A Fresh Look at Georgia Football’s Evolving Rivalries
For over a century—133 years to be exact—the University of Georgia has fielded a football team, and in that time, the Bulldogs have developed a colorful and shifting roster of rivalries. Some matchups are steeped in respect and tradition, others have lost their edge over the years, and a few still burn white-hot with intensity.
Now, with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) scrapping divisional play and shaking up its scheduling, it’s a perfect time to reassess which rivalries still define Georgia football, which have cooled, and which are simmering under the surface.
Auburn: Still the Benchmark
Among Georgia’s rivalries, Auburn remains near the top. Known as the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry,” this annual clash has historical and emotional weight. Though Georgia now holds the upper hand thanks to Mark Richt’s groundwork and Kirby Smart’s dominance, the Tigers remain a pivotal opponent. Despite conference changes, preserving this rivalry was a clear SEC priority—and rightly so. Stock: Strong and steady.
Tennessee: History of Frustration, Now Manageable
Before the 1990s, Georgia and Tennessee didn’t play regularly, but the introduction of divisional play changed that. For a time, particularly during the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Volunteers were a persistent source of pain for Bulldog fans. Recent years, however, have seen Georgia take control. Tennessee under coach Josh Heupel has re-entered national relevance, with a fanbase that tends to get boastful fast. Although the two teams won’t meet annually going forward, every matchup still carries weight for fans with long memories. Stock: Slightly declining, but still emotional.
Florida: Eternal Hatred, Intensified
If you were raised during the Steve Spurrier era in Georgia, chances are your disdain for Florida is unwavering. Despite recent years where Georgia has held the upper hand, the Gators have seen a revival under coach Billy Napier, largely thanks to quarterback DJ Lagway. That’s reignited Florida fans’ hopes and arrogance. This is a game etched into the calendar every year and will stay that way. Regardless of what’s happening on the field, the animosity runs deep. Stock: Rising again, as fiery as ever.
South Carolina: A Manufactured Rivalry on the Decline
While South Carolina fans view Georgia as a top rival, the feeling is not mutual. Historically, Georgia didn’t play the Gamecocks consistently until the early ’90s, and with the upcoming scheduling shifts, they’ll meet even less. For Georgia fans, South Carolina is more of a periodic annoyance than a traditional rival. Stock: Dropping back to its historic low.
Clemson: A Dormant Rival With Potential
Older fans remember the fierce Georgia-Clemson battles of the 1980s. The programs share a border and a storied past, but their paths have diverged. Although no longer regular opponents, there’s a possibility they’ll meet again in the playoffs or through an eventual conference realignment. Clemson remains on Georgia’s radar as a potential high-stakes opponent, just not a guaranteed one. **Stock: Stable, with room to heat up.**
Alabama: The New Standard of Competition
Twenty years ago, Alabama wasn’t considered a true rival. Ten years ago, it was a one-sided affair, with Georgia on the losing end of several crushing defeats. But things have changed. Georgia’s national titles in 2021 and 2022 rebalanced the relationship, and while Alabama pulled off a big win in 2024, the rivalry now feels mutual. With the expanded playoff format, Georgia and Alabama are likely to clash often—and with national stakes on the line. Stock: Peaking, with every reason to keep climbing.
Georgia Tech: Never to Be Underestimated
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate still lives on. Last year’s Georgia Tech game nearly became a historic upset—something no Georgia fan wants to remember. Tech fans were almost giddy enough to dream of playoff relevance. But the Bulldogs pulled it off in the end, reaffirming their dominance. That said, Brent Key has injected life into the Tech program. They’re recruiting better and playing harder. If they pull off a win or two in the next few years, this long-dormant feud could reignite quickly. **Stock: Upward trajectory, with high volatility.**
Texas: The Budding Contender
Texas isn’t traditionally viewed as a Georgia rival—after all, they’ve only met seven times. But that’s quickly changing. Three of those matchups have happened in the last six seasons, and they’ll meet again in 2025 in what could be a top-10 showdown. With both Steve Sarkisian and Kirby Smart in charge of top-tier programs, and the Longhorns now in the SEC, Texas has real potential to become a major competitor. If Alabama or LSU falter, Georgia-Texas could define the next decade. Stock: Currently undervalued, but has major upside.
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Final Thoughts
Georgia’s football rivalries remain dynamic, shaped by both tradition and present-day competitiveness. Some long-standing foes like Auburn and Florida are as fierce as ever, while others—such as South Carolina and Clemson—have faded or become situational. Meanwhile, new or re-emerging opponents like Alabama and Texas are injecting fresh energy into the rivalry landscape.
Through all these changes, one thing remains clear: Georgia fans care deeply about who they beat, how they do it, and how often. Whether it’s ancient grudges, playoff implications, or the sheer annoyance of an opposing fanbase, these matchups define the passion of Bulld
og Nation—and that passion isn’t going anywhere.
