Florida vs Georgia Rivalry 2026: Date, Kickoff Time, TV Channel, Odds, Series History, Prediction
One of college football's fiercest rivalries is heading somewhere different this Halloween. The No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs and No. 17 Florida Gators will renew their historic SEC rivalry on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Georgia has won five straight meetings, but Florida arrives with renewed confidence after beating Texas. With bragging rights, conference positioning and years of bad blood on the line, the Florida vs Georgia rivalry game has everything needed for another unforgettable Saturday.
When Is the Florida vs Georgia Football Game in 2026?
The Florida vs Georgia game is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, as part of Week 9 of the college football season. The Halloween showdown adds another layer of excitement to a rivalry that rarely needs extra motivation.
Both teams enter the game following an open week, giving the Bulldogs and Gators additional preparation time for one of their biggest SEC matchups of the season. Georgia comes in at 6-1, while Florida holds a 5-2 record.
Where Is the Florida vs Georgia Rivalry Being Played?
The 2026 Florida vs Georgia rivalry will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, a major change from the matchup's traditional home in Jacksonville.
The rivalry has been played in Jacksonville for most seasons since 1933, but renovations to EverBank Stadium have temporarily moved the game. Atlanta will host the 2026 matchup, while Tampa is scheduled to stage the rivalry in 2027.
What Time Does Florida vs Georgia Start?
The Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday, October 31, 2026. For viewers on the West Coast, the game begins at 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
What Channel Is Florida vs Georgia on in 2026?
The Florida vs Georgia rivalry game will air live on ABC, giving fans nationwide access to the Week 9 SEC showdown.
Chris Fowler will handle play-by-play commentary alongside analyst Kirk Herbstreit, while Holly Rowe will report from the sidelines. The experienced broadcast crew will cover what promises to be an emotionally charged contest between two nationally ranked opponents.
Where Can You Live Stream Florida vs Georgia Without Cable?
Fans who prefer streaming can watch Florida vs Georgia live on ESPN+, with the game also available through ESPN's streaming platform for eligible subscribers.
Cord-cutters can access the ABC broadcast through participating live television streaming services that carry their local ABC station. Availability depends on the subscription and location, so checking access before kickoff is recommended.
Georgia's official game notes also confirm ESPN+ as the video streaming option for the October 31 matchup.
Florida vs Georgia Rivalry History: Who Leads the All-Time H2H Series?
Few rivalries in college football carry the history, emotion and intensity of Florida vs Georgia. The series dates back to 1904 according to Georgia's records, and generations of fans have grown up treating this matchup as one of the most important games on the calendar.
Georgia leads the all-time series 58-44-2, according to the Bulldogs' official records. Florida's historical accounting puts Georgia ahead 57-44-2 because the Gators do not recognize the 1904 meeting.
Recent history has been particularly painful for Florida. Georgia has won five consecutive games since the Gators' last victory in 2020, including a hard-fought 24-20 win in 2025.
The Bulldogs also hold an 8-2 advantage against Florida under head coach Kirby Smart. For the Gators, Saturday represents another opportunity to end that frustrating streak and restore some much-needed pride in the rivalry.
Florida vs Georgia Stats to Know Before Week 9
Georgia enters the rivalry with one of the most productive offenses in the SEC, averaging 43.0 points and 469.9 total yards per game. Florida isn't far behind offensively, producing 39.6 points and 450.9 yards per contest.
However, the biggest difference appears on defense. Georgia allows just 15.9 points per game, compared with Florida's 28.3. The Bulldogs also surrender fewer passing yards, making Georgia's defense a significant challenge for the Gators.
Another interesting storyline is recent momentum. Florida defeated Texas 27-24 in its previous game, while Georgia suffered a surprising 27-24 loss to Auburn. That leaves the Bulldogs eager to bounce back and the Gators believing they can compete with another SEC heavyweight.
The numbers suggest both teams have enough offensive talent to score, but Georgia's defensive advantage could become decisive if the game remains tight in the second half.
Florida vs Georgia Odds 2026: Betting Lines, Point Spread and Over/Under
According to DraftKings odds reported on October 26, Georgia is favored by 10.5 points, while the projected total is 56.5 points. The Bulldogs are also substantial moneyline favorites, reflecting their stronger defensive numbers and recent dominance in the series.
Point Spread: Georgia -10.5 / Florida +10.5
Moneyline: Georgia -440 / Florida +340
Over/Under Total: 56.5 points
Opening Spread: Georgia -12.5
Those figures are a snapshot rather than final kickoff odds. FanDuel, for example, listed the same 10.5-point Georgia spread but a slightly lower total of 55.5 points.
Florida vs Georgia Key Players to Watch: Who Could Decide the Rivalry?
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton will be one of the most important players on the field. Stockton has been remarkably efficient in 2026, completing 74.1% of his passes and posting a 185.9 passing efficiency rating. His ability to remain composed against Florida's defense could dictate the tempo of the afternoon.
For Florida, running back Jadan Baugh offers the kind of explosive playmaking that can change a rivalry game in seconds. He has recorded 763 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season, making him a major threat against Georgia's disciplined front seven.
Gators quarterback Aaron Philo is another name to follow, having thrown for 1,341 yards. However, Florida's quarterback situation remains worth monitoring: coach Jon Sumrall said on October 26 that both Philo, who has dealt with a shoulder issue, and Tramell Jones Jr. received first-team practice repetitions. A starter had not yet been announced.
On Georgia's defense, linebacker Raylen Wilson and defensive back KJ Bolden could be influential, particularly if Florida finds itself chasing the game and has to take greater risks through the air.
Florida vs Georgia Prediction and Picks: Can the Gators Finally End the Losing Streak?
Georgia has the stronger overall profile entering Week 9, but this matchup may be closer than its recent history suggests. The Bulldogs have a clear defensive advantage and an experienced quarterback in Gunner Stockton, while Florida brings a dangerous running game and momentum from its road victory over Texas.
The biggest question is whether Florida can consistently move the football against a Georgia defense allowing fewer than 16 points per game. If Jadan Baugh establishes the running game and the Gators avoid costly turnovers, they have a realistic chance to keep the pressure on Georgia deep into the fourth quarter.
Still, the Bulldogs' defensive consistency, passing efficiency and recent success against Florida make them the more convincing pick to win.
Prediction: Georgia 31, Florida 24.
Winner Pick: Georgia Bulldogs
Spread Lean: Florida +10.5, with the expectation of a tighter contest than the betting line suggests.
Over/Under Lean: Under 56.5 points, although Florida's offensive production makes this a less confident selection.
Georgia looks better equipped to survive a close finish, but Florida has enough offensive firepower to make the Bulldogs work for every yard. And in a rivalry where emotions can overwhelm expectations, another dramatic finish would hardly be surprising.
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