BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The Long Island University football team will host its 2026 home opener, facing off against UAlbany at Shark Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 12 p.m.
 
The game can be seen on NEC Front Row, with veteran college sports broadcaster & producer Mike Murabito and Justin Ciavolella on the call. 
  
Quick Facts

-HOMECOOKING: LIU will play its next two at Shark Stadium, hosting UAlbany in their home opener on Saturday, and Villanova as part of Homecoming on Sept. 19. Last season, playing in Brookville boded well for the Sharks, with LIU amassing a 4-1 record. They'll look for more of the same success this season.
 
-LAST WEEK'S STANDOUTS: Despite LIU's defeat to Kansas on Sept. 4, the team benefitted from a few steady performances. Kicker Will Johnson had dual 39-yard field goals in the defeat and Ryan Maxwell (8 solo, 1 assisted) and Stephen Ntambwe (7 solo, 2 assisted) led the Sharks' defense with nine tackles apiece in the game. For his efforts, Maxwell also earned an NEC Prime Performer nod this week.

-LEADING MAN: Prior to the season, Ethan Greenwood, Trey Watkins, Sean Broderick, Kezni Brown, and Rafael Fasolino all earned NEC Football Preseason All-Conference Team honors. While he may not have joined them, that hasn't slowed down Luca Stanzani from making an early impact in 2026 at quarterback for LIU. Such prowess was on full display back in the team's season opener vs. University of North Dakota on Aug. 27. He led a 21-0 second half charge, while finishing the game by connecting on 12 of 16 attempts overall, including a 65-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Boakai Veikai late in the third quarter. Stanzani went on to score a touchdown of his own in the fourth as well, and emerged as an NEC Prime Performer following his performance. 
 
-2025 IN REVIEW: The Sharks will look to contend for the NEC title following a banner campaign in 2025 after finishing 6-6, boasting the most overall wins for a single season in the program's Division I tenure. The season was also highlighted by a 28-23 win at Eastern Michigan University, the program's first-ever victory over an FBS team. LIU finished the season on a three-game winning streak, with wins in five of its final six games.