Georgia’s 2025–2026 football schedule brings early opportunities for growth, midseason battles with playoff implications and late-season tests that could shape the program’s postseason hopes.

With quarterback Gunner Stockton under center, the Bulldogs will look to reassert themselves among the nation’s elite after an offseason that saw 13 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Aug. 30 vs. Marshall

Georgia opens the season at home against Marshall, a strong non-power four opponent coming off of a Sun Belt title-winning season in 2024. The Thundering Herd lost key players to the transfer portal, but remain more threatening than most teams outside the power conferences. The game will mark Stockton’s second career start and provide an early look at Georgia’s reworked offense and defense in live action.

Sept. 6 vs. Austin Peay

The Governors return to Athens as Georgia’s only FCS opponent this season. Austin Peay is expected to be physically outmatched, which should give the Bulldogs a chance to rotate younger players and evaluate depth before the tougher conference schedule begins.

Sept. 13 at Tennessee

Georgia’s first road test comes in Knoxville, Tennessee, against a Tennessee squad that, despite losing quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the transfer portal, brings experience and speed on both sides of the ball. The Volunteers’ tempo-based offense under head coach Josh Heupel has challenged Georgia before and could stress a defense integrating new starters. An away game in Neyland Stadium will make for an important early-season measuring stick for head coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs.

Sept. 27 vs. Alabama

After an off week, Georgia returns home to face Alabama for the first time in Sanford Stadium since 2015. Arguably the most anticipated home game in the last decade, the Crimson Tide enter the season with questions about offensive consistency and a new quarterback, but still retain one of the nation’s best defenses. Georgia’s 30-plus-game home winning streak is on the line in what will likely be a top-10 matchup. Both teams are undergoing transition, making this game a key indicator of who will contend for the College Football Playoff.

Oct. 4 vs. Kentucky

Kentucky has long played Georgia tough, and this year will be no different. The Wildcats are disciplined and strong up front under Mark Stoops, but have not beaten the Bulldogs since 2009. After the physical battle with Alabama, Georgia must prevent an “off-week” to win this one.

Oct. 11 at Auburn

The Bulldogs travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, a game that fans should not overlook. Auburn is in its third season under Hugh Freeze and will rely on Oklahoma transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold and a downhill rushing attack. Night games at Auburn are notoriously difficult environments and surviving this test will be crucial for Georgia’s playoff hopes.

Oct. 18 vs. Ole Miss

Ole Miss, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, visits Athens with a roster reloaded via the transfer portal after several key departures. Quarterback Austin Simmons flashed serious potential during this matchup last season, and the Rebels’ high-tempo offense can be dangerous. Georgia will aim to control the line of scrimmage and force Ole Miss out of rhythm, but this has all the makings of a great game.

Nov. 1 vs. Florida (in Jacksonville, Florida)

The annual rivalry game in Jacksonville, Florida, returns with added interest. Florida, which has not beaten Georgia since 2020, enters the season with quarterback DJ Lagway fully healthy after missing much of last year’s meeting. Lagway’s dual-threat ability will challenge a younger Georgia defense, especially if the Gators can balance their offense. The neutral site always adds an unpredictable element to what should be a competitive matchup.

Nov. 8 at Mississippi State

This road trip comes between rivalry games against Florida and Texas, making it a potential trap game. Mississippi State returns several veterans and should be more cohesive in Coach Jeff Lebby’s second season. Quarterback Blake Shapen returns this season fully healed, something that should be taken seriously. Georgia must avoid looking ahead and maintain discipline to avoid an upset.

Nov. 15 vs. Texas

Georgia hosts Texas in a possible SEC Championship preview. The Bulldogs defeated the Longhorns in last year’s title game, and both teams enter this season looking forward to this matchup. According to ESPN Analytics, Texas and Georgia have the highest and second-highest odds, respectively, of reaching the SEC Championship. Led by quarterback Arch Manning, Texas returns much of its offensive firepower and boasts a physical defensive front. Texas’s first trip to Athens is expected to create one of the loudest atmospheres of the season.

Nov. 22 vs. Charlotte

Charlotte will likely be outmatched by Georgia’s talent and depth. This game offers the Bulldogs a chance to rest key players and prepare for the season finale.

Nov. 28 vs. Georgia Tech (at Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate moves to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this year, giving the rivalry a fresh backdrop. Georgia Tech has improved under Brent Key and returns quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes, two of its most dangerous offensive weapons. King’s mobility and Haynes’ speed present challenges for Georgia’s defense. Last season’s game went eight overtimes, and while Georgia has won seven straight, this rivalry rarely follows script. Though technically a neutral site, Georgia fans travel well, especially for rivalry week, so a strong red and black presence is expected.

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