Georgia reportedly set to host Tennessee State in 2026

Georgia’s 2026 football schedule now includes a home game against Tennessee State, according to a report by The Tennessean. The game, although not official yet, is expected to be played early in the season.

The Tennessee State contest would join previously announced non-conference matchups against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at home in Athens on Sept. 12, the Louisville Cardinals on the road on Sept. 19, and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at home on Nov. 28.

This schedule assumes the SEC maintains its eight-game conference format for the 2026 season, though Commissioner Greg Sankey indicated a decision on potentially expanding to nine games is pending, with strength of schedule and College Football Playoff (CFP) evaluations being key factors.

“We will continue to evaluate increasing the number of SEC games from eight to nine,” Sankey said at SEC Media Days last week. “As I have said repeatedly, understanding how the CFP will evaluate ‘strength of schedule’ and ‘strength of record’ is a critically important part of our football schedule decision making.”

Should the SEC move to a nine-game schedule in 2026, the WKU or Louisville contest could be rescheduled or canceled, although both games include hefty buyout fees.

Tennessee State is now lead by head coach Reggie Barlow, who replaced Eddie George in March after George accepted the same position at Bowling Green State University.

Future UGA Football Schedules