Georgia State Football: A Complete Guide to the Panthers’ Rise, Rivalries, and Game Day Glory

Introduction

When people think of college football in Georgia, they usually think of the Bulldogs. But there’s another exciting program making noise in the Peach State — Georgia State football.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia State University’s football team might be newer than most, but it has grown quickly. With strong coaching, talented players, and a passionate fan base, Georgia State football is turning heads in the Sun Belt Conference.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Georgia State football — from its short but strong history to home games at Center Parc Stadium, key players, rivalries, and more.

Whether you’re a fan, a new student, or a college football lover, join us as we explore what makes Georgia State football fun, fast, and full of potential.

A Brief History of Georgia State Football

Georgia State football is a young program, but that’s part of what makes its story exciting. The football team was launched in 2010, giving the school a shot to build something new from the ground up.

The first season started off with a bang. GSU earned a winning record and showed promise right away. By 2013, the Panthers had joined the Sun Belt Conference, which was a big leap into the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Since then, Georgia State football has:

• Reached multiple bowl games
• Developed NFL-level talent
• Built a strong presence in the Southeast

In just over a decade, the Panthers have gone from brand new to battle-tested. The journey is still young, but the future looks bright.

What Conference Does Georgia State Football Play In?

Georgia State football is part of the Sun Belt Conference (SBC). This mid-major football league is full of gritty, fast-paced, physical teams.

The Sun Belt includes strong programs like:

• Appalachian State
• James Madison
• Troy
• Coastal Carolina
• Georgia Southern (in-state rival)

The Panthers play in the East Division, and they’ve become one of the conference’s rising teams. The Sun Belt may not be as famous as the SEC or Big Ten, but it produces exciting games, major upsets, and sends several teams to bowl games every year.

For GSU, this conference gives them the perfect platform to grow, compete, and gain more national recognition.

Home Sweet Home: Center Parc Stadium

GSU doesn’t just have a team — they have an iconic home stadium. Georgia State football plays at Center Parc Stadium, located right in downtown Atlanta.

But this stadium has a story. It was originally Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Then, it briefly held the Atlanta Falcons before being transformed into a football stadium just for GSU.

Stadium Facts:

• Seats around 25,000 fans
• Easy access from every part of Atlanta
• Great city skyline view
• Open tailgating areas and fan zones

The atmosphere at Center Parc Stadium is electric, especially during conference games and rivalry week. It’s a great place to cheer, eat, and enjoy good Southern football.

Georgia State Football Traditions That Bring Fans Together

Even though the program is young, Georgia State football has built fun traditions that fans love. Here are a few you’ll see on game day:

• Panther Walk: Players and coaches walk through fans before entering the stadium.
• Blue and White Fridays: Everyone on campus is encouraged to wear team colors before game day.
• GSU Fight Song: Played loud and proud after touchdowns and wins.
• Pounce the Panther: The official mascot, always hyping up the crowd.

Win or lose, these traditions help build team spirit, campus pride, and connections for generations of Panthers fans.

Major Rivalry: Georgia State vs. Georgia Southern

When it comes to Georgia State football rivalries, none is bigger than the battle with Georgia Southern.

This in-state showdown is called “Modern Day Hate.” It’s intense. It’s personal. And no matter the records, these games bring out the best in both teams.

Why it matters:

• Bragging rights in the state of Georgia
• Often impacts Sun Belt East standings
• Usually filled with trash talk, close finishes, and pumped-up fans

Whether it’s in Statesboro or downtown Atlanta, this rivalry is one of the best under-the-radar matchups in college football.

Bowl Season and Georgia State’s Postseason Success

Since joining the FBS and the Sun Belt, Georgia State football has been to several bowl games — and they’ve won more than half of them!

Notable bowl wins include:

• 2017 Cure Bowl (vs. Western Kentucky)
• 2019 Arizona Bowl (vs. Wyoming)
• 2020 LendingTree Bowl (vs. Western Kentucky again)

Playing in bowl games helps attract new recruits, get national attention, and build a winning tradition. For a program that didn’t even exist 15 years ago, Georgia State has come a long way in post-season performance.

Top Players from the Georgia State Football Team

Many talented athletes have passed through the Georgia State football program. Some have even earned a chance to play in the NFL.

Notable Players:

• Albert Wilson – Wide receiver who starred for GSU and later played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins.
• Roger Carter Jr. – Tight end known for big catches and leadership.
• Tucker Gregg – Physical running back who made a name for himself with tough runs and touchdowns.
• Destin Coates – One of the school’s top all-time rushers.

There’s even more talent on today’s roster, including young quarterbacks, speedy wideouts, and tough defensive players—ready to put GSU on the map.

How Georgia State Prepares: Building a Winning Program

Behind every strong team is a strong support system. Georgia State football is serious about training, coaching, and student success.

The program focuses on:

• Player Strength and Conditioning: With state-of-the-art workout facilities
• Sports Medicine and Recovery: To help players heal faster and safer
• Recruiting Across the Southeast: Looking for fast, coachable, and hard-working athletes
• Team Bonding and Character Building: Unity both on and off the field

The goal isn’t just wins. It’s preparing athletes to succeed in sports, school, and life after college.

The Georgia State Football Schedule: What Fans Can Expect

Each fall, the Georgia State football schedule includes 12 games:

• 4 non-conference games at the start of the season
• 8 Sun Belt conference matchups during October and November

Games usually take place on Saturdays, with a few weeknight games featured on national TV.

Popular non-conference matchups include showdowns with:

• SEC teams (like South Carolina, Auburn, or Georgia)
• ACC teams (like North Carolina or Louisville)
• Local games vs. FCS foes

You can find the full schedule on GeorgiaStateSports.com or the school’s athletic app. Be sure to check kickoff times and plan your gamedays accordingly!

Where to Watch or Listen to Georgia State Football Games

Can’t make it to Center Parc Stadium? You can still catch every down live!

Watch:

• ESPN channels: Most Sun Belt games air on ESPN+, ESPN2, or ESPNU
• CBS Sports Network: Offers a few key matchups
• Bowl games: Typically on national networks during the holidays

Listen:

• Georgia State Panthers Radio Network
• TuneIn app for live audio feeds
• ESPN Georgia radio stations across the state

With TV, streaming, and radio options, there’s always a way to follow Georgia State football—even from far away.

The Future Looks Bright for Georgia State Football

Yes, Georgia State football is still a young program. But with strong leadership, a growing alumni base, and a great city location, the future is full of possibilities.

What’s ahead:

• More bowl appearances
• National attention from big wins
• Top-tier recruits from Atlanta and across the South
• Bigger home crowds with new traditions

Every season adds a new chapter. And every player, coach, and fan helps shape the future of this fast-growing football program.

If you’re not watching already, now’s the time to become a Georgia State football fan.

FAQs

1. When did Georgia State football start?

The Georgia State football program began in 2010 as a brand-new NCAA Division I team.

2. What league does Georgia State football play in?

They compete in the Sun Belt Conference, a strong mid-major league with tough competition.

3. Where is Georgia State’s home stadium?

They play at Center Parc Stadium in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

4. Who is Georgia State’s biggest rival?

Georgia Southern is their top rival. The game is often called “Modern Day Hate.”

5. Has Georgia State played in bowl games?

Yes! Georgia State has gone to multiple bowl games since 2015 and won several of them.

6. How can I get Georgia State football tickets?

Visit GeorgiaStateSports.com or buy at Center Parc Stadium on game day.

Conclusion

If you love football with heart, skill, and a great story—Georgia State football has it all. It’s a team building something special in Atlanta. Every game is a chance to grow, compete, and show the country just how good GSU can be.

You’ll find thrilling rivalries, talented athletes, game-day traditions, and fans who know they’re part of something exciting.

Whether this is your first season or you’ve been a Panther since day one—there’s no better time to wear blue and shout: