Georgia high school football readies for a championship‑laden season
The 2026 high school football season in Georgia will kick off with practices beginning on July 27, and the first regular‑season games scheduled for mid‑August, setting the stage for a compressed but intense schedule.
Buford, fresh off an unbeaten run and a GHSA Class 6A state championship, is looking to build on that success, while Carver, Bowdon and Hebron Christian are chasing three‑peat titles in their respective classifications.
The early‑season spotlight will fall on the Corky Kell and Dave Hunter Classic, a 22‑team showcase slated for August 12‑21 at four venues, including the renowned Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, offering a first look at the new‑year contenders.
Early‑season showcase
GIAA and GAPPS teams will also begin practice on July 27, with their opening games set for August 14, ensuring that the state’s top programs will be tested soon after the summer break.
With title defenses looming and a packed calendar, coaches are emphasizing rapid chemistry building, making each early contest a potential harbinger of how the championship battles will unfold.