So, you’re staring at the remote trying to figure out what channel is GA game on because, honestly, missing a kickoff or tip-off in Athens is basically a cardinal sin. If you're looking for the Georgia Bulldogs today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the situation is actually a bit unique.
The football season just wrapped up its postseason run with that intense Sugar Bowl matchup against Ole Miss on New Year's Day. If you're hunting for a live football game tonight, you won't find one. But don't toss the remote yet. The "Diamond Dawgs" and the hoopers are in full swing.
Tonight, the spotlight isn't on the gridiron. It’s on the mats.
The Live Action Tonight: Gymnastics Takes Center Stage
If you are asking about the Georgia game tonight, you’re likely looking for the Gymnastics showdown. The GymDawgs are hosting LSU at Stegeman Coliseum. This is a massive SEC rivalry meet, and the energy in that building is usually electric.
- Channel: SEC Network (SECN)
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Streaming: ESPN App (via SEC Network login)
It’s live. It’s loud. And if you’ve never watched college gymnastics, the sheer athleticism is kinda terrifying in the best way possible.
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What Channel is GA Game On for Basketball?
The men’s basketball team is actually coming off a heartbreaking 97-95 overtime loss to Ole Miss just a couple of days ago. Jeremiah Wilkinson went absolutely nuclear in that game with 32 points, but it wasn't quite enough.
If you are looking for the men's basketball game, it isn't tonight. You’ve got to wait until tomorrow, Saturday, January 17.
Georgia vs. Arkansas (Men’s Basketball)
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN2
- The Vibe: No. 21 Georgia is hosting No. 17 Arkansas. This is a Top-25 clash that has major implications for SEC tournament seeding.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss (Women’s Basketball)
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- Date: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Channel: SEC Network
Basically, the weekend is loaded even if tonight is all about the gymnastics squad.
Why Is It So Hard to Find the Channel Lately?
Honestly, the move to the new SEC-ABC/ESPN exclusive deal has made things simpler and more complicated at the same time. Gone are the days of hunting for the game on some random regional sports network that your cable provider dropped three years ago.
Now, almost everything is under the Disney umbrella (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network).
However, "SECN+" and "ESPN+" are not the same thing. This is where most fans get tripped up. SEC Network Plus is a digital platform available to anyone who already pays for the SEC Network through a cable or satellite package. You access it via the ESPN app. ESPN+ is a separate subscription service. If the game is on SECN+, you don't necessarily need to pay for an extra ESPN+ sub, you just need your cable login.
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Quick Cheat Sheet for Bulldog Fans
- Check the SEC Network first. It’s the home for about 80% of UGA’s non-football sports and a good chunk of early-season football.
- Download the ESPN App. Even if you hate watching on your phone, you can "cast" it to your TV. It’s the easiest way to see exactly what is live.
- Radio is a lifesaver. If you’re stuck in traffic on I-85 (which, let's face it, you probably are), tune into 95.5 FM WSB. Scott Howard is a legend for a reason.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Football Schedule
Since the 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror after the New Year's Day bowl game, fans are already looking at the 2026 slate. The SEC recently dropped the dates, and it's a gauntlet.
The Bulldogs will be opening against Tennessee State on September 5, but the real fireworks start on September 26 when Oklahoma comes to Sanford Stadium. That’s almost certainly going to be an ABC "Saturday Night Football" slot.
Also, a weird quirk for 2026: The Florida game is moving. Because of the renovations at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" is heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for 2026. It’ll feel like a home game for the Dawgs, but the ticket split will still be 50/50.
Actionable Next Steps
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Georgia Dogs website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature for the basketball and gymnastics schedules. It updates automatically if a game time changes.
- Verify your login: Before tomorrow's 4:00 PM tip-off on ESPN2, make sure your provider credentials work on the ESPN app so you aren't scrambling during the first media timeout.
- Check local listings: If you are in the Atlanta market, Fox 5 (WAGA) often carries "Bulldogs Now" on Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM, which gives a great breakdown of all the weekend's matchups.
The game is out there; you just have to know which app to open. Go Dawgs.