SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist football kicks off the 2026 campaign when it hosts (RV) Southern Arkansas on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at Crain Family Stadium at the Hurt Complex. The Bison, who were selected to finish 10th in the Great American Conference this year, are looking to score a week-one upset over a Mulerider squad that finished second in the GAC a year ago and enters the matchup receiving votes in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll.
It will be a new-look roster for OBU, which added 34 freshman and 20 transfers in the offseason. The Bison will also have a new quarterback behind center as sophomore
Brady Bricker will take the reigns of the offense.
Nick Harris returns as Bricker's top receiving option. Defensively, OBU will be led by seniors
Brady Luff and
Bryce Starlin, while special teams standout
Carter Lowry is set to handle the bulk of all kicking duties.
Fans can follow all of the action by subscribing to the all-new
GAC Sports Network, which features a variety of subscription options. In addition, fans can always check out
live stats. For more storylines and game information,
game notes are available for fans and media.
TOP STORYLINES
- Oklahoma Baptist opens the 2026 campaign against a Southern Arkansas squad that finished in a tie for second in the GAC a year ago.
- The Bison enter the season opener looking to snap a five-game skid dating back to last year, and are seeking their first win since Oct. 11, 2025.
- OBU will have a new starter at quarterback this season. Sophomore Brady Bricker won the starting job after an intense QB battle in preseason camp.
- Bricker saw action in four games as a freshman last year, and made his first start against then #2 Harding on Nov. 1, 2025.
- A native of Allen, TX, Bricker was an Honorable Mention All-State selection at Allen High School, the same program that produced current Minnesota Vikings quarterback and 2018 Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray.
- Thursday's contest is one of two Thursday night games for the Bison this year. They'll also face East Central at home on Thursday, Oct. 15.
- Although the GAC typically opens its football season on a Thursday each year, the Bison have not opened the season with a Thursday home game since a 23-21 win over Arkansas Tech on Aug. 31, 2023.
- OBU is 3-5 in Thursday night games since the program was revived ahead of the 2013 season. The Bison are 2-1 at home on Thursdays, but just 1-4 on the road.
