If you’re scrambling to find out what time does the georgia game come on today, January 17, 2026, you've probably noticed the vibe in Athens is a little different than usual for a mid-January Saturday. Usually, we’re talking about the aftermath of a bowl game or counting down the days until spring practice. But today? It’s all about the hardwood.
The No. 21 Georgia Bulldogs are hosting the No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks in what has become one of the most anticipated matchups of the SEC basketball season.
The Quick Answer: Georgia vs. Arkansas Tip-Off Time
Let’s get straight to the point so you don’t miss the opening tip. The Georgia game comes on at 4:00 p.m. ET today, Saturday, January 17. The game is being played at a sold-out Stegeman Coliseum. If you aren't one of the lucky folks with a ticket, you'll need to tune in to ESPN2. Tom Hart and Dane Bradshaw are on the call, and if you've listened to them before, you know they bring a ton of energy to these high-stakes SEC games.
If you’re on the move, you can stream it via the ESPN app or ESPN+, though you'll generally need a cable login for the ESPN2 feed. For those who prefer the radio, the Georgia Bulldog Network will have the broadcast with Scott Howard and Chuck Dowdle. You can also find it on SiriusXM channel 84.
💡 You might also like: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
Why This Specific Game Is Such a Big Deal
Honestly, it’s been a minute since Stegeman felt this electric in January. Coach Mike White has the Bulldogs ranked for the fifth week in a row. That hasn't happened in Athens since the 2002-03 season.
There's a cool bit of history happening today, too. Georgia is honoring the 1996 "Sweet 16" team. That was Tubby Smith’s first year, where they knocked off Purdue before that heartbreaking overtime loss to Syracuse. Seeing those guys back in the building adds a layer of nostalgia to a game that already has huge implications for the current SEC standings.
Matchup Highlights to Watch For
- The Dunk Factor: This is basically a vertical leap contest. Georgia leads the entire nation in the percentage of field goals that are dunks (roughly 20.6%). Arkansas isn't far behind, ranking 6th nationally. Basically, keep your eyes on the rims; they’re going to take a beating.
- Jeremiah Wilkinson's Hot Hand: Wilkinson has been on an absolute tear. He dropped 31 against Auburn and a career-high 32 against Ole Miss earlier this week. He’s the engine that makes this offense go.
- Milestone Watch: Marcus "Smurf" Millender is just 29 points away from hitting 1,000 for his career. While 29 is a big ask for one game, with the way this offense plays, it's not impossible.
What About Georgia Football?
I know some of you might be asking about the gridiron. If you were looking for a football kickoff time, here is the reality: Georgia's football season ended earlier this month. The Bulldogs had a strong run in the College Football Playoff but were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ole Miss in a tight 39-34 game back on New Year's Day. If you're looking for the National Championship game, that takes place this coming Monday, January 19, between Indiana and Miami.
📖 Related: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
The 2026 football schedule is already set, though. Georgia starts their next campaign on September 5, 2026, against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium. They also have a massive road trip to Alabama on October 10 and a neutral-site game against Florida in Atlanta on October 31 (since the stadium in Jacksonville is under renovation).
How to Watch the Bulldogs Today
To recap the logistics for this afternoon's basketball showdown:
Game: No. 17 Arkansas at No. 21 Georgia
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN2
Location: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, GA
Streaming: ESPN App / WatchESPN
👉 See also: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
The first 750 students at the gate are getting free Georgia-themed winter hats, so if you're a student reading this, you might want to head toward the Steg already. It’s a "Gold Out" or "Red Out" vibe depending on what you’ve got in the closet, but the atmosphere will be intense regardless.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Check your ESPN2 access now: Don't wait until 3:59 p.m. to realize your streaming login has expired or your cable package changed.
- Sync your apps: If you're following stats live, the StatBroadcast or ESPN Live Stats feeds are usually about 30 seconds ahead of the TV broadcast.
- Monitor the SEC Standings: Keep an eye on the Kentucky and Tennessee scores today, as the outcome of this Georgia-Arkansas game will directly shuffle the top four seeds for the SEC Tournament.
Get your snacks ready and clear the schedule. 4:00 p.m. is the time to be in front of a screen.