The Delaware Blue Hens finished their first season in the FBS in fashion. The team won six games in the regular season before being invited to a bowl game – which they also won. Surprisingly, my 6-6 record prediction for the team last year was spot on. Unfortunately, the game scores were completely different than the results. However, we’ll take any win we can get. Entering 2026, the schedule looks just as challenging for the Delaware football team.
Expectations are a lot higher for Ryan Carty’s program. Can Delaware avoid a second-year slump?
Delaware Football: 2026 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions
September 3: vs. Merrimack College Warriors
Delaware starts the 2026 season with an FCS opponent in Merrimack. Fans will get to see what a full season of starter reps will do for quarterback Nick Minicucci and the Blue Hens’ offense.
Like last year, Delaware should start their season off with a victory. Against an FCS opponent, the offense should put up points in bunches. Meanwhile, the defense will be able to gel for what will be a massive second game for the Blue Hens.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
September 12: at Vanderbilt Commodores
Like last year, Delaware will get nine days of rest before taking on a Power 4 opponent on the road. Last year it was Colorado, a game where Delaware surprisingly kept competitive. This time, it’s Vanderbilt, a program looking to prove their tenure under Diego Pavia wasn’t a fluke.
Being on the road versus an SEC opponent doesn’t emote confidence, no matter how good of a program Delaware may be. At this point in time, they just don’t have the players capable of defeating a team like Vanderbilt. Perhaps they prove me wrong, but for now, they get their first loss in Nashville.
Prediction: Loss (1-1)
September 19: vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
After their expected loss to Vanderbilt, Delaware’s third game comes against a tough Sun Belt opponent. However, Coastal has a new coach, some new looks, and will be playing in the hen house that is Delaware.
This game could be closer than expected. After all, Coastal usually puts together good and competitive rosters. However, I think the firepower of the Delaware offense could be too much for the Chanticleers to handle. I’m expecting a victory for the Blue Hens in this matchup.
Prediction: Win (2-1)
September 26: at Virginia Cavaliers
Through four games, Delaware plays one of the tougher schedules for a G6 program – at least on paper. And the fourth game in as many weeks includes a trip to Virginia to take on the Cavaliers, finalists in the ACC last season.
The Cavaliers have done an incredible job in the portal, nabbing Beau Pribula and Jekail Middlebrook to bolster their offensive firepower. Virginia also has a very underrated defense that could put the clamps on Minicucci and company. This is going to be a tough game no matter how you slice it. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if Delaware has the group prepared to take on good P4 programs. At least, not yet.
Prediction: Loss (2-2)
October 2: versus Liberty Flames
Liberty fields a tough football program and a coach who’s itching to bounce-back after an up-and-down season last year. Conference games are never easy to win. On top of that, Liberty has been really good outside of last year.
Delaware doesn’t lose much at home. However, this is going to be a difficult test for Ryan Carty and company. Right now, I believe this is a toss-up game that I have the Blue Hens falling short in.
Prediction: Loss (2-3)
October 13: at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
At this point, it’s hard to say that MTSU has been anything more than a disappointment. The team hasn’t improved in the past two seasons, and just lost some of their best talent through the portal and graduation. Even on the road, I don’t think this game is going to be much of a challenge for Delaware to get a win and get back on track.
Prediction: Win (3-3)
October 20: versus Missouri State Bears
To be honest, I’m incredibly fascinated to see how Casey Woods performs in his first year at Missouri State. The program seems to be in good hands and on the rise. However, there are hurdles they will face in Year 1. One of those hurdles is facing Delaware and their elite coaching staff on the road.
The Blue Hens coaching staff might be the best overall group in C-USA. Carty is an offensive guru, Manny Rojas is an excellent defensive coordinator and recruiter, and Rocco DiMeco is a true utility coach, manning special teams, defense, and the linebacker group.
While I think the Bears will surprise under Woods, I don’t think they have enough to beat Delaware.
Prediction: Win (4-3)
October 27: at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Despite continuously losing talent, Western Kentucky continues to be one of the staples in Conference USA. The Hilltoppers have had five consecutive seasons of eight wins or more. And, the odds of them doing it again in 2026 should be high. Coach Helton has proven to be an elite coach in his own right, and until proven otherwise, one must respect his ability to field an effective team.
Last year, WKU won a nail-biter at Delaware. This year, the Hilltoppers get the Blue Hens at home, where I think they may win a little more comfortably.
Prediction: Loss (4-4)
November 7: at Kennesaw State Owls
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a person who thought Kennesaw State was going to win Conference USA last season. Yet, they did just that. Coach Mack is elite, and all expectations are for the Owls to play well again in 2026.
For Delaware, it’s been a tough season up to this point. They have had a difficult schedule and it hasn’t gotten much easier entering November. I think this game will be relatively close. However, I don’t know how Delaware can pull off the win here – at least not yet.
Prediction: Loss (4-5)
November 14: versus FIU Panthers
Like Delaware, FIU is poised to be premier new blood in the conference. With a new quarterback, the offense for the Panthers should get rolling. However, there’s cause for concern in the secondary.
Last year, Delaware lit up a Panthers secondary that saw four players leave for P4 programs. By November we’ll know what both teams look like. However, I don’t think FIU has the ability to keep up with a soaring Blue Hens offense. Factor in the game is in Delaware, and I’m not sure it’s relatively close.
Prediction: Win (5-5)
November 21: at New Mexico State Aggies
New Mexico is a program that seems plagued with issues. One of their coaches was dismissed during the summer under hushed circumstances. Meanwhile, the program has gotten retainment, but what kind of talent are they able to put together on the field?
In all honesty, this is likely the second year of a rebuilding period for the Aggies. I’m expecting Delaware to run away with this game.
Prediction: Win (6-5)
November 28: versus Jax State Gamecocks
Last season, Jax State really put it to Delaware, winning 38-25. The Gamecocks got out to a fast start before letting off the gas in the fourth quarter to make the game appear closer than what it was. Yet this year, I’m expecting Delaware to be out for blood.
In the final home game of the season, the Blue Hens need to come out swinging. While they may not necessarily be in contention for the conference championship, Delaware will have something to play for. It’ll be the final home stand for players like Minicucci, Jo Silver, Gavin Moul, and KT Seay, among others.
This game is going to be a slugfest that could go past 60 total points. And, I’ve got the Blue Hens squeaking out a victory in the process.
Prediction: Win (7-5)
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