THE WORD

Week 0 flipped expectations across the Southland Conference. Houston Christian and Lamar delivered statement upsets, Stephen F. Austin opened with a road win and several Southland teams now turn their attention to FBS opponents in a loaded Week 1 slate.

Southland Conference football returns with a loaded Week 0 slate featuring early conference battles, playoff contenders and plenty of questions to answer. Here’s what to watch as the 2026 season kicks off.