Mike White has been cooking. Honestly, if you haven't been paying attention to what's happening at Stegeman Coliseum lately, you’re missing the most legitimate momentum this program has seen in a decade. Last year was the first NCAA Tournament appearance in ten years. That wasn't a fluke.
Now, looking at the university of georgia basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season, the stakes have shifted. We aren't just looking for "improvement" anymore. We're looking for staying power.
The slate is brutal. It’s supposed to be. When you’re trying to navigate an SEC that basically functions as a semi-pro league, there are no "off" nights.
The Non-Conference Gauntlet
Georgia didn't ease into things this year. They started the regular season on November 3 against Bellarmine. But the real early-season litmus test? That was the November 14 showdown against Georgia Tech. Beating your rival at home is one thing, but doing it while integrating a roster full of high-upside freshmen like Kareem Stagg and Jackson McVey is another.
Then there was the Charleston Classic. Facing Xavier on November 23 was a heavy lift. These are the types of games that Mike White has scheduled specifically to build a resume that doesn't just "squeak in" to the Big Dance but earns a respectable seed.
You've also got the ACC/SEC Challenge. Going to Tallahassee to play Florida State on December 2? That’s a hostile environment for anyone.
SEC Play: No Room to Breathe
The conference schedule is where things get truly wild. The SEC expanded, and the scheduling model changed. Georgia now plays Florida and South Carolina twice every single year as permanent rivals.
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The university of georgia basketball schedule in the SEC kicked off with a massive home game against Auburn on January 3. Think about that. You come back from the holidays and immediately have Bruce Pearl’s squad staring you in the face.
Here is how the back half of the SEC schedule looks for the Dawgs:
Saturday, January 17: Arkansas visits Athens. Tip-off is at 4:00 PM on ESPN2.
Tuesday, January 20: A late-night trip to Columbia to face Missouri at 9:00 PM.
Saturday, January 24: Georgia travels to Austin to take on Texas. This is a 1:00 PM start on the SEC Network.
Tuesday, January 27: Tennessee comes to the Steg at 7:00 PM.
Saturday, January 31: Texas A&M at home, noon tip.
Saturday, February 7: On the road at LSU.
Wednesday, February 11: The "Return" game against Florida at home.
It doesn’t get easier in March. The regular season ends with a trip to Starkville to play Mississippi State on March 7. If Georgia is on the bubble, that game will feel like a Game 7.
Why the Roster Composition Matters for the Schedule
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about who is actually playing. This team is deep. Blue Cain is back and looking like a leader. Silas Demary Jr. has that "it" factor at guard.
Then you have the bigs. Somto Cyril is a literal mountain. Having a 6'11" rim protector is the only way you survive a schedule that includes trips to Kentucky and Alabama.
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Most people get it wrong when they look at a schedule; they just look at wins and losses. But for this Georgia team, it’s about the timing of the growth. They have five Saturday home dates in SEC play. Those are the games where the "Steg" needs to be shaking. If they hold serve at home against teams like Arkansas (Jan 17) and Tennessee (Jan 27), the road trips to Austin or Lexington won't carry as much pressure.
Critical Matchups You Can't Miss
If you're circling dates on your calendar, these three are basically mandatory viewing.
First, the Texas game on January 24. It’s weird seeing Texas in the SEC standings, but they are here to stay. Playing them in Austin is a massive opportunity for a Quad 1 win.
Second, the Alabama game on March 3. Nate Oats has turned Bama into a juggernaut. If Georgia can take them down in Athens right before the SEC Tournament, the hype will be through the roof.
Third, Florida. Always Florida. The Gators come to Athens on February 11. It’s personal. It’s loud. It’s essential.
How to Follow the Action
Basically, if you aren't at the game, you’re probably watching on the SEC Network or ESPN2. Most weeknight games are tipping off between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
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The SEC Tournament is slated for mid-March in Nashville. That’s the ultimate destination. But the path there is paved through these January and February grinders.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the NET rankings. A win against a team like Tennessee on January 27 does way more for your tournament hopes than three wins against mid-majors in December. Mike White knows this. That's why this university of georgia basketball schedule is built the way it is.
If you're planning to attend a game at Stegeman Coliseum, get your tickets early. The renewal process for season tickets started way back in July, and the way this team is playing, single-game tickets are becoming a rare commodity.
Check the official UGA athletics site for the most recent tip-off time adjustments, as TV networks love to flex these games at the last minute. Pack the Steg. It's going to be a long, fun winter in Athens.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the official Georgia Bulldogs app to get real-time alerts for tip-off changes.
- Monitor the "Quad 1" status of upcoming opponents on the NCAA NET Rankings site to see how much each game impacts Georgia's tournament seed.
- Secure tickets for the February home stretch now, as the Florida and Alabama games are projected to sell out fast.