So, you're sitting there, maybe still thinking about that tough Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss on New Year's Day, and you're wondering—when do Georgia Bulldogs play again? It's that weird, quiet part of the year. The transfer portal just closed its primary window, the red and black flags are a little dusty on the porch, and the itch for Saturday in Athens is already starting to kick in.
Honestly, the wait is a bit of a grind. If you’re looking for the next time Kirby Smart leads the Dawgs out of the tunnel at Sanford Stadium, you’ve got a long summer ahead of you.
The Georgia Bulldogs will officially play again on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
They’ll be kicking off the 2026 season at home in Athens against Tennessee State. It’s a bit of a "warm-up" game, sure, but it’s actually a historic one—it’s the first time these two programs have ever shared a field. If you’re a die-hard, you know these early September games are basically just a chance to see which new faces from the recruiting trail are actually ready to hit someone.
The 2026 Schedule: It's Not Your Typical Slate
Look, 2026 is going to feel different. For one, the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule. That means one less "cupcake" game and one more Saturday of high-stakes, heart-attack-inducing football.
Basically, the Bulldogs are trading out their usual late-season breather for a road trip to South Carolina. If you think that sounds easy, you haven’t spent enough time in Columbia when the Gamecocks are feeling spicy.
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September: Getting the Engines Running
After the opener against Tennessee State, the Dawgs stay home for one more week to host Western Kentucky on September 12.
Then, things get real.
On September 19, they head to Fayetteville to play Arkansas. Arkansas has been talking a lot of game lately, and Kirby Smart has a notoriously long memory. But the real "circle-it-on-your-calendar" game happens on September 26. Oklahoma is coming to Sanford Stadium. This is only the second time these schools have ever played—the last being that wild 2017 Rose Bowl that most of us still haven't recovered from.
The Mid-Season Gauntlet
If you’re wondering when do Georgia Bulldogs play again against the "big" rivals, October is where the stress really lives.
- October 3 vs. Vanderbilt: Usually a blowout, but Vandy is coming off a decent year. Georgia hasn't forgotten the 2020 Senior Day drama, so expect zero mercy.
- October 10 at Alabama: This is the one. Tuscaloosa. Under the lights. Georgia finally got the Bama monkey off their back in the 2025 SEC Championship, but winning at Bryant-Denny is a different beast entirely.
- October 17 vs. Auburn: The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. It’s at home this year, which is a relief because Auburn under a new coach is always a wildcard.
The Jacksonville... I Mean, Atlanta Situation
Here is the biggest curveball of the year. For the first time since 1995, the Georgia-Florida game is not in Jacksonville.
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Because EverBank Stadium is getting a massive facelift, the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" is moving to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on October 31. Yeah, Halloween in Atlanta against the Gators. It’s going to be absolute chaos. If you’re a traditionalist, this probably feels wrong, but honestly, having that home-state advantage in a pro-stadium isn't the worst thing for the Dawgs.
The November Push to the Playoffs
By the time November rolls around, we’ll know if this 2026 team is a title contender or just "really good."
The final stretch is brutal:
- Nov 7 at Ole Miss: A revenge game after the Sugar Bowl. Oxford is a tough place to play when the Rebels have momentum.
- Nov 14 vs. Missouri: Mizzou has become a legitimate thorn in everyone’s side.
- Nov 21 at South Carolina: This replaces the old "easy" November non-conference game.
- Nov 28 vs. Georgia Tech: Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. It’s back in Athens to close out the regular season.
What About Basketball and Other Sports?
If you can't wait until September, you've actually got plenty to watch right now. The men’s basketball team is right in the thick of SEC play.
They play Missouri on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET. Then they head to Austin to play Texas on Saturday, January 24. If you haven't been paying attention, the hoops team is actually putting up a fight this year, though that overtime loss to Ole Miss recently was a tough pill to swallow.
Also, don't sleep on the GymDogs. They’ve got a massive meet against Oklahoma on January 23. Gymnastics in Athens is a whole different vibe, and the energy is usually through the roof.
Why 2026 Feels Like a Rebuild (Sort Of)
We have to talk about the roster. The transfer portal just closed, and Georgia lost 13 players. Most were depth pieces, but losing guys like Joenel Aguero and Daniel Harris in the secondary definitely stings.
But Kirby being Kirby, he brought in nine new transfers, including wideout Isiah Canion. The big question is Gunner Stockton. He’s the guy now. No more waiting in the wings. Whether Georgia's 2026 season is a success depends almost entirely on how fast he clicks with this new-look offense.
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The experts at DawgNation and 247Sports are already predicting a 10 or 11-win season, but with that road trip to Bama and the neutral-site Florida game, nothing is a given.
Next Steps for the Fans:
- Check your calendars: Mark down September 5 for the kickoff against Tennessee State.
- Book Atlanta early: If you’re planning on going to the Florida game on Halloween, get your hotel now. Atlanta will be packed.
- Watch the Spring Game: Keep an eye out for the G-Day date (usually in April). That’ll be your first real look at Gunner Stockton as the undisputed QB1.
The wait for Georgia football is long, but between basketball and the looming spring practice, there's enough to keep the red and black spirit alive until the hedges are ready again.