KENNESAW, Ga. – Separated by less than 25 miles on Interstate 75, Kennesaw State football and Georgia State will play each other in a home-and-home series beginning in 2026, the schools announced Thursday.
The Owls will kick off the in-state series by hosting the Panthers on Sept. 12, 2026 at Fifth Third Stadium before traveling to downtown Atlanta to face GSU at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium on Sept. 23, 2028.
The two teams have faced off just once before in 2018 when Kennesaw State fell in a thriller, 24-20, on the road at Georgia State to open the season.
STATEMENTS FROM KENNESAW STATE AND GEORGIA STATE
Kennesaw State Director of Athletics Milton Overton:
"We're excited to announce the addition of Georgia State to our future football schedules. The proximity of our campuses and the relationship that we share as members of the University System of Georgia, Georgia State provides our fans an opportunity to build a friendly interstate rivalry that benefits both institutions. It will be tremendous fun to square off in crosstown matchups and give our players a chance to play another game each year right here in the neighborhood."
Georgia State Director of Athletics Charlie Cobb:
"We are excited to schedule these games, and we hope this becomes a long-standing tradition between the two programs. Fans, alumni and students from both schools will be energized, and we know that the tickets to games will be in high demand."
Fresh off the February Signing Day that had Kennesaw State unveil its class of 33 newcomers, KSU is heading full steam ahead toward 2025 spring practice, which is set to begin in earnest on Monday, March 3. With the exception of Kennesaw State's spring break, the Owls will practice four days a week for the NCAA's number of allowable dates through the 2025 Spring Game on Saturday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at Fifth Third Stadium.
2025 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
Get ahead of the game by placing a deposit for season tickets to new head coach
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