Georgia State Basketball Schedule: The Rivalries and Home Games You Can't Miss

If you’ve ever felt the energy inside the GSU Convocation Center when the blue and white are firing on all cylinders, you know it’s something else. This isn’t just about dates on a calendar. It’s about the grind of the Sun Belt, the late-night road trips to Statesboro, and those Saturday afternoon tip-offs that decide conference tournament seeding.

Honestly, the georgia state basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season feels like a heavyweight fight that just won't quit. Whether you are tracking the men’s squad under Jonas Hayes or watching Gene Hill’s women's team battle through a brutal non-conference slate, there is a lot to keep up with.

The Men’s Path Through the Sun Belt

The men's team didn't exactly have it easy to start the year. After a cross-country trek that included stops in Cincinnati and even Cancun, the real work began in December. Conference play is where the grit shows.

You’ve probably already circled the Georgia Southern games. That’s a given. But looking at the stretch from mid-January through February, the schedule is packed with landmines. After a quick trip to ULM on January 17, the Panthers settle back into Atlanta for a crucial home stand.

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Key Upcoming Home Games

• January 22: Southern Miss comes to the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.
• January 24: Arkansas State visits at 2:00 PM.
• February 4: A big mid-week clash against Troy.
• February 19: The big one. Georgia Southern at home. Expect the place to be packed.

It is kind of wild how much the Sun Belt has grown lately. It’s no longer a "one-bid league" mindset; every night is a dogfight. The Panthers have to travel to James Madison (Feb 12) and Old Dominion (Feb 14) back-to-back. That’s a lot of miles on the legs before they even get to the conference tournament in Pensacola.

The Women’s Schedule: Power Four Tests and Tournament Hopes

Gene Hill didn't shy away from competition this year. The women’s georgia state basketball schedule featured three Power Four matchups early on—Mississippi State, Auburn, and Miami. That kind of scheduling is designed to toughen a team up for March.

They’ve already hit the meat of the Sun Belt schedule. If you’re looking to catch them in Atlanta, you have a few prime opportunities coming up.

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Upcoming Women’s Home Stand

• January 17: App State visits for a 2:00 PM tip-off.
• January 29: Arkansas State comes to town (this one is a morning game, 11:00 AM for Education Day).
• January 31: Texas State at 2:00 PM.

They wrap up the regular season at home too. Having Louisiana come to town on February 27 for the finale could be huge for seeding. Most of these games are streaming on ESPN+, but nothing beats being there in person, especially for "Greek Night" or "Staff Appreciation" games where the atmosphere gets a little rowdier than usual.

Why This Season Feels Different

The roster has some serious local flavor. You’ve got guys like Micah Tucker and Chris Jones who are straight out of Atlanta. It matters. When the kids playing on the court grew up five miles from the arena, the "State" on the jersey carries a bit more weight.

On the men's side, keeping an eye on Jakai Newton (the Indiana transfer) and James Cooper has been fascinating. They bring a level of experience that helps during those tight four-minute windows at the end of games.

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The Sun Belt Gauntlet

1. The travel is brutal. Flying from Atlanta to Huntington, WV, then down to Mobile, AL, is a grind.
2. The parity is insane. Last year, four teams shared the regular-season title.
3. The Pensacola tournament (March 3-9) is basically a clean slate where anything can happen.

Planning Your Trip to the Convocation Center

If you’re heading to a game, parking around the GSU Convocation Center can be a bit of a puzzle if you don't plan ahead. Most fans aim for the Blue or Green lots.

Basically, the georgia state basketball schedule isn't just a list of games; it’s the roadmap for the program's identity. We are seeing a team try to reclaim its spot at the top of a league that has become one of the best mid-major conferences in the country.

Actionable Next Steps for Fans

• Check the Official Site: Always double-check tip-off times at georgiastatesports.com, as TV networks (like ESPN) sometimes shift games by 30 minutes at the last second.
• Download the App: Use the GSU Panthers app for mobile ticketing; they’ve moved away from paper almost entirely.
• Mark February 19: If you only go to one game, make it the home rivalry game against Georgia Southern.
• Watch the Standings: Keep an eye on the Sun Belt "Game of the Week" on ESPN+ to see how the Panthers' rivals are performing.