So, you’re looking for the kickoff time to catch Kirby Smart’s squad on the field. It’s a bit of a weird moment in the calendar right now. If you're checking your watch for what time do georgia football play today, January 16, 2026, the short answer is: they don’t. The Bulldogs’ 2025-26 season actually wrapped up on New Year’s Day. It wasn’t the ending fans in Athens wanted, either. Georgia fell to Ole Miss 39-34 in a wild Sugar Bowl matchup that served as a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal. Since then, the focus has shifted entirely from the scoreboard to the draft board and the transfer portal.
The Aftermath of the Sugar Bowl and the 2026 Outlook
While there isn't a game today, the program is arguably busier than it was during the regular season. We just passed the NFL Draft declaration deadline on Wednesday, January 14. This is usually a nerve-wracking window for UGA fans.
This year was no different. We saw big names like wide receiver Zachariah Branch and left tackle Monroe Freeling decide to head to the pros. Branch, in particular, leaves a massive hole in the offense after setting a school record with 81 catches this past season.
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On the flip side, Gunner Stockton did not declare for the draft. That’s huge. Having a veteran presence at quarterback heading into the 2026 spring practices gives Georgia a massive head start compared to teams currently hunting for a portal savior.
Why You Aren't Seeing a Game Today
The College Football Playoff is still ongoing, but it's down to the final two. If you see "Football" on the TV guide today, you're likely seeing the buildup to the National Championship between No. 1 Indiana and No. 10 Miami, which is set for January 19. Georgia’s loss to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels on January 1st knocked them out of this final bracket.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Georgia Football Schedule
Since you can't watch them play today, the next best thing is marking your calendar for the 2026 season opener. The SEC has already released the dates, and it’s a packed slate.
2026 Key Matchups:
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- September 5: Season Opener vs. Tennessee State in Athens.
- September 26: A massive early-season test against Oklahoma at Sanford Stadium.
- October 10: The road trip everyone circles—Georgia at Alabama.
- October 31: The "World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" against Florida, but with a twist. It’s being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this year because of the renovations at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
Honestly, the schedule feels a bit different this time around. Hosting Oklahoma and then traveling to Tuscaloosa within a three-week span is going to define the season before the leaves even turn brown.
Recruiting and Portal Watch
Since there's no game today, the "game" is the transfer portal. Kirby Smart has been vocal about the need to replenish the defensive front. With Christen Miller and CJ Allen both declaring for the NFL, the Bulldogs are currently scouring the portal for experienced interior linemen.
Basically, the "starting lineup" for next September is being built right now in offices in Athens, not on the turf at Sanford Stadium.
How to Stay Ready for the 2026 Season
- Follow the Portal: Keep an eye on the spring transfer window. Georgia typically picks up one or two "plug-and-play" starters in April.
- Spring Game: Look for the announcement of G-Day. It usually lands in mid-April and is the first real chance to see the new-look roster.
- Draft Coverage: Watch the NFL Combine in February to see how the departing Dawgs perform. It’s a great way to gauge the level of talent the team is tasked with replacing.
The questions about what time do georgia football play today will have a much more exciting answer come September 5th. Until then, it's all about the grind of the off-season.