HOUSTON – The East Texas A&M University football team is all set to begin the 2026 season at the Southland Football Opening Drive, presented by Big Game USA, on Tuesday in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
 
The three representatives for the Lions in San Antonio are fourth-year coach Clint Dolezel, defensive back Orion Kupu (Gilbert, Ariz.), and running back EJ Oakmon (Pflugerville).
 
The trio will take part in meetings with their counterparts from the Southland, as well as going through a creative content "car-wash", and interacting with local, regional, and national media during the annual football kick-off.
 
The Southland Football Opening Drive will be broadcasted on ESPN+ beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and can be watched HERE. All 10 programs in the Southland will be represented throughout the broadcast, with the Lions set to appear on the broadcast starting at 9:10 a.m. 
 
More information on the Southland Football Opening Drive can be found HERE. The Southland Football Drive is held in conjunction with the Texas High School Coaches Association Coaching School and Convention for the third straight year. 

Quick facts on the Lions prior to the start of the 2026 season can be found HERE. East Texas A&M welcomes a newcomer class of 58 to the squad going into the 2026 season, along with revamped coaching staff. The full 2026 roster for the Lions can be seen HERE. 

For the third year in a row, the Lions begin their season on National Television, as they are part of the FCS Kickoff this season, playing at Mercer on August 29. Kick-off in Macon, Georgia, is set for 6 p.m. central on ESPN. East Texas A&M is one of three programs in FCS football to start its season on National TV in each of the past three seasons.  

The first home game of the 2026 season comes on September 12 against Northwestern State at 6 p.m. Single game and season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at LionAthletics.com/Tickets.