UGA, UF release joint statement of the future of the rivalry matchup in Jacksonville

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) during a game against Florida at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl., on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. (Photo by Mackenzie Miles)

ATHENS — The University of Georgia and the University of Florida released a joint statement on Monday about the future of the rivalry game being played in Jacksonville annually.

The game is scheduled to be played in Jacksonville through 2023, although there is an option to extend the current contract between the two schools and the city through 2025.

“The annual game between our two universities is an important tradition. At this time, both programs are focused on our current seasons. Typically both schools begin conversations regarding future games in the series as the last contracted game nears. We anticipate following that timeline,” the statement read in an email sent to reporters Monday. “When those discussions take place, we will consider a multitude of factors including tradition, finances, future SEC scheduling models with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma, and what is best for both schools’ football programs overall.”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart acknowledged last week that he understands the importance of the rivalry matchup being played in Jacksonville. However, he also brought up the aspect of losing a chance for recruits to either visit Athens or Gainesville.

“When it comes down to it, there’s a very, very basic element of everything comes back to, number one money, and number two, recruiting and getting good players,” Smart said last Wednesday to UGA beat reporters. “I firmly believe that we’ll be able to sign better players by having it as a home-and-home because we’ll have more opportunities to get them to campus. But, I also think there’s a financial factor that factors into that, with having the game there, and being able to make more money for the university, possibly, there. You have to weigh both those and make really good decisions.”

The Bulldogs lead the all-time series over the Gators, 55-44-2, heading into this year’s matchup.

No. 1 Georgia (7-0, 4-0 SEC) and Florida (4-3, 1-3 SEC) will kick off at Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.