Andrew vs Georgia State prediction: Jon Cremins' rebuilt Georgia State opens its home floor against Andrew
An NAIA newcomer is the first home opponent for a Georgia State roster built almost entirely from transfers, and last season's numbers describe a team that no longer exists.
- Georgia State should control the game against an NAIA opponent; the real interest is seeing Cremins' new roster on its home floor for the first time.
- Watch the fifth-year transfers, led by Terrance Dixon Jr., Mason Nicholson and AJ Smith, and how quickly they find a shared rhythm.
- No spread or total is posted. Last season's 330th-ranked adjusted offense is the only baseline, and it belongs to a departed roster.
A new coach, a new roster
Jon Cremins, a former Vanderbilt assistant, was named Georgia State's head coach on April 3, and this is his first season in charge. He rebuilt nearly from scratch. The roster he announced Sept. 1 has 11 veteran transfers, three freshmen (Owen Augunas, Shiloh Fisher and Keeper Jackson) and one returning player, Chris Jones.
The fifth-year transfers form the core: Terrance Dixon Jr. from Southern, Mason Nicholson from Vanderbilt, AJ Smith from Temple and Eric Parnell. The Panthers open against Bowling Green on Nov. 2, so this is their first home game under Cremins. Their only outing so far was an Oct. 7 exhibition at Georgia, a 94-61 loss.
Why last season barely applies
Georgia State went 10-22 last season, and the offense was the problem. Its adjusted offensive efficiency (points per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponents) ranked 330th of 365. Its effective field goal percentage, which counts threes 1.5 times, was 45.2%, 362nd nationally, and its 2-point shooting ranked dead last.
One bright spot was the line: the Panthers made 78.4% of their free throws, 11th in the country. With only one player back, none of that should be treated as a forecast. The figures describe last season's team, not this one.
The visitors from the NAIA
Andrew College is joining the NAIA and the SSAC for 2026-27. Athletic director Brian Skortz also serves as head men's coach, with Ben Kluzak as his assistant. No men's roster or recent results were found, and there is no Division I data on the Fighting Tigers.
No injuries, suspensions or eligibility issues have surfaced for either team. Tip time has not been announced.
Numbers that matter
| Returning players | one | Chris Jones is the lone holdover, which makes last season's team numbers a weak guide. |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran transfers | 11 | Cremins built his first roster around experienced newcomers. |
| Last season's adjusted offense rank | 330th | The offense was the weak point of a 10-22 team, out of 365 Division I programs. |
| Last season's free throw % | 78.4% | Ranked 11th nationally, the best part of last season's profile. |
| Exhibition result | 94-61 | Georgia State lost by that score at Georgia on Oct. 7. |
Andrew vs Georgia State: quick answers
When is Andrew vs Georgia State?
Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET.