College GameDay Headed to Athens for Top-10 Showdown Between Ole Miss and Georgia

Oxford, Miss. — All eyes will be on the Classic City this weekend as Ole Miss travels to face Georgia in one of the most anticipated matchups of the college football season. ESPN’s College GameDay has announced it will be live from Athens on Saturday morning, capturing all the storylines surrounding this massive SEC clash.

WEEK 8: ATHENS 📍

We’re headed south for @OleMissFB at @GeorgiaFootball with a special live performance from @baileyzimmerman and @lukecombs 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ghDVc30n6f

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 12, 2025

Rebels vs. Bulldogs: A Battle with Playoff Stakes

For both Ole Miss and Georgia, the mission is simple — win, and the College Football Playoff path remains clear. Lose, and the margin for error all but disappears.

Head coach Lane Kiffin and the Rebels enter the week undefeated at 6–0 (3–0 SEC), fresh off a narrow 24–21 victory over Washington State. While the Rebels weren’t at their sharpest in that contest, the message postgame was consistent: good teams find ways to win — even on off days.

Meanwhile, Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs improved to 5–1 (3–1 SEC) after overcoming an early deficit to beat Auburn on the road this weekend. Their lone loss came to Alabama, and with playoff hopes still alive, Georgia will be eager to defend its home turf “between the hedges.”

This weekend’s meeting carries heavy implications not only for the SEC standings but also for the College Football Playoff picture, as both teams are in the thick of national contention.

A Look Back: The 2024 Meeting in Oxford

Last year’s showdown in Oxford was one for the Rebel record books. Then-ranked No. 16 Ole Miss pulled off a statement win over No. 3 Georgia, 28–10, handing the Bulldogs one of their rare losses and catapulting Lane Kiffin’s team firmly into the playoff conversation.

That victory showcased the Rebels’ growing reputation as a program capable of competing — and winning — against the SEC’s elite. While a late-season loss at Florida ultimately derailed playoff hopes, the win over Georgia remains one of the defining moments of Kiffin’s tenure in Oxford.

Vegas Weighs In

Early betting lines have Georgia favored by 6.5 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with an over/under set at 54.5. The Bulldogs are listed at -240 on the moneyline, while the Rebels sit at +195, reflecting how close this matchup truly is expected to be.

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, Georgia holds a 69.7% chance to win — but that’s why they play the game. Few teams in college football have thrived more than Lane Kiffin’s Rebels in proving the projections wrong.

What’s at Stake

For Ole Miss, this isn’t just another SEC road test — it’s an opportunity to cement itself as a legitimate national contender. A win over Georgia would not only preserve the Rebels’ unbeaten season but also strengthen their case for the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff berth.

As Coach Kiffin often reminds his team, it’s all about going 1–0 each week. This Saturday in Athens, that goal comes with the highest of stakes and the brightest of spotlights.

Kickoff between Ole Miss and Georgia is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.