Georgia football has maintained its grip on the SEC in the last few seasons, capturing back-to-back conference championships. But despite its dominance in the league, the Bulldogs have yet to advance past the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, ultimately falling short in their quest for another national title and first since 2022.
Can Kirby Smart's team check all boxes off and reclaim college football's biggest prize this season? That's the question facing one of the nation's most consistent top-25-ranked teams entering the 2026 season.
Stream Georgia vs. Tennessee State on ESPN+
The Bulldogs' pursuit of a national title begins in Week 1, when they host Tennessee State for a 3 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Sanford Stadium in Athens,
Georgia.
Georgia returns Gunner Stockton, one of the top returning quarterbacks in the nation, under center for a second consecutive season. The 6-foot-1 quarterback racked up 2,894 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first full season as the Bulldogs' starter a season ago, adding 10 rushing touchdowns.
Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and Justin Williams headline the Bulldogs' linebacker corps, which is expected to be one of the top in the country. Wilson, selected as a second-team preseason All-SEC selection, finished last season with 74 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Tennessee State is coming off a 2-10 season and a Week 0 loss to Jackson State. The Tigers had a chance to win it against the Tigers at the end, but a delay-of-game penalty and a sack pushed Tennessee State back before the drive ended on downs with 53 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Here's what to know about how to watch Saturday's Week 1 college football matchup between Georgia and Tennessee State:
Georgia vs Tennessee State picks, odds, predictions
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Wednesday, Sept. 2
- Spread: Georgia -46.5
- Over/under: 56.5
Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia 51, Tennessee State 3
"With all due respect to the FCS program located in Nashville, Georgia could probably name its score in this one. The Tigers were picked last in the eight-team Ohio Valley Conference coming off a 2-10 season. Georgia should get frontline players out of this one by halftime."
What TV channel is Georgia vs Tennessee State football on today?
- Streaming options: ESPN+
Saturday's Week 1 matchup between Georgia and Tennessee State will not be broadcast on linear or national television. Instead, it will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+, ESPN's subscription streaming service.
Georgia vs Tennessee State time today
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Sanford Stadium (Athens, Ga.)
The Bulldogs and Tigers are set for a 3 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
Be sure to check out USA TODAY Sports' new College Football Unfiltered podcast, hosted by USA TODAY Sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer. You can stream on YouTube or download via Apple podcasts and Spotify.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia vs Tennessee State prediction: Bulldogs roll in season opener
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