Georgia was so young a season ago, relying on a lot of second- and third-year players. That group is now a year older, and as we’ve seen since 2019, experienced teams thrive in this era of college football. But the Bulldogs will go only as far as quarterback Gunner Stockton will take them. Additionally, a revamped receiving corps will be under the spotlight early in '26. Georgia's defense should rank as one of the best in the nation with eight starters returning.
ORDER NOW: 2026 Athlon Sports College Football Preview Guide
Georgia Football: 2026 Bulldogs Season Preview and Prediction
© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Previewing Georgia's Offense for 2026
It’s Year 2 for quarterback Gunner Stockton. Last season saw him serve as a difference-maker in a few big Georgia wins, but it also saw him hamstring the offense at different points when he wasn’t at his best. Stockton has to shrink the gap between his ceiling and his floor.
The backfield is loaded. Nate Frazier returns as the team’s lead back. Chauncey Bowens, Dante Dowdell and Dwight Phillips Jr. have each shown the ability to generate big plays. At receiver, the Bulldogs grabbed Isiah Canion (Georgia Tech) out of the transfer portal for experience, but they’ll lean on a talented, explosive group of youngsters, including Talyn Taylor and Landon Roldan. London Humphreys brings big-game experience. A deep, extremely talented group of tight ends will also carry some of the load.
The offensive line brings back four players with significant experience. True freshman Zykie Helton and 6-foot-10 junior Jahzare Jackson also stepped up this spring. Those two are vying for the No. 5 and No. 6 spots in the trenches, with Juan Gaston ready to play right guard or right tackle.
Previewing Georgia's Defense for 2026
The Bulldogs bring back 21 defenders who played meaningful action either at UGA or another program last season. Fourth-year junior Xzavier McLeod and ultra-talented sophomore Elijah Griffin anchor the defensive front.
The pass rush is a priority, and that’s where edge Quintavius Johnson is looking to take a big step forward. Georgia brought in pass-rush technician Larry Knight as outside linebackers coach to get the best out of Johnson and redshirt freshman Chase Linton, who had a breakout spring.
Inside linebacker features the three-headed monster of Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole and Justin Williams. UGA is set at cornerback, led by Ellis Robinson IV, but the safety spot alongside KJ Bolden is up for grabs. Clemson transfer Khalil Barnes figures to start either there or at the Star/nickel spot.
Previewing Georgia's Specialists for 2026
Drew Miller, a redshirt sophomore, is a big, strong-legged punter who is praised for his hang time and work ethic. Peyton Woodring is going into his fourth season as placekicker. He is as reliable as they come, including in big moments. Wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton is aiming to replace Zachariah Branch as the punt returner.
