Georgia, Ole Miss meet in high-stakes Sugar Bowl rematch | What you need to know
Georgia All Access: Chase for the Championship
The No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs seek to prove it is possible to beat a top-tier opponent twice as they face the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in a "win or go home" playoff rematch in the ultimate Sugar Bowl showdown. Following a narrow 43–35 victory in October, Kirby Smart's Dawgs must now defend their title hopes against a Rebels squad hungry for redemption in New Orleans. Join the FOX 5 Sport Team reporting from the Caesars Superdome for Georgia All Access: Chase for the Championship sponsored by Hoffman Financial Group.
NEW ORLEANS - The third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are back in New Orleans for a high-stakes Sugar Bowl rematch against the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels tomorrow night, but the atmosphere surrounding the team is strictly professional.
UGA football is focused on business
What they're saying:
Players and coaches described the trip as a business-focused mission with a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals on the line. The winner of the New Year's Day matchup at the Caesars Superdome will advance to the Fiesta Bowl to face either Ohio State or Miami.
Many players have said they are trying to have some fun with their teammates while knowing this is a business trip and they intend to take care of a lot of business.
Head Coach Kirby Smart emphasized that the team had avoided the usual tourist attractions to focus on preparation. Smart noted that the Bulldogs have improved since their regular season victory over the Rebels, a high-scoring affair where Georgia had to fight back after Ole Miss scored on its first five possessions.
The Georgia Bulldogs mascot Hairy Dawg dances while parade-goers pack the streets as floats, marching bands, and costumed performers roll through the French Quarter during the 2026 Sugar Bowl Parade on New Year's Eve New Orleans on December 31, 2025.
Ole Miss a challenge for UGA
The other side:
The Rebels present a significant challenge behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Chambliss took over the offense after an injury to Austin Simmons and has thrown only three interceptions all season. Ole Miss also expects the return of running back Kwon Lacy, who rushed for 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns this year despite a recent shoulder injury.
The Bulldogs' defense must also contend with a Rebels defensive unit that Smart said has taken strides since the first meeting. Ole Miss is currently averaging seven tackles for loss per game.
New Orleans attack anniversary
Dig deeper:
The game also marks a somber milestone for the city. Thursday is the one-year anniversary of tragic events that occurred in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2025, which resulted in the loss of several lives.
What time does Georgia play today?
What's next:
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern time on ESPN.
The Source: The details in this article come from the Georgia Bulldogs. FOX Sports and the Associated Press contributed to this report. FOX 5 Sports is reporting from New Orleans.