AZUSA, Calif. – After a six-year hiatus, Azusa Pacific University Football is officially back. Head Coach AJ Parnell and the Cougars have announced their 2026 season schedule, marking the program's first return to the collegiate ranks since 2019. The highly anticipated comeback will feature a competitive nine-game slate highlighted by local SCIAC rivalries.

"We are beyond excited for the opportunity to compete," said Parnell. "I can't wait to see our staff and players represent our community through the way we play. The more I think about what's ahead of us next fall, the more excited I get."

The Cougars will kick off their return on September 5 with a road trip to La Verne, followed by a home matchup against Whittier on September 19.  A pair of October home contests against Redlands (Oct. 3) and Chapman (Oct. 17) will anchor the heart of the schedule, with road games at Cal Lutheran (Oct. 10) and Pomona-Pitzer (Oct. 24) providing early tests away from home.
APU will close out the season with a familiar stretch of conference-style competition, hosting La Verne on October 31 before finishing the campaign on the road at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Nov. 7) and Whittier (Nov. 14).

This upcoming campaign marks a historic return for the program, ushering in a new era of APU Athletics as it begins its transition to Division III. Now under Coach Parnell's leadership, the Cougars are reestablishing themselves as a key presence in Southern California collegiate football.

"Azusa Pacific has long been known for a physical, competitive brand of football, and we intend to honor that identity," Parnell said. "We'll continue that legacy by playing hard, smart, and together. It's a tremendous call and an incredible opportunity."

Fans can look forward to the full game-day experience returning to the San Gabriel Valley this September, with additional information on tickets, fan events, and Homecoming festivities to be released in the coming months.