As the confetti fell in favor of the Rebels in the Sugar Bowl, a lot of question marks about next season arose in Bulldog land. Who will step up at wide receiver? What will the running back room look like? The Bulldogs dipped into the transfer portal to address some of these questions, but there are also returning Dawgs that will need to step up to get Georgia back into the College Football Playoff. Here are 10 players that need to go vertical for the Dawgs in 2026!

1. Gunner Stockton, QB (#14)

On the offensive side of the ball, it all starts with the quarterback. Stockton had a solid first season as the Bulldogs’ full-time starter, even creating some buzz for a Heisman campaign. Though he’s led the Bulldogs to two SEC Championship titles, the team has stalled out early in the College Football Playoff. Stockton must keep up his steady presence under center and be the foundation for this offense to take the next step towards dominance.

2. Nate Frazier, JR RB (#3)

Last season, the junior logged a career-high carries and rushing yards. He was one of Bobo’s most reliable pieces for his offensive scheme to take pressure off the passing game. Georgia has a rich history of star running backs, and this season presents the opportunity for No. 3 to be the launching pad to him becoming one of the nation’s elite weapons. Frazier could be the first running back since D’Andre Swift in 2019 to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

3. Drew Bobo, OL (#74)

Injuries plagued Bobo’s previous season with the Bulldogs, as he missed significant time towards the end of the regular season and postseason. His presence was certainly missed on the field during those games. Though he will miss G-Day, he will continue to get healthy ahead of the regular season. Bobo’s veteran demeanor in the huddle will be vital for Georgia’s offense when the season begins, as he will be the core of keeping the offense upright.

4. Lawson Luckie, TE (#7)

Luckie’s junior season was highlighted by a three-touchdown performance in the win against Ole Miss. With the departure of Oscar Delp to the NFL, Luckie must be a leader not just of the tight end room, but the entire offense. With a lot of question marks surrounding who will step up at wide out for the Bulldogs, Luckie fits the profile of a veteran presence who can be reliable for Stockton down the field.

5. Chauncey Bowens, RB (#5)

Bowens’ 2025 season was his first impactful season with the Bulldogs after redshirting his freshman year. While he was the second running back behind Frazier, he still rushed for over 500 yards and scored six touchdowns. In years past, Bulldog Nation has seen dynamic duos in the backfield for Georgia, and Bowens has the chance to bring his unique skillset to the next level this season.

6. London Humphreys, WR (#16)

Humphreys had arguably Georgia’s best catch last season with his 28-yard touchdown catch against Tennessee en route to a comeback win. He leads Georgia wide receivers and tight ends in receptions and receiving yards of those who were on last year’s roster. Whether or not he will be labeled as the “WR1” or not is still up for debate, but a career-year could be in store for the Tennessee native if he proves to be an impactful player out wide.

7. Sacovie White-Helton, WR (#0)

Though he has yet to break through at the wide receiver position with the Bulldogs, White-Helton has the potential to step up and be an impactful player in what seems to be an open wide receiver room. He also could become Georgia’s punt returner, with last year’s primary returner Zachariah Branch leaving for the NFL. Don’t be surprised if this redshirt-sophomore becomes a household name amongst Bulldog Nation by the end of the season.

8. Isiah Canion, WR (#6)

Canion was one of the Bulldogs’ best transfer portal acquisitions. He transferred to Athens after spending the last two seasons with Georgia Tech. He started in 12 games last year with the Yellow Jackets, scoring four touchdowns. Though it was on the other side, he’s seen first-hand what it takes to win at the University of Georgia, so he will need to bring all he’s got this season to help the offense stay efficient.

9. KJ Bolden, DB (#4)

This is a pivotal season for the Georgia native, as he must be the leader of the secondary for the Bulldogs this season. He’s played alongside multiple current NFL cornerbacks and safeties, so he knows exactly what it takes to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He had two interceptions last year, but expect that number to rise alongside his draft stock.

10. Ellis Robinson IV, DB (#1)

The redshirt-sophomore has the chance to put his name amongst the top rising defensive backs in the nation if he excels past his remarkable debut 2025 season. He logged four interceptions last year, so look for him to soar past that number and maybe even take one back for a touchdown.