When does Georgia high school football season start? Important dates to know in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

As July approaches, the countdown to Georgia high school football season is officially on.

Teams from across the state are nearly a month away from returning to the field and beginning their pursuit of a state championship run at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Buford looks to build off of its unbeaten season from a year ago, when it captured the GHSA Class 6A state championship and finished atop USA TODAY Sports' Super 25 football rankings. Meanwhile, Carver, Bowdon and Hebron Christian will look to defend their crowns and complete three-peats in their respective classifications.

When do teams return to action for the 2026 season? Here are all the dates to know:

Georgia high school football season start dates: GHSA​

First practice date: July 27, 2026

Date of first games: Aug. 21, 2026

High school football practices for teams competing within the GHSA get underway on July 27, 2026, with the date of the first regular season games set for Aug. 21.

Prior to the start of the regular season, 22 teams will participate in the Corky Kell and Dave Hunter Classic from Aug. 12-21 at four select sites, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Georgia high school football season start dates: GIAA​

First practice date: July 27, 2026

Date of first games: Aug. 14, 2026

High school football practices for teams competing under the GIAA umbrella get underway on July 27, 2026, with the date of the first games set for Aug. 14.

Georgia high school football season start dates: GAPPS​

First practice date: July 27, 2026

Date of first games: Aug. 14, 2026

High school football practices for teams competing within the GAPPS get underway on July 27, 2026, with the date of the first games set for Aug. 14.


This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia high school football 2026 season start dates

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