The 2026 Allstate Sugar Bowl doubles as a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal, pitting the No. 6 Mississippi Rebels (12-1) against the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (12-1). This intra-SEC showdown features a rematch from their October 18, 2025, regular-season thriller, where Georgia edged Ole Miss 43-35 in Athens. Ole Miss, under Lane Kiffin, advanced with a dominant first-round CFP win, showcasing their explosive offense, while Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, earned a bye after a strong season and seeks to continue its playoff dominance. As a neutral-site game in the expanded 12-team CFP, it highlights the SEC’s depth, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. Expect a high-scoring affair, as both teams boast top-10 offenses, but Georgia’s experience in big games could prove decisive.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 76,468-capacity domed stadium, home to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, has hosted the Sugar Bowl since 1975 and provides a climate-controlled environment, shielding play from weather while offering a raucous atmosphere for postseason football.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT). The game will be televised on ESPN.
Injury Report and Opt-Outs
Playoff stakes minimize opt-outs, with both teams largely intact but dealing with nagging injuries from the long season. Alabama’s defensive line is hit hardest, while Indiana’s receiving options are limited.
- Mississippi Rebels:
- Questionable: QB Trinidad Chambliss (concussion protocol; exited first-round CFP game).
- Questionable: RB Kewan Lacy (shoulder; injured in CFP first round).
- Questionable: LB R. Collins (undisclosed).
Ole Miss’ backfield depth is tested if Chambliss and Lacy are limited, potentially shifting to backup QB Austin Simmons and relying more on the passing game.
- Georgia Bulldogs:
- Questionable: DB Joenel Aguero (wrist/hand; missed recent games but practicing).
- Questionable: WR Colbie Young (undisclosed; status uncertain).
- Questionable: CB K. Jones (foot).
Georgia’s secondary could be vulnerable if Aguero sits, but reports indicate a near-full roster for the playoff push.
Key Player Matchups
This rematch amplifies Week 8’s offensive fireworks, with Georgia’s balanced attack facing Ole Miss’ speed. Key battles include:
- Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss (or Austin Simmons) vs. Georgia Secondary: Chambliss’ status looms large; if healthy, his dual-threat ability challenges Georgia’s DBs, but injuries could force Simmons into a tough spot against a unit led by S Malaki Starks.
- Georgia QB Carson Beck vs. Ole Miss Pass Rush: Beck’s efficiency (3,500+ yards) will test Ole Miss’ front, anchored by DE Princely Umanmielen. Georgia’s O-line must protect to exploit Ole Miss’ secondary.
- Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy vs. Georgia Run Defense: Lacy’s explosiveness is key if healthy; Georgia’s front (allowing under 120 rushing yards) features LBs like Jalon Walker to contain him.
- Georgia WR Arian Smith vs. Ole Miss Secondary: Smith’s speed could exploit mismatches, especially if Ole Miss focuses on the run.
Georgia’s players like DE Mykel Williams need big games to disrupt Ole Miss’ rhythm.
Recent Team Forms
- Mississippi Rebels: 12-1 (7-1 SEC), surging with a 41-10 CFP first-round win over Tulane. Last five: W (vs. Tulane), W (regular season finale), W, L (to Georgia 43-35), W. Explosive in wins, averaging 40+ points.
Form: W-W-L-W-W.
- Georgia Bulldogs: 12-1 (7-1 SEC), dominant with a bye after SEC title. Last five: W (SEC Champ), W (vs. Ole Miss), W, W, W. Allowed under 20 points in most wins.
Form: W-W-W-W-W (Bye).
Conference vs Conference
Both from the SEC, this intra-conference matchup showcases the league’s depth, with five SEC teams in the CFP. The SEC broke records for playoff representation, emphasizing its offensive firepower and defensive talent.
Series History
Georgia leads the all-time series 34-11, with a 20-4-1 home record and 12-9 away. Ole Miss’ last win was in 2016 (45-14); Georgia won the 2025 meeting 43-35.
Betting Trends
- Ole Miss: 9-4 ATS overall, strong in blowouts but 3-2 ATS as underdogs.
- Georgia: 10-3 ATS, 8-2 ATS as favorites, under in defensive games.
- General: High totals trend over in SEC matchups.
Historical Betting Results
Sugar Bowl favorites cover 8-2 ATS in the last 10 games; under hits in low totals. SEC vs. SEC bowls are rare but often high-scoring.
Game Odds
Mississippi Rebels 55.5
Georgia Bulldogs – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, December 31, 2025
