Georgia Bulldogs football has become synonymous with dominance, consistently ranking among the nation's elite. With back-to-back SEC titles and a unique distinction as the only SEC team to reach the 12-team College Football Playoff in consecutive years, Georgia has painted a target on its back.
A recent ESPN analysis highlights Georgia as the defining game for five different Power 4 teams this upcoming season. It's no shocker that Alabama and Florida see Georgia as a key matchup.
The Bulldogs decisively beat Alabama in last year's SEC championship, and Florida's new head coach, Jon Sumrall, is eager to tackle Georgia, a feat his predecessor never achieved. Florida has dropped eight of its last nine encounters with the Bulldogs, making this game a crucial test.
Georgia Tech, another fierce rival, has its sights set on Georgia. Since Brent Key took over in 2022, he's faced the Bulldogs four times, with three games decided by just one score.
Arkansas, a new addition to Georgia’s schedule, marks its game against the Bulldogs as a major test. This will be the first SEC game for Arkansas under new coach Ryan Silverfield, following the departure of former Georgia assistant Sam Pittman.
The following week, Georgia faces Oklahoma at Sanford Stadium. This clash is pivotal, especially for the Sooners, who have a challenging schedule with games against Michigan and Oklahoma. A victory in Athens could bolster Oklahoma’s playoff résumé, while a loss might jeopardize their playoff aspirations early in the season.
Interestingly, Miami is the only team highlighted more frequently than Georgia as a defining matchup, with six teams marking the Hurricanes on their calendars. Miami reached the national championship game last season before falling to Indiana.
For Georgia, the Oct. 10 showdown against Alabama stands out as their defining game. Last season, Georgia conquered some of their Alabama demons with a commanding 28-7 win in the SEC championship. However, victories in Tuscaloosa have been elusive, with the last triumph dating back to 2007, courtesy of a Matthew Stafford overtime touchdown.
Coach Kirby Smart is 0-2 against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, with the most recent defeat in the 2024 season. Georgia kicks off its 2026 campaign against Tennessee State on Sept. 5, with spring practice starting March 17. The Bulldogs are gearing up for another thrilling season, and the rest of the college football world is watching closely.