HOUSTON – The East Texas A&M University football team officially began its 2026 season on Tuesday with the Southland Conference Football Opening Drive, presented by Big Game USA, inside the George R. Brown Convention Center.
 
For the third straight year, the Southland's football media day festivities were held in conjunction with the Texas High School Coaches Association Coaching School and Convention. The Lions were represented by coach Clint Dolezel, defensive back Orion Kupu (Gilbert, Ariz.) and running back EJ Oakmon (Pflugerville).  
 
The Southland Football Opening Drive consisted of the Lion trio making stops at various stations throughout the morning. The first session was a coaches roundtable for Dolezel along with the head coaches from four other Southland Conference schools, followed by visits local media from various Southland markets, a sitdown at the interview desk for both Dolezel as well as Kupu and Oakmon. The day concluded with a visit with FCS Nation Radio and the press conference on the main stage.  

The full Southland Conference Football Opening Drive can be found HERE. Full recap for the Lions in Houston can be found HERE.

 
The Lions now look forward to beginning fall camp next week in anticipation for the season opener at Mercer on August 29 at 6 p.m. eastern, live on ESPN as part of FCS Kickoff.
 
The first home game of a five-game home slate is on September 12 at 6 p.m. against Northwestern State. Season tickets can now be purchased at LionAthletics.com/Tickets.