The NFL Academy, the league’s flagship international player development program based in Loughborough, U.K., has announced its full 2025-26 season schedule and roster, marking the start of another year of global gridiron action.

The Academy, which has welcomed 68 student-athletes from 20 different countries, provides elite training and education to international prospects aiming to transition into NCAA college football and beyond.

Season Schedule Highlights

The campaign begins on August 22 in Dublin, Ireland, against The Hun School (New Jersey) as part of the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT), leading into the Aer Lingus College Football Classic weekend.

A week later, the Academy travels to Orlando, Florida, for a rematch with Edgewater High School on August 29, following their high-scoring 51-45 thriller in 2024.

The marquee fixture of the season arrives on October 8, when the Academy hosts St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, with proceeds benefiting the NFL Foundation UK and the Academy program.

The team will also face IMG Academy National Team for the first time on October 17 in Bradenton, Florida, after three consecutive seasons of playing against IMG’s state team.

Additional fixtures include clashes with Manchester Titans, Düsseldorf Panther, and international opposition from Spain and Mexico, underlining the Academy’s growing global footprint.

Full NFL Academy 2025-26 Schedule

• Aug. 22 – The Hun School (Dublin, Ireland)

• Aug. 29 – Edgewater Eagles (Orlando, Florida, U.S.)

• Sep. 13 – Düsseldorf Panther (Loughborough, U.K.)

• Sep. 21 – BNL National (Loughborough, U.K.)

• Sep. 27 – Manchester Titans (Manchester, U.K.)

• Oct. 8 – St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (London, U.K.)

• Oct. 17 – IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida, U.S.)

• Nov. 14 – Mexican Academy (Madrid, Spain)

• Nov. 15 – Madrid U21 All-Stars (Madrid, Spain)

Global Roster Representation

The Academy’s 2025-26 roster includes standout athletes from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East, with the largest contingents from England (20) and Germany (16).

Among the players are:

• Argentina: Hugo Chigozime Arias Okoro (DB)

• Canada: Viktor LaChambre (QB), Nathan Morris (RB)

• Germany: Felix Merrow (WR), Johannes Mager (DL), Yasir Sani (LB)

• England: Bobby Bridges (QB/K), Didi Georgiou (RB), Adam Ibirionke (OL)

• Nigeria: Augustine Irek (DL), Benson Jerry (OLB)

• Spain: Tom Gabarro (DB)

(Full 2025-26 roster available at NFL Academy).

Alumni Impact in U.S. College Football

Head Coach Steve Hagen returns for his third season, aiming to build on the Academy’s track record of player progression. In 2025, over 40 Academy alumni will compete in NCAA programs, with 27 playing at the Division I level.

Notable alumni include:

• Daniel Akinkunmi (OL) – University of Oklahoma

• Emmanuel Okoye (TE, Nigeria) – University of Tennessee

• Timi Oke (DB, U.K.) – Northwestern University

• Lopez Sanusi (DL, Ireland) – Boise State University

• Clinton Azubuike (DL, Nigeria) – Vanderbilt University

Head Coach Hagen said:

“It’s always a challenge to blend the old with the new so we’re excited to see what the new players can bring to the upcoming season. We look forward to continuing to build on our past successes and helping all our players achieve their fullest potential, both on the field and in the classroom.”