SPRINGFIELD – Another piece to Missouri State's 2026 non-conference football schedule fell into place Thursday with the addition of a home game against in-state foe Lindenwood on Saturday, Sept. 12, the schools mutually announced.
 
The Bears and Lions have played just once previously, a 28-14 Missouri State win last season at Plaster Stadium in Springfield. Lindenwood is the Show-Me State's newest Division I program, currently competing in the FCS ranks in football with affiliation in the OVC-Big South Conference.  

Missouri State has previously announced 2026 non-conference games at Texas A&M (Sept. 5), at home against Marshall (Sept. 19) and at SMU (Sept. 26). Next season's Conference USA schedule has not been released.