You’re probably looking at your calendar and trying to figure out when the Dawgs actually take the field again. It’s that weird, quiet part of the year. The 2025 season just wrapped up with a tough Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss on January 1st, and now we’re in the long wait. Georgia’s next football game isn't happening tomorrow, or even next month. It’s set for Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Tennessee State.
Yeah, it’s a bit of a wait.
But honestly, if you think this is just a "cupcake" opener to ignore, you’re missing the bigger picture of what Kirby Smart is building for this specific 2026 run. Between roster turnover and some massive scheduling shifts, the atmosphere around Sanford Stadium is going to feel different.
The 2026 Opener: Tennessee State Comes to Athens
Let's talk about that September 5th matchup. It's the first time in history that Georgia will face the Tennessee State Tigers. If you’re a season ticket holder or just looking to make the trip to Athens, expect the usual Sanford Stadium heat.
The game doesn't have a kickoff time yet—television networks usually sit on those details until about two weeks before the game—but the hype is already simmering. Why? Because the 2026 season is the official start of the "nine-game conference" era for the SEC. This means the non-conference slots are more precious than ever.
Georgia actually had to shuffle things around to make this schedule work. They recently canceled a series with Louisville to accommodate the SEC's new requirements. So, while Tennessee State is the "next" game, the games that follow it are absolute gauntlets.
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Why the 2026 Schedule is a Total Headache for Kirby Smart
If you think Kirby is stressed about the opener, you haven't looked at October. 2026 is a year of "firsts" and "weird locations."
Check out the stretch after the season starts:
- Sept 12: Western Kentucky (Home)
- Sept 19: at Arkansas (Away)
- Sept 26: Oklahoma (Home) - This is a big one. It's only the second time these two have ever met.
- Oct 10: at Alabama (Away) - Death Valley? No, Bryant-Denny. Still just as loud.
The Oklahoma game on September 26th is the one everyone is circling. Remember the 2018 Rose Bowl? That double-overtime thriller where Sony Michel sent the Dawgs to the Natty? This is the first time the Sooners will ever step foot in Athens. It’s going to be electric.
The "World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" is Moving
This is the detail most casual fans are going to miss. For the first time since the mid-90s, Georgia and Florida won't be playing in Jacksonville.
Because EverBank Stadium is undergoing massive renovations, the rivalry is hitting the road. On October 31, 2026, Georgia’s next football game against the Gators will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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Kinda sucks for the beach lovers? Maybe. But for the team, playing under the dome in Atlanta is basically a second home. Kirby has historically dominated in that building. If you're planning a trip, don't book a hotel in Jax. You’ll be heading to Northside Drive instead.
Roster Shifts: Who Is Actually Staying?
We just got some massive news on the personnel front that changes the outlook for the next game. Earnest Greene III, the pillar of the offensive line, isn't heading to the NFL yet. He’s coming back for 2026.
That’s huge.
When you have a returning left tackle of that caliber, the "next game" feels a lot more winnable, regardless of who is under center. Tight end Lawson Luckie also confirmed he’s "running it back."
- Earnest Greene III: Returning (Huge for pass protection)
- Lawson Luckie: Returning (Reliable target in the red zone)
- The Unknowns: We're still waiting on some final portal entries and the development of the 2025 signing class.
The SEC’s New Reality
Georgia is now part of an SEC that doesn't care about your "easy" weeks. With 16 teams in the mix, the path to the SEC Championship in December is a mountain.
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The 2026 schedule includes South Carolina, Auburn, and Florida as "annual" opponents, but the addition of Oklahoma and a trip to Ole Miss (Nov 7) makes the back half of the season look like a minefield.
People often ask why Georgia doesn't schedule more big-name non-conference games at the start of the year. The answer is simple: the SEC is already a gauntlet. When you have to play Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Florida in the same season, you take the Tennessee State game as a chance to evaluate your freshmen and nothing more.
What You Should Do Now
If you're looking to attend Georgia’s next football game or any of the 2026 matchups, here is the reality of the market. Tickets for the Tennessee State game are currently hovering around $150 on secondary markets like SeatGeek.
If you want the Oklahoma game? Prepare to shell out over $400.
Actionable Steps for Dawg Fans:
- Mark the Calendar: September 5, 2026, is the date. Sanford Stadium.
- Atlanta, Not Jax: If you usually go to the Florida game, remember that 2026 is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Book your Atlanta lodging now before the prices spike for Halloween weekend.
- Watch the O-Line: With Earnest Greene returning, the spring game (G-Day) in April 2026 will be the first real look at how this unit gels before the season opener.
- Monitor the Portal: Between now and September, the roster will likely shift by another 10-15%. Keep an eye on defensive line depth—that’s where Kirby has been most vocal about needing "big humans."
The wait is long, but the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unique schedules in Georgia history. No Jacksonville, a home date with Oklahoma, and a trip to Tuscaloosa. It's going to be a wild ride.
Next Steps for the Offseason
You should keep a close eye on the spring transfer portal window, as Georgia traditionally looks for defensive line help during this period. Additionally, verify your Bulldog Club points if you're planning on requesting tickets for the Atlanta-based Florida game, as demand will likely exceed the 2025 Jacksonville numbers.