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Kirby Smart earns 118th career victory as Georgia defeats Tennessee State

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 9:09 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Kirby Smart earns 118th career victory as Georgia defeats Tennessee State

Summary

The University of Georgia Bulldogs opened the 2026 college football season with a victory over the Tennessee State Tigers at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, on September 5. The home win marked the 139th game coached by Kirby Smart for the program. Smart currently holds a 118-21 career record with the Bulldogs, maintaining a 0.8489 winning percentage. This victory places Smart ahead of the win totals recorded by former Georgia head coaches Vince Dooley and Mark Richt at the same point in their respective tenures. Due to high temperatures in Athens during the matchup, some attendees sought relief inside the campus Tate Center. The program continues its campaign following the completion of this season-opening home game.

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By the Numbers

•Kirby Smart reached 118 career wins in his 139th game as head coach.
•The Georgia Bulldogs played the season opener at home in Sanford Stadium.
•The 2026 season marks the sixth year since the program's previous coaching transition.
•Smart maintains a 0.8489 winning percentage across his tenure with the Bulldogs.

Latest Updates

9:09 PMYahoo Sports — The Winning Smart Victory Post #118

What they're saying

"
The first game of the season……some people want to see it at a neutral site, against a top-tier opponent. Some want to have it at home, whether the opponent is top-tier or FCS. There are pros and cons to both, and personally, it doesn’t make much difference to me. The biggest difference is when the […]
— Yahoo Sports

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