# University of Georgia football season start

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-georgia-football-season-start
> Updated: 2026-09-05T21:45:29.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The University of Georgia football program entered the new season ranked No. 3 in the AP preseason poll. Head coach Kirby Smart, entering his 11th season, aimed to extend a school record of five consecutive seasons with at least 11 wins.

Georgia opened the season with a 63-3 victory over Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium. Despite kickoff temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and a severe weather advisory, the Bulldogs maintained control, scoring touchdowns on their first five possessions. The team finished the game with 660 yards of total offense compared to 109 for the Tigers.

Quarterback Gunner Stockton completed 15 of 16 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Nate Frazier recorded three rushing touchdowns on four carries, including a 48-yard run on his first touch of the season. Following the early lead, Georgia rotated through four different quarterbacks, including Ryan Puglisi, Ryan Montgomery, and Hezekiah Millender.

Tennessee State was limited to 109 total yards of offense, with their only points coming from a 37-yard field goal by Preston Hurless late in the first half.

## Claims

- Georgia defeated Tennessee State 63-3 in their season opener. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Quarterback Gunner Stockton completed 15 of 16 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The kickoff temperature at Sanford Stadium was approximately 100 degrees. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nate Frazier rushed for 72 yards and three touchdowns on four carries. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tennessee State scored a 37-yard field goal by Preston Hurless. (single source)
- Georgia recorded 660 yards of total offense compared to 109 for Tennessee State. (single source)
- Georgia scored touchdowns on each of its first five possessions. (single source)
- A severe weather advisory was issued due to lightning detected within 15 miles of the stadium. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Georgia Bulldogs defeat Tennessee State 63-3 in season opener

No. 3 Georgia defeated Tennessee State 63-3 in their season opener, led by Gunner Stockton's three passing touchdowns and Nate Frazier's three rushing scores despite extreme heat.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-bulldogs-defeat-tennessee-state-63-3-in-season-opener

### 2026-08-19: University of Georgia football enters season ranked No. 3

Ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll, the Georgia Bulldogs enter the season with returning quarterback Gunner Stockton and high expectations under coach Kirby Smart.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-georgia-football-enters-season-ranked-no-3

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Cite as: University of Georgia football season start. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-georgia-football-season-start