The 2026 Allstate Sugar Bowl brings SEC power against SEC power as Ole Miss and Georgia meet in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal inside the Caesars Superdome. The Sugar Bowl, entering its 92nd edition, remains one of the sport’s crown‑jewel events, and this year’s matchup carries even more weight as part of the expanded CFP format. According to reporting from The Experiment and reinforced by national outlets including CBS Sports and ESPN, the game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on January 1, 2026.
Both teams arrive at 12–1, both with legitimate national championship aspirations, and both representing the SEC’s continued dominance in the playoff era. Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports coverage throughout December has highlighted the intensity surrounding this rematch, with Georgia having handed Ole Miss its only loss earlier in the season.
Ole Miss: High‑Powered Offense, New Leadership
Ole Miss enters the Sugar Bowl with one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, averaging 37.5 points per game and ranking top‑10 nationally in scoring. Their passing attack, over 312 yards per game, has been a focal point of national analysis from ESPN and CBS Sports.
The Rebels’ storyline is complicated by coaching turnover. Lane Kiffin accepted the LSU job, leaving defensive coordinator Pete Golding to lead the team through the playoff run. Despite the transition, Ole Miss dominated Tulane 41–10 in the CFP First Round, a performance widely praised across Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports coverage.
Georgia: Battle‑Tested and Built for the Moment
Georgia, the SEC’s perennial powerhouse, enters the Sugar Bowl with championship pedigree and the nation’s most complete roster. ESPN’s preview coverage emphasizes Georgia’s balance — physical defense, efficient offense, and elite depth — all of which powered the Bulldogs to the No. 3 seed in the CFP.
Their earlier win over Ole Miss looms large, but the Bulldogs know rematches in January rarely follow the same script.
Broadcast Information
Network: ESPN
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Additional Coverage: CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports will provide pre‑ and post‑game analysis across digital and broadcast platforms.
What’s at Stake
A win sends either Ole Miss or Georgia to the CFP semifinals and one step closer to the 2026 National Championship. For Ole Miss, it would mark the biggest postseason breakthrough in program history. For Georgia, it’s another chance to reinforce its dynasty status.
