TUPELO. Week 1 does not ease into the 2026 season. Brandon comes north to face Tupelo at Golden Wave Stadium on Friday, Aug. 28, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
The matchup puts two recognizable Mississippi programs on the same opening-night field and gives Tupelo an immediate test at home. The Golden Wave are opening after a 13–2 2025 season that ended with a one-point loss in the Class 7A championship game. Brandon provides the kind of non-region opponent that makes an August result matter long after the first Friday is over.
For Tupelo, this is an early chance to set a tone in front of its home crowd. For Brandon, it is a road opportunity on one of the state's louder Week 1 stages. Either way, the opening whistle brings a statewide spotlight to north Mississippi.
NMSN's live game is Itawamba AHS at Caledonia. While Brandon–Tupelo is the statewide Week 1 feature, North Mississippi Sports Network will be live at Caledonia for Itawamba Agricultural at Caledonia. Follow the NMSN schedule for the full Friday-night slate and the Itawamba AHS at Caledonia game page for the broadcast details.
