PHOTOS: Georgia football season opener vs. Tennessee State

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PHOTOS: Georgia football season opener vs. Tennessee State

The 2026 Georgia football season kicked off Sept. 5 against Tennessee State in Athens.

Georgia players enter the field before Georgia hosts Tennessee State in their season opener at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier scores a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia fans cheer before Georgia hosts Tennessee State in their season opener at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier runs for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Elyiss Williams dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton shouts instructions during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier scores a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Elyiss Williams dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Elyiss Williams dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Elyiss Williams dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart shouts instructions during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor runs past Tennessee State defensive back Mikeece Jones (bottom left) for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton gets off a pass against Tennessee State linebacker Matthew Wilson during the first half in an NCAA football game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor reacts during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier runs for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier runs for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Jaden Reddell celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Jaden Reddell scores a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Jaden Reddell pushes Tennessee State linebacker Matthew Wilson for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor scores a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor runs past Tennessee State defensive back Mikeece Jones for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor runs for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor runs for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Elyiss Williams (left) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA football game vs. Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia fans cheer before Georgia hosts Tennessee State in their season opener at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Members of UGA Paint Line cool down with handheld battery-operated fans before Georgia hosts Tennessee State in their season opener at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Members of the UGA Paint Line cool down with handheld battery-operated fans before Georgia hosts Tennessee State in its season opener at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia tight end Jaden Reddell (right) celebrates his 14-yard touchdown reception with Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens during the second quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor (center) reacts after scoring a 11-yard touchdown during the second quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton attempts a pass during the second quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton attempts a pass during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton runs after a catch against Tennessee State defensive back Mikeece Jones during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton attempts a pass during the second quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia players react after a touchdown during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton prepares for a play during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor runs for 31 yards during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Isiah Canion runs after a catch against Tennessee State linebacker Devyn Curtis during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier (bottom center) reacts after scoring a 14-yard touchdown during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart reacts after a Georgia touchdown during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier reacts after scoring a 14-yard touchdown during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier runs for a 14-yard touchdown during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier runs for a 48-yard touchdown during the first quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Nate Frazier gets by Tennessee State safety Joshua Reese for a 48-yard touchdown run during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart prepares to run onto the field with the Georgia players before their game against Tennessee State in their season opener at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart talks with Georgia offensive lineman Cortez Smith (50) during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia defensive lineman PJ Dean (33) celebrates a sack during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Tyler J. Williams (13) celebrates a first down catch with Georgia wide receiver Jeremy Bell (11) during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens (5) runs for yards against Tennessee State defenders during the second half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Young Georgia fans cheer on the team during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia fans try and keep cool with fans during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia safety Tyriq Green (23) returns a punt as he is tackled by Tennessee State defensive end Richard Garrett (30) during the second half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia defensive lineman Josh Horton (81) celebrates a tackle during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia defensive back KJ Bolden (4) tackles Tennessee State wide receiver Jayden Guy (0) after a catch by Guy during the second half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Dwight Phillips Jr. (20) runs for yards against Tennessee State linebacker Epoki Fakaosi (33) during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton (0) celebrates his returned punt with Georgia safety Tyriq Green (23) during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton (0) returns a punt during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Hall (44) celebrates a tackle during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Hall (44) tackles Tennessee State running back Brenton Paul (15) during the second half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Landon Roldan (8) fights for extra yards after a catch against Tennessee State defender during the first half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia tight end Ethan Barbour (9) celebrates a first down catch during the first half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens (5) makes a move against Tennessee State defensive back Byron Davis (9) during the first half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Craig Dandridge Jr. (81) runs after a catch against Tennessee State defensive back Kaiki Baker (1) during the first half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor (1) runs for a first down during the first half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia defensive lineman PJ Dean (33) celebrates a sack during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia safety Khalil Barnes (7) covers Tennessee State wide receiver Dylan Rodd (4) during the first half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia linebacker Gabe Harris Jr. (0) celebrates a play during the first half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) tackles Tennessee State running back Brenton Paul (15) during the first half at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia tight end Elyiss Williams (10) walks off of the field after their game against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia safeties Tyriq Green (23) and Blake Stewart (27) walk off of the field after their game against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart talks with Georgia defensive lineman Nasir Johnson (56) after their game against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) walks off of the field after their game against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart greets his mother Sharon Smart next to Kirby’s wife Mary Beth after their game against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart greets a Tennessee State assistant coach after their game at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart greets Tennessee State head coach Reggie Barlow after their game at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Jae Lamar (27) celebrates his 11 yard rushing touchdown with Georgia wide receiver Jeremy Bell (11) and Georgia running back Nate Frazier (3) during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia running back Jae Lamar (27) celebrates his 11 yard rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Hezekiah Millender (19) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Jeremy Bell (11) celebrates his 54 yard touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Jeremy Bell (11) makes a 54 yard touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia wide receiver Jeremy Bell (11) makes a 54 yard touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia tight end Kaiden Prothro (80) celebrates his 16 yard touchdown reception with Georgia offensive lineman Daniel Calhoun (70) during the third quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Ryan Montgomery (15) throws a 54 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia tight end Kaiden Prothro (80) celebrates his 16 yard touchdown reception with Georgia running back Jae Lamar (27) during the third quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia tight end Kaiden Prothro (80) celebrates his 16 yard touchdown reception with Georgia wide receiver Will Taylor (47) during the third quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia tight end Kaiden Prothro (80) scores a 16 yard touchdown on a reception during the third quarter against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia tight end Kaiden Prothro (80) gets by Tennessee State cornerback Jakobe Freeman (20) for a 16 yard receiving touchdown during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Ryan Puglisi (12) attempts a pass during the second half against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. Georgia won 63-3. Jason Getz/AJC)

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Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Georgia players enter the field before Georgia hosts Tennessee State in their season opener at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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