Missouri State Will Play SMU in Dallas
The Bears are set to face the Mustangs in a football matchup scheduled for September 26, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Football
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Missouri State will travel to Dallas to take on SMU on September 26, 2026. Kickoff for the contest is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Why it matters
The game represents the return leg of a home-and-home series between the two schools, meaning Missouri State will receive no compensation for the appearance. This arrangement follows a prior season where SMU defeated Missouri State 28-10.
SMU currently holds a 2-1 record and a No. 22 national ranking, while Missouri State enters the matchup with a 1-2 record. These figures are contrasted by the $1.2 million the Bears previously earned for a game against Texas A&M.
The players
Kyle Moats
He is the athletic director who signed the contract for the Missouri State and SMU football game.
Missouri State
This is the university football program currently holding a 1-2 record.
SMU
This is the Dallas-based football program that holds a 2-1 record and a No. 22 national ranking.
The details
The matchup was solidified when Kyle Moats signed the contract on June 21, 2024. As this is a return trip for the Bears, they will not be paid for this specific appearance in Dallas.
Timeline
June 21, 2024: The game contract was signed by the athletic director.
2025 season: SMU defeated Missouri State with a score of 28-10.
September 26, 2026: Missouri State is scheduled to play SMU in Dallas.
Season Trajectory
This game functions as the second half of a home-and-home series, continuing the competitive relationship established during the 2025 SMU vs. Missouri State game. The result will influence Missouri State's standing as they navigate their non-conference schedule.
Fans should note the 8 p.m. kickoff time, which sets the broadcast window for the game in Dallas. Because Missouri State receives no payout for this return leg, the school relies on ticket sales and local support to offset travel expenses.
The takeaway
The game highlights the financial structure of non-conference football scheduling where return trips often carry zero payout. Fans looking to attend should prepare for the late kickoff scheduled in the heart of the 2026 season.
Further reading
Find more coverage of the sport on our Football section.
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Should local university athletic departments prioritize big-money games over traditional home-and-home series?
