So, you’re looking for the Georgia vs Tennessee time. Honestly, it’s not as simple as checking a Saturday calendar anymore. If you’ve been a fan of the SEC for more than five minutes, you know this matchup used to be a locked-in, every-single-year bloodbath. It was the backbone of the SEC East. But the "time" for this rivalry is shifting, and if you aren’t paying attention to the new conference schedules, you’re going to be staring at a blank screen on a Saturday afternoon when you expected to see the Dawgs and the Vols.
Basically, the 2025 season gave us one last look at this game in its "traditional" window. On September 13, 2025, the two teams met at Neyland Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ABC. It was a classic. Georgia escaped with a 44-41 overtime win in front of over 101,000 screaming fans. But here is the kicker: that was the end of an era.
The Georgia vs Tennessee Time Shakeup (2026 and Beyond)
The SEC is a monster now. With Oklahoma and Texas in the mix, the old "divisions" are dead. Buried. Gone. Because of that, the annual Georgia vs. Tennessee game is no longer a guarantee every autumn.
For the 2026 season, you actually won't see these two play at all.
It feels wrong, doesn't it? Since 1992, these two programs have met every single year. They were the pillars of the East. But under the new SEC rotation, they are moving to an "every other year" model for the immediate future. If you are looking for the Georgia vs Tennessee time for the next big matchup, you have to look ahead to 2027.
- 2026: No scheduled meeting.
- 2027: The rivalry returns to Athens.
- 2028: Another gap year.
- 2029: The series moves back to Knoxville.
Why the 3:30 p.m. Slot Matters
When these teams do meet, the "time" is almost always dictated by the TV networks. Historically, this was the "CBS Game of the Week" staple. Now that Disney and ABC have the primary SEC rights, the Georgia vs Tennessee time has largely settled into that 3:30 p.m. ET "late afternoon" window.
Why? Because it’s the perfect bridge. It allows the tailgate in Knoxville or Athens to reach a fever pitch without the logistical nightmare of a 7:30 p.m. exit. Plus, the ratings in that slot are massive.
What Happened in the Last Meeting?
To understand the hype for the next one, you have to look at what just went down. The September 13, 2025 game was a heart-stopper. Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar was slinging the ball all over the yard, finding Chris Brazzell II for long touchdowns that had Neyland Stadium literally shaking.
Georgia, led by Gunner Stockton, trailed 21-7 early. It looked like the Vols were finally going to snap the streak. But Georgia is... well, Georgia. They chipped away. A field goal here, a McCray touchdown there. They forced overtime and eventually won 44-41. That win extended Georgia’s win streak in the series to nine games, dating back to 2017.
Navigating the New SEC Calendar
If you're trying to plan a trip or just clear your schedule, you have to be careful. The "flex" scheduling system is the new reality. Most SEC games now have their times announced in "windows" (Morning, Afternoon, or Night) months in advance, but the exact kickoff time isn't locked until 6-12 days before the game.
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For 2027, the Georgia vs Tennessee time will likely be a "Flex" game. That means it could be anywhere from a 3:30 p.m. start to a 7:30 p.m. "Saturday Night Football" feature on ABC.
Honestly, the lack of a 2026 game is going to be a weird adjustment for fans in the South. You’ve got generations of families who plan their entire September or October around this specific weekend. Now, that weekend might be filled with a game against a team like South Carolina or maybe even a newcomer like Texas.
Key Stats to Keep in Mind
If you're arguing about this at a bar, here are the numbers you need. Georgia currently leads the all-time series 30–23–2. The rivalry started way back in 1899, but it didn't really become a "thing" until the 90s.
Interestingly, Tennessee once had a nine-game winning streak of their own from 1989 to 1999. Since Kirby Smart took over in Athens, though, the tide has stayed firmly red and black.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Since the schedule is now a moving target, here is how you stay ahead:
- Bookmark the SEC "Flex" Schedule: Don't trust printed calendars made a year in advance. Check the official SEC site or the ESPN Press Room in August of each year.
- Watch the 2027 Primary Windows: Expect the next Georgia vs. Tennessee game to be held in mid-September or early October. That is the traditional "sweet spot" for this matchup.
- Check Local Listings for 2026: Since the Vols and Dawgs aren't playing each other in 2026, keep an eye on their non-conference dates. Tennessee actually has a fascinating home-and-home with Georgia Tech starting Sept. 12, 2026.
- Travel Early: If the game is a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, Knoxville traffic is a nightmare by 11:00 a.m. Plan to be on campus at least five hours before the "official" time.
The rivalry isn't dying, but it is changing. The days of "see you the same weekend every year" are over, making the times they do actually play even more valuable.