bears are coming off a historic run in 2025 winning both the PSAC and the Super Region One Championships on their way to finishing 14-1. Their season ended with a loss to Harding in the D2 Semi-Finals. East Stroudsburg, who beat Seton Hill from the PSAC West in Week Zero, was picked second behind #4 Kutztown and Shepherd, who plays a top 25 team this week, was picked third in the preseason poll.
In the PSAC West, IUP was the coaches pick to take the top spot. #19 Slippery Rock, who had a statement win over another Top 25 team in Week Zero, was picked second and California (PA) was picked third by the coaches heading into this 2026 season.
You still have time, before the Week One games take place, to get a more in-depth look at all the teams in PSAC by checking out the replays of our two D2Football PSAC Preview Shows, one for the East and one for the West. These shows aired before the season started. National Columnist Chuck Bitner and I take you through off season happenings, conference realignment, new head coaches, who’s coming back for each team, some insights on each team’s strengths and question marks, and our picks of who will win the East and the West and be playing in the PSAC Championship Game, to be played in the West this season, on November 14th.
This week’s slate of non league games has some interesting matchups and it also includes several D2 Top 25 teams. Shepherd in the PSAC East and IUP in the PSAC West are the headliners of games to watch this week as they both take on Top 25 opponents. That said, #19 Slippery Rock is not included on that list here in Week one, they are idle after their big win last week. Shippensburg from the PSAC East and Gannon from the PSAC West are also off this week after opening their seasons last week in Week Zero. Both teams came up short in their openers. Here is a look at the Week One games coming up along with my prediction for each contest. Yes, I do have some upsets predicted.
Thursday 9/3/26 (Seven Games)
Charleston at California (PA) (PSAC West) – 6 PM
My Prediction: California (PA) – The Vulcans start their season by stating their intention of being in the mix for the PSAC West crown.
West Virginia Wesleyan at Clarion (PSAC West) – 6 PM
My Prediction: Clarion –The Golden Eagles look to continue taking the next step in 2026 after a noteworthy start last season.
Bloomsburg (PSAC East) at Fairmont State – 6 PM
My Prediction: Bloomsburg –The Huskies need to win this one if they intend to trend upward this season and once again want to be considered in the top tier of the PSAC East.
#4 Kutztown (PSAC East) at Assumption – 6 PM
My Prediction: #4 Kutztown –The Golden Bears went 2-0 against this opponent last season, in their opener and in the SR1 playoffs. With the squad #4 Kutztown is bringing back this season, the outcome shouldn’t be any different in 2026.
Millersville (PSAC East) at Glenville State – 6 PM
My Prediction: Glenville State –The Millersville Marauders came up short against this opponent last season and are also in the process of rebuilding under a new head coach.
IUP (PSAC West) at #12 Ashland – 7 PM
My Prediction: IUP –The Crimson Hawks, who were picked by the coaches to win the PSAC West in the preseason poll, make a statement with an upset win over a Top 25 team in Week One.
Ohio Dominican at Edinboro – 7 PM
My Prediction: Edinboro –The Fighting Scots win their season opener at home.
Friday 9/4/26 (Two Games)
East Stroudsburg (PSAC East) at Pace – 7 PM
My Prediction: East Stroudsburg –The Warriors notch their second win of the season as they look to make a run in the PSAC East.
Lackawanna (PSAC East) at Monroe – 7 PM
My Prediction: Lackawanna –The Falcons come out on top in this battle of two NJCAA schools who are now transitioning to NCAA Division II.
Saturday 9/5/26 (Four Games)
West Chester (PSAC East) at Lincoln – 1 PM
My Prediction: West Chester – The Golden Rams take care of business against their opponent right down the road from them.
#16 Frostburg State at Shepherd (PSAC East) – 1 PM
My Prediction: Shepherd –The Rams pick up where they left of last season, where they won their last seven in a row, by taking down a Top 25 team who was a SR1 playoff team from a year ago.
Lock Haven (PSAC West) at American International – 3 PM
My Prediction: Lock Haven – The Bald Eagles keep their momentum going from their winning season in 2025 and their win in Week Zero to go to 2-0 on the season.
West Liberty at Seton Hill (PSAC West) – 4 PM
My Prediction: Seton Hill –The Griffins get into the win column after falling to East Stroudsburg last week.
For all the PSAC football fans who follow my column on the D2Football web-site, you can keep up on everything by giving me a follow me on X (Twitter) at @CaryMoyer. I post a lot during the week and on game days, don’t miss out.