The UGA football schedule 2026 features 12 regular-season games, including seven home contests at Sanford Stadium, four SEC road matchups, and a neutral-site rivalry game against Florida in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Georgia Bulldogs open their campaign on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Tennessee State University before navigating the expanded nine-game SEC conference format under head coach Kirby Smart.
Table of Contents
2026 Georgia Bulldogs Football Schedule Overview
Georgia enters the 2026 season facing significant schedule changes driven by the Southeastern Conference’s implementation of a mandatory nine-game conference slate.
The Bulldogs maintain their traditional annual opponents while adding rotating SEC matchups against Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.
Complete 2026 UGA Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Venue | Conference Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Tennessee State | Athens, GA | Sanford Stadium | No |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Western Kentucky | Athens, GA | Sanford Stadium | No |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Oklahoma | Athens, GA | Sanford Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Vanderbilt | Athens, GA | Sanford Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | at Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Bryant-Denny Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Auburn | Athens, GA | Sanford Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | BYE WEEK | — | — | — |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | vs. Florida | Jacksonville, FL | EverBank Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | at Ole Miss | Oxford, MS | Vaught-Hemingway Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Missouri | Athens, GA | Sanford Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | at South Carolina | Columbia, SC | Williams-Brice Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | Georgia Tech | Athens, GA | Sanford Stadium | No |
UGA Football Schedule 2026: Non-Conference Matchups
Georgia schedules three non-conference opponents for the 2026 season, totaling two Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs and one Power Four conference opponent.
Tennessee State (Saturday, September 5, 2026)
The Bulldogs open the 2026 campaign against Tennessee State University at Sanford Stadium. This marks the first meeting between the two programs. Tennessee State competes in the Ohio Valley Conference and finished the 2025 season with a 6-5 overall record. Georgia paid Tennessee State a guarantee of $500,000 for this contest.
Western Kentucky (Saturday, September 12, 2026)
Western Kentucky University travels to Athens for the second consecutive non-conference home game. The Hilltoppers compete in Conference USA and hold a 1-2 all-time series record against Georgia, with their lone victory occurring in 2008. Western Kentucky received a $750,000 guarantee for the 2026 matchup.
Georgia Tech (Saturday, November 28, 2026)
The Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry closes the regular season on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at Sanford Stadium. This represents the 120th meeting between the two in-state programs. Georgia leads the all-time series 70-41-5 and has won five consecutive games against the Yellow Jackets entering 2026. Georgia Tech competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
SEC Conference Games: UGA Football Schedule 2026
The Southeastern Conference’s nine-game conference schedule format creates a challenging path for the Bulldogs, who face four road SEC contests and one neutral-site matchup.
Permanent SEC Opponents
Georgia maintains four permanent conference opponents under the current SEC scheduling model:
Auburn (Saturday, October 17, 2026): The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry returns to Athens after Georgia’s 20-10 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2025. Georgia leads the all-time series 64-57-8.
Florida (Saturday, October 31, 2026): The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party continues at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville for the 60th consecutive year. Georgia holds a 55-44-2 advantage in the series.
Tennessee: Tennessee does not appear on Georgia’s 2026 conference schedule due to the rotating opponent matrix.
Kentucky: Kentucky is not included in Georgia’s 2026 SEC slate, ending a five-decade streak of annual matchups that began in 1976.
Rotating SEC Opponents
at Alabama (Saturday, October 10, 2026)
Georgia travels to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa for a critical October matchup. The Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs in four consecutive meetings from 2023-2025, shifting the all-time series to 43-42-8 in Georgia’s favor. Alabama’s 101,821-seat stadium ranks as the eighth-largest venue in college football.
LSU (Date To Be Announced)
LSU appears on Georgia’s home schedule but was not included in the official 2026 release from the University of Georgia Athletics Department. The Tigers visit Sanford Stadium for the first time since 2018.
at Ole Miss (Saturday, November 7, 2026)
The Bulldogs make their second consecutive trip to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium after a 43-35 victory in 2025. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin enters his sixth season leading the Rebels. Georgia holds a 9-3 all-time record in Oxford.
Missouri (Saturday, November 14, 2026)
Missouri travels to Athens for Senior Night celebrations. The Tigers joined the SEC in 2012 and hold a 1-6 record against Georgia in conference play.
at South Carolina (Saturday, November 21, 2026)
Georgia faces its third consecutive road game in late November when visiting Williams-Brice Stadium. The Bulldogs lead the series 54-19-2 and have won 11 of the last 14 meetings.
Vanderbilt (Saturday, October 3, 2026)
Vanderbilt makes the trip to Sanford Stadium following Georgia’s 35-14 victory in Nashville during the 2025 season. The Commodores have not defeated the Bulldogs since 2016.
Oklahoma (Saturday, September 26, 2026)
Oklahoma makes its first appearance at Sanford Stadium as an SEC member. The Sooners joined the conference in 2024 alongside Texas, creating new scheduling dynamics across the league. This marks only the second all-time meeting between Georgia and Oklahoma, with the Bulldogs claiming a 54-48 double-overtime victory in the 2018 Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal.
Key Dates and Scheduling Notes for UGA Football Schedule 2026
Bye Week Placement
Georgia receives its lone bye week on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following the Auburn home game and preceding the Florida rivalry contest. This placement provides critical rest before a demanding four-game stretch that includes three road matchups.
Road Game Sequence
The Bulldogs face an unprecedented scheduling challenge with three consecutive road games from Saturday, November 7, through Saturday, November 21, 2026. This stretch includes visits to Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Georgia Tech (playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta).
Kickoff Times and Television Information
The SEC announced in December 2025 that specific kickoff times and television assignments for the 2026 season will be released following the 2026 SEC Spring Meetings in May 2026. ESPN, ABC, SEC Network, and FOX hold broadcast rights to Georgia’s conference games.
Sanford Stadium: Home Venue for UGA Football Schedule 2026
Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, serves as the home venue for seven Georgia contests during the 2026 campaign. The facility holds a capacity of 93,246 spectators, ranking as the eighth-largest stadium in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition.
2026 Home Schedule Breakdown
| Date | Opponent | Expected Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Tennessee State | 93,033 (projected) |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Western Kentucky | 93,033 (projected) |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Oklahoma | 93,246 (sellout expected) |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Vanderbilt | 93,033 (projected) |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Auburn | 93,246 (sellout expected) |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Missouri | 93,033 (projected) |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | Georgia Tech | 93,246 (sellout expected) |
Stadium Enhancements
The University of Georgia completed an $80 million West End Zone expansion project in 2024, adding premium seating options, club-level amenities, and enhanced concourse space. No major construction projects are scheduled to impact the 2026 game-day experience.
Ticket Information for UGA Football Schedule 2026
Georgia football tickets for the 2026 season become available through multiple channels managed by the University of Georgia Athletics Department.
Season Tickets
Season ticket applications opened on February 1, 2026, through the Georgia Bulldogs’ official website. Season ticket holders receive priority access to all seven home games at Sanford Stadium, plus preferred pricing for the neutral-site Florida contest.
Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets are released through a lottery system for non-season-ticket holders. The lottery application window typically opens six weeks before each home game. High-demand matchups against Oklahoma, Auburn, and Georgia Tech require early registration.
Neutral Site: Florida Game
Tickets for the October 31, 2026, Florida game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville are distributed equally between both universities. Georgia allocates its allotment through season ticket holder priority points, followed by a separate lottery for eligible non-season-ticket applicants.
Strength of Schedule Analysis: UGA Football Schedule 2026
Georgia’s 2026 schedule presents significant challenges across multiple metrics used by College Football Playoff selection committees.
Conference Opponent Win Totals (2025 Baseline)
| Opponent | 2025 Record | Conference Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 10-3 | SEC West Champion |
| Ole Miss | 9-4 | T-3rd SEC West |
| Oklahoma | 8-5 | T-4th SEC West |
| Auburn | 7-6 | 5th SEC West |
| Missouri | 8-5 | 3rd SEC East |
| LSU | 9-4 | T-3rd SEC West |
| Arkansas | 6-7 | 6th SEC West |
| South Carolina | 7-6 | 4th SEC East |
| Vanderbilt | 4-8 | 7th SEC East |
Road Game Difficulty
Georgia faces four true road SEC games in 2026: at Arkansas, at Alabama, at Ole Miss, and at South Carolina. Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa historically presents the most challenging road environment for visiting teams, with Alabama posting a 71-8 home record from 2015 to 2025.
Non-Conference Strength
The addition of Oklahoma as a conference game strengthens Georgia’s overall schedule significantly compared to previous seasons when non-conference slates included only Group of Five and FCS opponents.
Historical Context: Georgia Football Under Kirby Smart
Head coach Kirby Smart enters his 10th season leading the Georgia Bulldogs football program in 2026. His career record at Georgia stands at 101-16 through the 2025 season, including two national championships (2021, 2022).
Smart’s SEC Record
Smart’s teams have compiled an 88-12 record in SEC play from 2016-2025, winning five SEC Championship games and maintaining an undefeated record at Sanford Stadium in conference play since 2018.
Recent Performance Against 2026 Opponents
| Opponent | Record Under Smart (2016-2025) | Last Meeting Result |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4-6 | Loss 24-21 (2025) |
| Auburn | 8-2 | Win 20-10 (2025) |
| Florida | 9-1 | Win 24-20 (2025) |
| Tennessee | 8-2 | Win 44-41 OT (2025) |
| Ole Miss | 3-0 | Win 43-35 (2025) |
| Missouri | 6-1 | Win 35-10 (2025) |
| South Carolina | 8-2 | Not played in 2025 |
| Arkansas | 7-0 | Not played in 2025 |
Projected Depth Chart Impact on UGA Football Schedule 2026
Georgia returns significant talent from its 2025 roster that finished 12-2, including a Sugar Bowl quarterfinal appearance.
Quarterback Situation
Gunner Stockton enters 2026 as the projected starting quarterback after completing 69.7% of his passes for 2,894 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025. Stockton also contributed 462 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Ryan Puglisi and Ryan Montgomery provide experienced depth at the position.
Offensive Returning Production
Nate Frazier returns as the primary running back after rushing for 947 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Chauncey Bowens complements Frazier with 526 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per attempt.
Zachariah Branch leads the receiving corps after totaling 1,203 all-purpose yards in 2025, including 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Branch also excelled in the return game with a 10.6-yard punt return average.
Defensive Anchors
CJ Allen recorded 88 total tackles in 2025 and returns for his senior season. Raylen Wilson added 74 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. KJ Bolden contributed 76 tackles from the safety position.
Chris Cole generated 59 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2025. Elijah Griffin is projected to expand his role after recording 22 tackles and one sack as a rotational defensive lineman.
College Football Playoff Implications
The 2026 College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams, with automatic bids awarded to the five highest-ranked conference champions. Georgia’s schedule positions the program for potential playoff consideration regardless of regular-season record, provided the Bulldogs win the SEC Championship.
Path to SEC Championship Game
Georgia competes in the reconfigured SEC East division, though conference standings are determined by overall conference record rather than divisional records beginning in 2024. The top two teams in conference winning percentage meet in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday, December 6, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Strength of Record Factors
Selection committees evaluate the strength of record metrics that reward quality wins against ranked opponents. Georgia’s matchups against Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and potential SEC Championship opponents provide multiple opportunities to accumulate resume-building victories.
Recruiting Impact: 2026 Class
Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class ranks third nationally according to 247Sports composite rankings, featuring five five-star prospects and 23 total commitments as of February 2026.
Notable 2026 Signees
Sam Horn (Quarterback): Consensus top-three quarterback prospect who enrolled early in January 2026.
Ekene Ogboko (Offensive Tackle): Five-star offensive lineman rated as the second-best offensive tackle nationally.
Justice Fitzpatrick (Cornerback): Four-star defensive back who committed to Georgia over Alabama and Florida.
Kaiden Prothro (Tight End): Four-star prospect who provides immediate depth at the tight end position.
Immediate Impact Candidates
Early enrollees participate in spring practice and compete for two-deep roster positions entering fall camp. Horn, Ogboko, and Fitzpatrick are expected to contribute during the 2026 season based on their physical development and early acclimation to college football.
Key Rivalry Games Analysis
Florida (Saturday, October 31, 2026)
The 60th consecutive meeting in Jacksonville maintains the neutral-site tradition established in 1933. Georgia leads the all-time series 55-44-2 and has won three consecutive games in the rivalry entering 2026.
Series History: The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party draws approximately 76,000 fans annually, split evenly between both schools’ allotments. The game determines SEC East positioning in most seasons and carries College Football Playoff implications.
Travel Logistics: EverBank Stadium is located at 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive in Jacksonville. Limited parking near the stadium requires fans to arrive three hours before kickoff. Hotel accommodations along the Jacksonville beaches typically sell out six months before the game date.
Auburn (Saturday, October 17, 2026)
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry dates to 1892 and represents the longest continuous series in Georgia football history outside of Georgia Tech.
Series Momentum: Georgia’s 20-10 victory at Auburn in 2025 extended the Bulldogs’ winning streak to three games. Auburn has not defeated Georgia in Athens since 2017.
Historical Context: The rivalry has produced 13 games decided by three points or fewer since 2010, including two overtime contests.
Georgia Tech (Saturday, November 28, 2026)
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate concludes the regular season for the 11th time in the last 15 years.
Recent Dominance: Georgia has won five consecutive games against Georgia Tech by an average margin of 23.8 points. The Yellow Jackets’ last victory occurred in 2016 (28-27).
Recruiting Implications: The in-state rivalry influences Georgia’s recruiting efforts in metro Atlanta, where both programs compete for prospects annually.
Travel Packages and Fan Experience
Alabama Road Trip (Saturday, October 10, 2026)
Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa accommodates 101,821 fans. Georgia’s ticket allotment typically totals 3,500 seats for road SEC games. Third-party travel packages through operators like Anthony Travel and Bulldog Travel offer coordinated transportation, hotel accommodations, and game tickets.
Recommended Arrival: Fans should arrive in Tuscaloosa by Friday, October 9, 2026, to participate in pre-game festivities on the University of Alabama campus.
Jacksonville, Florida Neutral Site
Parking Recommendations: Lot J adjacent to EverBank Stadium opens four hours before kickoff. Remote parking lots along Gator Bowl Boulevard provide shuttle service to the stadium.
Tailgating Zones: Georgia fans traditionally gather in Lots D, E, and F on the south side of the stadium. Alcohol is permitted in designated tailgating areas with proper permits.
Athens Game Day Experience
Dawg Walk: The team’s traditional walk through Sanford Stadium occurs two hours before kickoff. Fans line Sanford Drive to greet players as they enter the stadium complex.
Between the Hedges: Sanford Stadium’s distinctive feature includes live privet hedges that border the playing field. The hedges were first planted in 1929 and remain a symbol of Georgia football tradition.
How to Watch: Television and Streaming Information
Georgia football games air across multiple networks holding SEC broadcasting rights.
Primary Broadcast Partners
ESPN/ABC: Prime-time and nationally televised games typically appear on ESPN or ABC. The networks hold first-choice selection privileges for each weekend’s slate of SEC games.
SEC Network: Mid-tier conference matchups often air on SEC Network, which reaches 72 million cable and satellite households nationwide.
FOX Sports: FOX and FS1 broadcast select SEC games as part of the conference’s media rights agreement that extends through 2034.
Streaming Options
ESPN+ provides streaming access to games not selected for linear television broadcast. The service costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 annually as of February 2026.
SEC Network+ streams additional content, including coaches’ shows, press conferences, and non-revenue sport events through the ESPN app.
Printable Schedule Resources
The University of Georgia Athletics Department provides downloadable PDF schedules and digital calendar files for the 2026 football season.
PDF Download Options
Official printable schedules are available at georgiadogs.com/sports/football/schedule. The PDF includes game dates, opponents, locations, and space for personal notes regarding kickoff times once announced.
Digital Calendar Integration
iCal and Google Calendar files allow automatic schedule imports to personal devices. The calendar files update automatically when the SEC announces kickoff times and television assignments.
2025 Season Statistical Review
Georgia’s 2025 campaign finished 12-2 with victories in 14 games, including postseason play.
Offensive Statistics
- Scoring: 32.1 points per game (14 games)
- Total Offense: 402.4 yards per game
- Rushing Offense: 182.1 yards per game
- Passing Offense: 220.2 yards per game
- Third-Down Conversion: 44% (79-of-181)
- Red Zone Scoring: 91% (53-of-58)
Defensive Statistics
- Points Allowed: 17.6 points per game
- Total Defense: 298.0 yards per game
- Rushing Defense: 81.5 yards per game
- Passing Defense: 216.5 yards per game
- Third-Down Defense: 35% (65-of-185)
- Sacks: 20 (130 yards)
Time of Possession
Georgia averaged 33 minutes, 52 seconds of possession per game in 2025, ranking second in the SEC behind only Texas A&M.
UGA Football Schedule Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first game on the UGA football schedule for 2026?
Georgia opens the 2026 season on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
How many home games does Georgia play in 2026?
Georgia plays seven home games at Sanford Stadium during the 2026 regular season.
When does Georgia play Alabama in 2026?
The Bulldogs travel to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Where is the Georgia-Florida game played in 2026?
The Georgia-Florida rivalry game takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, continuing the 60-year tradition of neutral-site matchups.
Does Georgia play Tennessee in 2026?
No. Tennessee does not appear on Georgia’s 2026 schedule due to the SEC’s rotating opponent matrix.
When are kickoff times announced for the UGA football schedule 2026?
The SEC typically announces specific kickoff times 12-14 days before each game date. High-profile matchups may receive earlier announcements during the summer.
How can I purchase tickets for Georgia football games in 2026?
Season tickets are available through georgiadogs.com. Single-game tickets are distributed via a lottery system for non-season-ticket holders, with applications opening six weeks before each home game.
What is Georgia’s bye week in 2026?
Georgia’s lone bye week occurs on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following the Auburn home game.
The 2026 UGA football schedule presents a challenging but navigable path toward SEC Championship and College Football Playoff contention. The combination of experienced returning starters, elite recruiting, and strategic schedule positioning places Georgia among the national championship favorites entering the upcoming season.
