If you’re scrambling to find what channel is the georgia football game on, you aren't alone. Keeping up with Kirby Smart’s squad in the post-expansion era of college football feels a bit like trying to track a moving target. Between the new 12-team playoff format and the SEC's massive TV deal with Disney, the "standard" 3:30 p.m. CBS slot we all grew up with is officially a relic of the past.
Right now, the Georgia Bulldogs have just come off a heart-stopping postseason run. They entered the 2025-26 College Football Playoff as the No. 3 seed after a dominant 28-7 win over Alabama in the SEC Championship. Because they were a top-four seed, they earned that coveted first-round bye, which led them straight to the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2026.
That New Year's Night matchup against Ole Miss was the big one. It aired nationally on ESPN. If you're looking for a live game right this second, today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The football season for UGA has technically concluded following their narrow 39-34 loss to the Rebels in that quarterfinal shootout.
Where to find Georgia football replays today
Even though the live pads are off for the winter, the SEC Network is currently running a marathon of the season's best moments. If you flip over to the SEC Network at 4:00 p.m. ET today, January 16, they are actually re-airing the Georgia vs. Ole Miss CFP Quarterfinal. It’s a chance to see Gunner Stockton lead the offense one more time before spring practice begins.
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There's also a late-night encore of that same Sugar Bowl game scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on the same channel. Honestly, watching these replays is the best way to scout the roster changes for the 2026 season. You get to see the younger guys like Ja’Marley Riddle and the new transfers in action without the stress of a live scoreboard.
Navigating the new 2026 broadcast landscape
Looking ahead to the next cycle, you’ve basically got to live on the ESPN family of networks. The SEC's exclusive deal with ABC/ESPN means you can delete that old CBS bookmark. For the 2026 regular season, which kicks off September 5th against Tennessee State, most "Big Noon" or primetime games will land on ABC.
Lower-tier matchups or early-season non-conference games usually migrate to the SEC Network or stream exclusively on SECN+. It's a bit of a hassle because SECN+ requires you to log in through the ESPN app using your cable or streaming provider credentials. It is not the same thing as ESPN+, even though they live in the same app. Kinda confusing? Yeah, definitely.
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Popular streaming options for Bulldogs fans
Most fans have ditched traditional cable for more flexible options. If you’re trying to catch the Dawgs without a contract, here is how the land lies:
- YouTube TV: Probably the most reliable for UGA fans because it carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and the SEC Network in the base package.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is a solid runner-up since it bundles ESPN+ for free. This is huge when Georgia plays those random early-season games against FCS schools.
- Fubo: Great for sports, but keep an eye on their pricing tiers to make sure the SEC Network is included in your specific zip code.
- Sling TV: You’ll need the "Orange" package plus the "Sports Extra" add-on to get all the channels you need. It’s often the cheapest way to do it, but the interface can be clunky during high-traffic games.
Why the channel keeps changing
The reason the question of what channel is the georgia football game on is so common is the "flex scheduling" window. Networks now wait until six to twelve days before kickoff to announce the exact time and channel. They want the best matchups in the 7:30 p.m. ET ABC slot to maximize ratings.
If Georgia is undefeated and playing a ranked opponent, they are almost guaranteed to be on ABC or ESPN. If they’re playing a "cupcake" game, you'll likely find them buried on the SEC Network at noon.
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What to watch right now
Since it is mid-January, the focus in Athens has shifted to the hardwood and the mat. If you want live Georgia sports today (January 16), the No. 8 GymDogs are hosting No. 2 LSU at Stegeman Coliseum. That meet starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on the SEC Network.
For those who only care about the pigskin, your next "live" event is the G-Day spring game in April. That usually broadcasts on SECN+ or ESPN2. It’s the first real look at the 2026 depth chart and the incoming freshman class.
Actionable steps for the offseason
Don't get caught on a Saturday morning in September wondering where the game went. Follow these steps to stay ready:
- Download the ESPN App: Sync it with your TV provider now so you don't have to find your password five minutes before kickoff.
- Bookmark the official UGA schedule: The athletic department updates GeorgiaDogs.com the second a TV window is confirmed.
- Check the SEC Network re-air schedule: During the winter, they often play "Film Room" episodes where coaches break down the schemes from the previous season.
By keeping an eye on the 2026 schedule, you'll see the Dawgs are heading to Atlanta to play Florida at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this year due to the Jacksonville stadium renovations. That game is almost certainly destined for an ABC national broadcast. Mark your calendars early.