Georgia Tech Moves Up 2026 Opener, Adds Extra Two Days to Prepare for Tennessee Football

The Yellow Jackets will now face Colorado on Thursday, Sept. 3, giving them more time to get ready for the Volunteers the following week.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Georgia Tech has altered its 2026 football schedule, moving up its season opener against Colorado from Saturday to Thursday, September 3. This gives the Yellow Jackets an extra two days to prepare for their Week 2 matchup against Tennessee, which is scheduled for September 12 in Atlanta. The Volunteers will have the advantage of playing an FCS opponent, Furman, in their season opener the previous week, allowing them to focus more on Georgia Tech.

Why it matters

This schedule change could provide a competitive edge for Georgia Tech as they look to take down the Volunteers. Tennessee is still working to determine their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, which adds an additional wrinkle to their preparation. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

Georgia Tech was originally scheduled to host Colorado on Saturday, September 6. However, the game has now been moved up to Thursday, September 3, giving the Yellow Jackets two additional days to prepare for their Week 2 matchup against Tennessee. The Volunteers, on the other hand, will be coming off a game against FCS opponent Furman, which should allow them to dedicate more time to scouting and preparing for Georgia Tech.

  • Georgia Tech's season opener against Colorado has been moved from Saturday, September 6 to Thursday, September 3.
  • Tennessee football will face Georgia Tech in Atlanta on September 12, 2026, one week after their season opener against Furman.

The players

George MacIntyre

A redshirt freshman quarterback competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Faizon Brandon

A true freshman quarterback competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Ryan Staub

A Colorado transfer quarterback competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Joey Aguilar

Tennessee's starting quarterback in the 2025 season, who is seeking an additional year of eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest question of the offseason for Tennessee right now is who will play quarterback. The Vols are currently preparing for a three-man quarterback battle between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, true freshman Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.”

— Ryan Sylvia, Author (rockytopinsider.com)

“If Aguilar is granted an injunction, he'd likely fill in as UT's starter for the second-straight season.”

— Ryan Sylvia, Author (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

The judge is expected to rule on Joey Aguilar's request for an additional year of eligibility this week, which could have a significant impact on Tennessee's quarterback situation heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This schedule change gives Georgia Tech a potential advantage as they prepare to face Tennessee in Week 2 of the 2026 season. However, the Volunteers' ability to focus more on the Yellow Jackets during their season opener against Furman could help offset that advantage. Ultimately, the outcome of this game may come down to which team is better able to capitalize on their respective scheduling quirks.