Is Aflac Kickoff Game coming back?

The Aflac Kickoff Game is returning on September 5, 2026, on ABC. The event previously took a break and is now scheduled to resume as part of the NCAA Division I FBS season opening weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

This annual college football series, organized by the Peach Bowl, marks the start of the American football season each year. Since its inception in 2008, the game has been held at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, moving from the Georgia Dome in 2017. The series often features doubleheaders, adding to the excitement of Labor Day weekend in the United States.

The series has featured matchups like Baylor Bears versus Auburn Tigers scheduled for 2026, with previous games including Syracuse Orange versus Tennessee Volunteers in 2025. The games are broadcast on ABC and include commentary from Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath, Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick, and Kris Budden. The broadcast runtime is approximately 210 minutes.