VCU Field Hockey has unveiled its 2026 schedule, featuring eight home games and matchups against five teams that participated in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Rams, who were co-champions of the A-10 in 2025, will face stiff competition, including games against defending national champion Northwestern and NCAA Tournament teams Duke and Wake Forest. Their season kicks off on August 28 against Northwestern before a complete road slate for the initial seven games. The schedule promises an exciting mix of conference play and challenging non-conference matchups.

By the Numbers
  • VCU features games against five NCAA Tournament teams from 2025.
  • They will play a total of eight games at Cary Street Field.
Yes, But

While the schedule includes high-profile opponents, there is concern about the difficulty of starting the season with seven away games, which could impact team momentum and performance.

State of Play
  • The Rams will open the season against Northwestern on August 28.
  • They will then play at various locations, including Duke and Wake Forest within the first three weeks.
What's Next

As the season progresses, VCU will need to adapt quickly to its tough schedule, especially with high-stakes games against key rivals in both conference and non-conference settings. Success in early road games could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Bottom Line

The aggressive 2026 schedule positions VCU Field Hockey for a challenging yet potentially rewarding season, highlighting the importance of preparation and resilience against formidable opponents to build on their successful 2025 campaign.