GATA Talk

We break down the 2026 football schedule for Georgia Southern, including our season expectations for year five of the Clay Helton era. Will the defense improve? Will the offense regress? How will the Eagles fare in a brutal out-of-conference slate? Is this the year Georgia Southern finally breaks through and wins the East? We discuss all this and more.

Show Notes:

• Thoughts Entering Year 5 of the Clay Helton Era
• Will a Competent Defense be the Key to Breaking Through?
• 2026 Schedule Breakdown
• Will the Fan Base Overreact to a Losing OOC Record?
• Sun Belt Conference Preview
• Charleston Southern Preview

This is a special bonus episode of GATA Talk for Eagle Nation with the new voice of Georgia Southern, Mr. Adam Young. Adam was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down with us and talk why Georgia Southern, reflect on his broadcasting career to this point and, most importantly, talk ball. 

Show Notes: 

• Getting Acclimated to the New Gig 
• Why Georgia Southern 
• Broadcasting Background and Vision for His New Role
• Analysis of Scrimmage No. 2 Including Standouts 
• Who Has Impressed Adam the Most On Field the Last Month
• Who Has Impressed Adam Off the Field 
• What Adam Is Looking Forward to the Most His First Season

Our second season preview episode for the 2026 Georgia Southern football season covers all things offense. UNC transfer Max Johnson has officially been named the starter for Game 1 against Charleston Southern. We'll discuss every position group for the offense and debate what's needed from Ryan Aplin's offense to have a successful season.

Show Notes: 

• Max Johnson is Your QB1 Entering the Season
• Running Back by Committee with a Talented Room
• Josh Dallas: Will He Pick Up Where He Left Off?
• Which Wideout(s) Will Make Up for Camden Brown's Production
• O-Line Is the Biggest Question Mark on Offense
• Tight Ends: Excited for River Helms' Return

GATA Talk is back for Season 9! We kick things off by recapping the 2026 offseason, then move into previewing the special teams and defensive units of the Eagles ahead of the start of the 2026 football season.

Show Notes: 

• Offseason Recap: New Voice, Eagle Creek Development
• Special Teams Preview: Tripp Bryant, Alex Smith, Kick Returners 
• Defense: What Will Mike Mutz's Defense Look Like?
• Key Departures and Additions
• Realistic Expectations for the Defense 

In this bonus episode, Matt and Cody discuss some big news out of the transfer portal. Quarterback Max Johnson will play his final year of college football at Georgia Southern. The Eagles land the former UNC, Texas A&M and LSU QB after JC French entered the transfer portal and signed with Cincinnati. 

Show Notes: 

• Is it a given that Max is the new starter?
• Outlook for the Georgia Southern QB room
• If healthy, Max is a big-time recruit for the Eagles
• What does Max Johnson bring to the Eagles? 
• Win now pressure for Clay Helton
• Winning should be top priority for incoming transfers