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FSU, Georgia Cancel Home-and-Home, Mull Neutral-Site Game

5/7/2026

Summary

Florida State Cancels Series

Florida State and Georgia cancelled their 2027-2028 home-and-home football series.
Both schools are now weighing a neutral-site matchup, which critics say could cut stadium revenue and hurt local businesses.
Florida State, coming off six losing seasons in eight years and a recent loss to Jacksonville State, sees fan morale at an all-time low.
The administration confirmed that head coach Mike Norvell will remain for the 2026 season.

Summary

Alabama Drops Oklahoma

Starting in 2026, the SEC and ACC will each limit teams to nine conference games per season, cutting non-conference slots.
Alabama will keep its 2027-28 home-and-home series with Ohio State but will drop Oklahoma State.
Netflix is reportedly courting broadcast rights for the neutral-site game, with potential venues such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Summary

Georgia Halts Series

The Georgia–Florida State series was canceled, leaving both schools open non-conference slots for the 2027-28 season.
The two programs have met only twice in the 21st century, with Georgia winning both contests.
Georgia defeated Florida State 63-3 in the 2023 Orange Bowl, the largest margin in that game’s history.
The home-and-home agreement announced in April 2019 included a $2 million cancellation fee for each game.

Summary

Georgia Neutral-Site

Kirby Smart said fan demand and TV interest are pushing schools toward neutral-site games that will boost revenue.
The Florida-Georgia rivalry will move from Jacksonville to Atlanta for 2024 and to Tampa in 2027.
Georgia played its November neutral-site game against Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Georgia’s 2027 non-conference slate and Florida State’s home opener are scheduled for Tennessee State on Sept. 5 and New Mexico State on Aug. 29.

History

Historical Context

The SEC grew to 16 members in 2025 when Oklahoma and Texas joined, prompting a 16-team men’s basketball tournament in Nashville that gave the top four seeds a double-bye. Earlier, the ACC’s 1992 expansion to nine schools added a first-round game, with Duke winning the Charlotte championship. These expansions illustrate how conference growth has repeatedly reshaped tournament structures and broadcast opportunities.

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Florida State Cancels Series

Florida State and Georgia cancelled their 2027-2028 home-and-home football series.
Both schools are now weighing a neutral-site matchup, which critics say could cut stadium revenue and hurt local businesses.
Florida State, coming off six losing seasons in eight years and a recent loss to Jacksonville State, sees fan morale at an all-time low.
The administration confirmed that head coach Mike Norvell will remain for the 2026 season.

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