Georgia vs Ole Miss football game: time, channel, how to watch

The Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels are set to meet in one of the most significant games of the college football postseason. Their matchup in the Sugar Bowl 2026 will serve as a College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal, placing a semifinal berth on the line.

Featuring two Southeastern Conference programs with identical 12–1 records, this game combines national relevance, conference familiarity, and postseason pressure. Below is a complete, reliable guide covering kickoff time, TV channel, streaming options, and what fans should know ahead of the game.

Georgia vs Ole Miss: Game Information

The 2026 Allstate Sugar Bowl will be played on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marks the 92nd edition of the Sugar Bowl and one of the headline events closing out the 2025 FBS season.

Game Details at a Glance

• Matchup: Georgia Bulldogs vs Ole Miss Rebels
• Event: Sugar Bowl 2026 (College Football Playoff Quarterfinal)
• Date: January 1, 2026
• Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
• Venue: Caesars Superdome
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

The winner will advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals, keeping national championship hopes alive.

What time does Georgia vs Ole Miss kick off?

The Georgia vs Ole Miss football game is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET.

For viewers across the United States, local kickoff times are as follows:

• Central Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Mountain Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Pacific Time: 5:00 p.m.

As with most CFP games, extended pregame coverage is expected, beginning earlier in the evening.

What channel is the Georgia vs Ole Miss Game on?

The game will air live on ESPN, the exclusive broadcast partner of the College Football Playoff.

Broadcast Team

ESPN’s television coverage will include:

• Play-by-play: Sean McDonough
• Color analyst: Greg McElroy
• Sideline reporters: Laura Rutledge and Molly McGrath

For radio listeners, ESPN Radio will also provide nationwide coverage with a separate broadcast team.

How to Watch Georgia vs Ole Miss Online

Fans without traditional cable access can still watch the Sugar Bowl through legitimate streaming platforms that carry ESPN.

Streaming Options

• ESPN app or ESPN.com (with TV provider login)
• Live TV streaming services that include ESPN

These platforms are compatible with smart TVs, computers, tablets, and mobile devices, making it easy to watch the game from virtually anywhere.

Why the Sugar Bowl 2026 is a Playoff Game

Under the current College Football Playoff format, the Sugar Bowl serves as a quarterfinal game. Georgia earned an automatic bye into this round by finishing among the top four teams in the final CFP rankings.

Ole Miss reached the Sugar Bowl after a dominant 41–10 victory over Tulane in the first round of the playoff. This sets up a postseason rematch between two SEC teams with championship ambitions.

MORE: NFL playoff schedule 2026: start date, times, format, how to watch

Georgia Football: Season Overview

The Georgia Bulldogs enter the Sugar Bowl with a 12–1 record, continuing a run of consistent playoff appearances under head coach Kirby Smart.

Offensive Profile

Georgia’s offense has emphasized balance and efficiency:

• Points per game: 31.9
• Passing yards per game: 220.3
• Rushing yards per game: 186.6

Quarterback Gunner Stockton has delivered steady production, completing over 70 percent of his passes while limiting turnovers. The Bulldogs rely on a multi-back rushing approach, spreading carries among several contributors.

Defensive Strength

Defense remains Georgia’s defining trait. The Bulldogs allow 15.9 points per game, ranking among the nation’s top defensive units. They are particularly strong against the run, giving up fewer than 80 rushing yards per contest.

This defensive consistency is a major reason Georgia enters the game as a 6.5-point favorite.

Ole Miss Football: Season Overview

The Ole Miss Rebels arrive in New Orleans with a 12–1 record and their first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Offensive Production

Ole Miss features one of the most explosive offenses in college football:

• Points per game: 37.5
• Total offense: 498 yards per game
• Passing offense: Ranked top three nationally

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss emerged as a key figure after earning the starting role early in the season. Running back Kewan Lacy anchors the ground game with over 1,300 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

Defensive Development

While offense draws most of the attention, Ole Miss’ defense has improved significantly. The Rebels allow 19.3 points per game, supported by strong coverage in the secondary and consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

A Rematch With Higher Stakes

Georgia and Ole Miss met earlier in the season, with Georgia securing a 43–35 victory. That result adds context but does not guarantee a repeat outcome. Postseason games often hinge on adjustments, execution, and discipline rather than regular-season results.

With playoff advancement on the line, this matchup represents the most meaningful meeting between the two programs to date.

What to Expect on Game Night

Fans can expect a contrast in styles:

• Georgia: Defensive discipline, ball control, physicality
• Ole Miss: Tempo, explosive plays, aggressive offense

Played indoors at the Caesars Superdome, weather will not be a factor, allowing both teams to operate at full speed.

Final Thoughts

The Georgia vs Ole Miss football game in the Sugar Bowl 2026 stands as one of the most compelling matchups of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. With two SEC teams, elite talent on both sides, and national stakes, it represents college football at its highest level.

For viewers, knowing the correct time, channel, and viewing options ensures nothing is missed on New Year’s Day.