Jacksonville State’s 2024 football season opener has been moved up two days to Thursday, Aug. 29, at the request of Conference USA, the school announced.

The Gamecocks host Coastal Carolina on that night at the newly renovated Burgess-Snow Field. The Chanticleers won the 2023 meeting between the two teams, 30-16 in Conway, S.C.

The Coastal Carolina game is the first of six home games for Jacksonville State in 2024, its first season as a full member of Conference USA and the FBS. The Gamecocks were not eligible for the CUSA title last season, and were not initially set to play in a bowl game, but were granted a postseason waiver because there were not enough 6-win teams to fill all the bowl slots.

Jacksonville State went 9-4 last season under second-year coach Rich Rodriguez. The Gamecocks then beat Louisiana 30-27 in overtime in the New Orleans Bowl.

Kickoff time and television information for Jax State’s season-opener and other games on the 2024 schedule will be released at a later date.

Jax State 2024 football schedule

(Home games in all caps, all times TBD)

Aug. 29, COASTAL CAROLINA%

Sept. 7, at Louisville

Sept. 14, at Eastern Michigan

Sept. 21, SOUTHERN MISS

Sept. 28, Open date

Oct. 4, at Kennesaw State*+

Oct. 9, NEW MEXICO STATE*^

Oct. 19, Open date

Oct. 23, MIDDLE TENNESSEE*^

Oct. 30, at Liberty*^

Nov. 9, at Louisiana Tech*

Nov. 16, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL*

Nov. 23, SAM HOUSTON*

Nov. 30, at Western Kentucky*

*— Conference USA game

^— Wednesday game

%—Thursday game

+— Friday game