Mountain Lions Announce 2026 Football Schedule, Return to National Division

De Anza College Football is ready to embark on a new era as the Mountain Lions officially announce their 2026 schedule.

The upcoming season marks a significant milestone for the program as De Anza elevates from the American Division to the National Division, joining California's highest level of community college football competition.

The move reflects the continued growth and success of the Lions' program and presents a challenging schedule featuring perennial state powers from the Northern California Football Conference.

"Our student-athletes and coaches have earned the opportunity to compete at the National Division level," said DA head coach Joe D'Agostino, who recently led the program to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons and into the national rankings.

"This schedule will test us every week, and we're excited to embrace the challenge while representing De Anza College with Lion Pride."

The Lions will begin preparations with a preseason scrimmage at Diablo Valley College on Saturday, August 15.

DA opens the regular season on the road against Reedley College on Saturday, August 29. 

In addition to facing Reedley, De Anza will face other Valley League (crossover) opponents, including Laney College, American River College, Sacramento City College, and Sierra College.

De Anza hosts Laney College on Saturday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Cupertino, giving supporters their first opportunity to see the Lions compete at the National Division level on their home field.

Bay 6 League play begins on Saturday, October 10, when the Lions travel to City College of San Francisco.

The league slate continues with home games against Santa Rosa Junior College (Oct. 17) and Foothill College (Nov. 7), along with road contests at San Jose City College (Oct. 24) and College of San Mateo (Oct. 31).