Looking Ahead: Boston College’s 2026 Football Opponents Revealed
The ACC has officially dropped the opponent lineup for the 2026 season, and Boston College fans now have plenty to circle on their calendars. While exact dates are still to come, the list of matchups gives us a solid glimpse into what Bill O’Brien’s squad will be up against in Year Three of his tenure in Chestnut Hill.
Let’s break it down-home games, road trips, and a non-conference slate that features some familiar faces and a few long-awaited reunions.
HOME GAMES: The Heights Will Be Buzzing
Florida State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia Tech
Boston College gets a solid mix of tradition and rivalry in its home slate. The headline here?
Florida State returns to Chestnut Hill for the first time since Bill O’Brien notched his first win as BC’s head coach-an impressive 28-13 road victory in Tallahassee back in 2024. That win set the tone early in O’Brien’s tenure, and you can bet the Seminoles will be looking for payback.
Virginia Tech also makes the trip north for the first time since 2023. It’ll be the second meeting between these two under O’Brien, and given the Hokies' physical style, expect a classic ACC grind-it-out battle.
Then there’s Pittsburgh-a team BC has handled well at home in recent years. The Eagles will be aiming for their third straight home win over the Panthers, who always bring a tough, defensive-minded squad.
And don’t overlook Syracuse. The Orange have had their struggles against Boston College lately, with the Eagles riding a three-game win streak in the series since 2023. This one could have major implications depending on how the ACC standings shake out.
ROAD GAMES: Eagles Hit the Road
Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, SMU
The Eagles head to Durham for the first time since a 26-6 win back in 2020. That was a dominant performance, and while both programs have evolved since then, it’s a matchup BC should feel good about.
Georgia Tech is another road trip where Boston College has had recent success. The Eagles have taken the last two meetings in Atlanta, including a 38-23 win in 2023. If they can keep that streak alive, it’ll be a big boost in what’s shaping up to be a competitive ACC slate.
Then there’s Miami. This one’s a bit of a throwback-just the third meeting between the two in the last decade, and BC’s first trip to South Florida since 2011. The Canes are always loaded with talent, and this could be one of the season’s most intriguing matchups.
Finally, Boston College travels to Dallas to face SMU. It’ll be their second trip there since the Mustangs joined the ACC in 2024. SMU’s fast-paced offense and home-field energy make this a sneaky-tough test.
NON-CONFERENCE MATCHUPS: A Mix of History and Rivalry
at Cincinnati, vs Maine, at Notre Dame, vs Rutgers
The non-conference schedule offers a little bit of everything-historic matchups, regional rivalries, and one of college football’s most storied venues.
Boston College heads to Cincinnati for the first time since a 1996 win over the Bearcats. The two last met in 2019, and while both programs have gone through changes since then, this one has the feel of a physical, blue-collar battle.
The Eagles will host Maine, a program they’ve dominated historically. BC has won seven straight against the Black Bears, dating all the way back to 1929.
The last loss? You’d have to go back to 1914.
This one should be a tune-up, but never say never in college football.
Then there’s the “Holy War.” Boston College heads back to South Bend to face Notre Dame for the fourth time in 15 years. It’ll be their first trip since 2022, and as always, this rivalry brings out the best in both programs-regardless of records.
Finally, Rutgers comes to Chestnut Hill. BC has won six of the last seven against the Scarlet Knights since 2000, and this will be their first meeting in Boston since 2022. It’s a matchup that feels like it belongs, given the regional ties and history.
What’s Next
While the dates and times are still TBD, the 2026 schedule is already shaping up to be one of the more compelling slates in recent memory for Boston College. With a mix of long-standing rivalries, revenge games, and intriguing road trips, there’s no shortage of storylines heading into the new season.
Season ticket renewals open January 13, 2026. For fans looking to be part of what could be a pivotal year in the Bill O’Brien era, now’s the time to lock in.