Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raiders open fall camp with first practice of '26 season
8/5/2026 4:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee football officially began preparations for the 2026 season Wednesday morning, holding its first fall practice inside Floyd Stadium.
The Blue Raiders completed a spirited 95-minute workout as they opened camp in advance of the Sept. 5 season opener against Murray State.
Head Coach Derek Mason liked the energy and focus his team displayed on the opening day.
"It was only a 95-minute practice, but I thought our guys attacked every period," Mason said. "Our veterans are doing a great job of bringing the younger players along and teaching them how to do things the right way. Right now, we're just trying to win each day."
Mason said establishing the proper foundation during camp will be critical as the Blue Raiders continue their climb toward the regular season.
"I thought it was a good first day in terms of building the foundation toward where we want to go," Mason said. "We have to establish a base camp close to the summit, so we never feel like we're falling or having to start over. Every practice is another step in that journey."
The Blue Raiders will continue preseason practice throughout August before opening the 2026 campaign at Floyd Stadium against Murray State on Saturday, Sept. 5. The opener will also be White Out, Faith and Family Night and Community Night.
Upcoming Key Dates
Aug. 11: Media Day
Aug. 22: Fan Day (5-7 PM at Floyd Stadium)
Aug. 24: Classes Start
Aug. 31: First Weekly Press Conference and Radio Show
Sept. 5: Season Opener vs Murray State
The Blue Raiders completed a spirited 95-minute workout as they opened camp in advance of the Sept. 5 season opener against Murray State.
Head Coach Derek Mason liked the energy and focus his team displayed on the opening day.
"It was only a 95-minute practice, but I thought our guys attacked every period," Mason said. "Our veterans are doing a great job of bringing the younger players along and teaching them how to do things the right way. Right now, we're just trying to win each day."
Mason said establishing the proper foundation during camp will be critical as the Blue Raiders continue their climb toward the regular season.
"I thought it was a good first day in terms of building the foundation toward where we want to go," Mason said. "We have to establish a base camp close to the summit, so we never feel like we're falling or having to start over. Every practice is another step in that journey."
The Blue Raiders will continue preseason practice throughout August before opening the 2026 campaign at Floyd Stadium against Murray State on Saturday, Sept. 5. The opener will also be White Out, Faith and Family Night and Community Night.
Upcoming Key Dates
Aug. 11: Media Day
Aug. 22: Fan Day (5-7 PM at Floyd Stadium)
Aug. 24: Classes Start
Aug. 31: First Weekly Press Conference and Radio Show
Sept. 5: Season Opener vs Murray State
Monday, August 03
Thursday, July 23
Thursday, July 16
Wednesday, July 01
