You’ve probably seen the highlight reels or heard the radio guys arguing about Kirby Smart’s recruiting classes, but if you’re actually looking for the meat of the matter—the dates, the venues, and the "why should I care" of the upcoming season—you’re in the right spot.
Planning a trip to Athens is getting harder every year. Between the hotel prices and the sheer volume of people trying to find a spot on Lumpkin Street, you basically have to be a logistics expert just to see a kickoff. Honestly, the 2026 schedule is a weird one, and it's got some quirks that might catch you off guard if you're still thinking about the old SEC layout.
Who Does Georgia Play in 2026?
The schedule is finally locked in. We’re looking at a year where the Bulldogs aren't just staying in their comfort zone. For starters, the season kicks off on September 5, 2026, against Tennessee State. This is a bit of a milestone because, surprisingly, it's the first time these two programs have ever met. Expect a lot of "welcome to Athens" energy for that one.
Following that up on September 12, Western Kentucky comes to town.
Then things get real.
The SEC slate starts on the road this time. On September 19, the Dawgs head to Fayetteville to deal with Arkansas. If you’ve never been to a game there, it’s louder than you’d think, and starting conference play on the road is always a bit of a "gut check" for a young roster.
The Home Stand and the Big Names
One of the biggest questions fans ask is who does Georgia play at Sanford Stadium for the marquee matchups?
The answer is Oklahoma.
Mark your calendars for September 26. This is only the second time Georgia and Oklahoma have ever played. The last time was that legendary 2017 Rose Bowl that went into double overtime—the Sony Michel walk-off game. Seeing the Sooners in Athens is going to be surreal for a lot of fans who still associate them strictly with the Big 12.
The rest of the home stretch looks like this:
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- Vanderbilt (October 3): Usually a breather, but with the way the SEC is moving, you can't sleep on anyone.
- Auburn (October 17): The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. It stays between the hedges this year, which is a massive relief for those who dread the "voodoo" that usually happens at Jordan-Hare.
- Missouri (November 14): Mizzou has a habit of making things difficult when you least expect it.
- Georgia Tech (November 28): Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. It's back in Athens to close out the regular season.
That Alabama Road Trip is Looming
If there is one date circled in red by every fan in the state, it's October 10.
Georgia at Alabama.
Tuscaloosa is never friendly, and after the SEC Championship clash we saw in 2025 where Georgia took the trophy with a 28-7 win, the Tide is going to be looking for blood. It’s the kind of game that usually decides who represents the conference in the playoff conversation.
The Florida Game is Changing (Temporarily)
This is the part that’s going to trip people up.
If you’re booking a hotel in Jacksonville for the Florida game, stop. On October 31, 2026, the Georgia-Florida rivalry is moving to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Why? Because EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is undergoing massive renovations. It’s a temporary move—the 2027 game is slated for Tampa—but for 2026, the "World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" is heading to the A. It’ll be a different vibe, probably a bit more corporate and indoor-focused, but the hate will be exactly the same.
Hard Road Tests in November
Most people focus on the big home games, but the November road schedule is sneaky tough. On November 7, the team travels to Oxford to play Ole Miss.
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Lane Kiffin’s squad is always a wildcard. After Ole Miss knocked Georgia out of the 2026 Sugar Bowl just a few weeks ago (a heartbreaking 39-34 loss), the Bulldogs will definitely be looking for some "get-back" in the Grove.
Then, on November 21, it's off to Columbia to face South Carolina. It’s a classic trap game—sandwiched right between Missouri and the Tech game.
Don't Forget the Hoops
While football is king, Mike White has the basketball program actually looking like a contender. The 2025-26 basketball schedule is already in full swing as we speak.
The Dawgs have home-and-home series with Florida, South Carolina, and Texas this year. If you're looking for a game to go to right now, keep an eye on the Stegeman Coliseum dates. They’ve already had some battles with Ole Miss and Auburn this January, and the atmosphere in the "Steg" is finally starting to match the energy of the football stadium.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re planning on attending any of these, the first thing you need to do is look at the Atlanta hotel situation for that October 31 date against Florida. It’s Halloween, it’s a rivalry game, and it’s in a city that already struggles with traffic.
Also, keep an eye on the secondary ticket markets early. With Oklahoma coming to Athens for the first time ever, those tickets are going to be priced like gold bars.
Basically, the 2026 season is a mix of "firsts" and "last-for-nows." From the first-ever meeting with Tennessee State to the temporary departure from Jacksonville, it’s a year where the old traditions are getting a bit of a facelift. Get your travel plans sorted now, because once the season starts, you won't find a room within 50 miles of Athens for less than a mortgage payment.