Coastal Carolina Hosts Appalachian State Friday Night at Brooks Stadium

Coastal Carolina University will host Sun Belt Conference rival Appalachian State University at Brooks Stadium in Conway on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m., with the game broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

The matchup features two Sun Belt East Division programs navigating major roster rebuilds under head coaches in their early tenures. Coastal Carolina, led by first-year head coach Ryan Beard, enters the contest with a 2-4 overall record following a 27-21 road victory at Marshall. Appalachian State, led by second-year head coach Dowell Loggains, comes to Conway at 3-2 after a loss to Old Dominion. Coastal has won the last four meetings against the Mountaineers, including a 45-37 comeback victory in Boone last season.

The contest will highlight contrasting team strengths. Coastal Carolina ranks sixth nationally in red-zone defense and relies heavily on defensive takeaways and the rushing attack of running back Dominic Lee-Knicely. Appalachian State brings an offensive unit averaging roughly 403 yards per game, led by transfer quarterback Malachi Singleton, though the Mountaineers have struggled with third-down conversions and ball security.

For fans planning to attend in person, the game features a 1990s theme with retro-inspired uniforms and stadium events. University parking lots will open at 3 p.m., followed by Teal Town and alumni activities at 5 p.m. The team's Chant Walk is scheduled for 5:45 p.m., and stadium gates will open at 6:30 p.m.

Because the game coincides with Friday evening commute hours, university officials and traffic planners advise attendees to build extra travel time into their schedules when heading toward Conway and the campus area.