So you're looking for the Dawgs. Whether you’re trying to plan a tailgate at Sanford Stadium or you just need to know if you should clear your Saturday afternoon for a date with the TV, keeping up with the Georgia Bulldogs is basically a lifestyle in this part of the country.
Right now, we are sitting in that weird, quiet gap between the end of the 2025 postseason and the start of the 2026 campaign. The Bulldogs recently wrapped up their 2025 run with a trip to the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2026, where they faced off against Ole Miss in New Orleans. It wasn't the ending most fans wanted—a 39-34 loss in the Caesars Superdome—but it set the stage for a massive 2026 season.
If you’re asking when does UGA play next for football, you have a bit of a wait, but the 2026 schedule is already locked and loaded with some absolute bangers.
The 2026 Football Kickoff
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 5, 2026. That is when the Bulldogs officially return to the hedges to host Tennessee State.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. A home opener against an FCS opponent isn't exactly the "game of the century," but there’s something special about that first Saturday in Athens. The air smells like charcoal, the band is loud, and you finally get to see which new faces are going to step up in Kirby Smart's system.
Here is the thing about the 2026 slate: it gets difficult fast. After Tennessee State and a home game against Western Kentucky on September 12, the Bulldogs dive straight into a brutal SEC rotation.
September and October Highlights
The real season starts on September 19 when Georgia travels to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas. Then, it's back to Sanford Stadium for a massive showdown against Oklahoma on September 26. Watching the Sooners come to Athens is still a relatively new novelty for SEC fans, and that atmosphere is going to be electric.
The month of October is where championships are often won or lost. Georgia hits the road to face Alabama in Tuscaloosa on October 10. Every single time these two teams meet, the entire college football world stops to watch. It's basically a heavyweight fight that usually has massive implications for the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff.
When Does UGA Play Next in Basketball?
If you can't wait until September to bark at your television, you don't have to. While the football team is in winter workouts, the Georgia men’s and women’s basketball teams are right in the thick of their SEC schedules.
For the men's team, the next big opportunity to catch them at Stegeman Coliseum is Saturday, January 17, 2026, against Arkansas. They just had a heartbreaker against Ole Miss on January 14, losing 97-95, so they'll be looking to bounce back in front of the home crowd.
The Lady Bulldogs are also in high gear. Their next home game is Sunday, January 18, 2026, against Ole Miss. If you’ve never been to "The Steg" for a conference game, you’re missing out. It’s a much more intimate vibe than Sanford, but the energy during an SEC run is legit.
Key Dates for the 2026 Football Season
Since football is the big elephant in the room, let’s look at the "can't-miss" dates for the rest of the 2026 season.
One of the biggest changes this year involves the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Because of renovations happening at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, the Georgia vs. Florida game is moving. For 2026, the game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on October 31.
Yes, a Halloween matchup against the Gators in Atlanta. It’s going to be absolute chaos in the best way possible.
- September 26: vs. Oklahoma (The first big home test)
- October 10: at Alabama (The grudge match)
- October 17: vs. Auburn (The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry)
- October 31: vs. Florida (Neutral site in Atlanta)
- November 28: vs. Georgia Tech (Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate)
What Fans Often Get Wrong About the Schedule
A common misconception is that the schedule is "easier" when Georgia has more home games. While sleeping in your own bed is great for the players, the 2026 home slate includes Oklahoma, Auburn, Missouri, and Georgia Tech. None of those are "gimmies."
Also, keep an eye on the November 7 trip to Oxford. Ole Miss proved in the Sugar Bowl that they can score with anyone, and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is a loud, hostile environment that has tripped up the Dawgs in the past.
Honestly, the SEC is deeper than it has ever been. With the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, there are no "off weeks" anymore. Even a game against South Carolina in Columbia (November 21) can turn into a trap if the team is already looking ahead to the Tech game.
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Planning Your Next Move
If you're planning on attending a game in 2026, especially the Atlanta game against Florida or the trip to Tuscaloosa, start looking at lodging now. Those hotels book up roughly 10 minutes after the dates are announced.
For those just looking to watch on TV, most of these kickoff times won't be announced until 10-12 days before the game, though the high-profile matchups like Alabama and Florida are almost guaranteed to be in the 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM primetime slots on ABC or ESPN.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Stegeman Schedule: If you need a sports fix right now, grab tickets for the January 17th or 18th basketball games.
- Request Time Off: If you're a die-hard, put in your leave requests for the October 31st weekend in Atlanta now.
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Georgia Dogs website and download the digital schedule to your phone so you get automatic alerts for time changes and broadcast channels.