OFFENSE
Quarterback
Veterans
Gunner Stockton remains at the helm as Georgia’s starting quarterback, returning for his redshirt senior year with the Bulldogs. With a year of experience under his belt and two SEC Championships, he can take the next step that fans want to see. There’s no doubt he dealt with high-pressure environments last season, throwing one of the most clutch passes in Georgia history in Knoxville, Tennessee on 4th and 6 to put the Bulldogs ahead. Stockton’s ability to tuck and run continues to open up opportunities to fluster defenses, and another offseason under his belt will only perfect his skills to advance the ball down the field.
The veteran category expands this year as Ryan Puglisi, Colter Ginn, Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender all return. Puglisi has seen the most in-game reps, with 16 completions for 161 yards and a touchdown. His quick-firing throwing motion stands out most. Having a deep room at the quarterback position poises the iron-sharpens-iron effect, allowing each of these younger vets to compete for spots as the backup to Stockton.
Newcomers
Georgia brought in one new quarterback this season. Bryson Beaver joined the Bulldogs in an untraditional fashion. He initially signed with Oregon out of high school and enrolled. Yet, just 11 days later announced his intentions to transfer to Georgia. In the Bulldogs’ spring game, Beaver commanded the offense with nine completions on 13 attempts, including a touchdown. He also rushed the ball for 28 yards on three carries. The future of Georgia’s quarterback room is promising.
Running Back
Veterans
The running back room is poised to be one of the best position groups within the team. Nate Frazier Jr. returns after being just 53 yards short of the 1,000 mark. The Bulldogs haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since D’Andre Swift in 2019. Last season, it was made evident that Chauncey Bowens has all the tools to be elite at the position as well. Bowens saw an increase in workload with 103 total carries and busted the go-ahead touchdown over Florida late in the fourth quarter. Dwight Phillips Jr. also saw more action and is the smaller, but is a faster back in the group. Bo Walker showed promise as a true freshman, scoring a “hat-trick” of three touchdowns against Charlotte near the end of the season before being sidelined before the SEC Championship with a broken jaw.
Newcomers
Colquitt County’s Jae Lamar is one of two true freshmen backs in the room, totaling over 1,000 yards during his senior season in just 10 games. During G-Day, the 16th-ranked running back in the 2026 class carried the ball six times for a total of 26 yards. A late addition for the Bulldogs was Roswell’s Nick Peal. Peal grew up a Georgia fan and committed towards the end of April. His half-brother, Chris, was with coach Smart’s team for two years before transferring to Syracuse. In the portal, Georgia brought in 6-2, 225-pound Dante Dowdell. The Bulldogs’ new power back rushed for 560 yards as a junior last season at Kentucky. Dowdell had a 28-yard rush in this year’s spring game.
Wide Receiver
Veterans
There’s no doubt there could be concern for production from this 2026 wide receiver room since Zachariah Branch, Colbie Young, Dillon Bell and Noah Thomas are all taking their steps at the next level. The success of this room boils down to the elevation of returning pieces. London Humphreys enters his third year with the Bulldogs and should be considered the leader of the group with 27 games played in red and black.
Then comes the question of the screen game. Who will replace Zachariah Branch in the slot? The answer is simple, Sacovie White-Helton. The replacement won’t be 1:1, they almost never are, but White-Helton has a similar horizontal, twitchy movement seen in these high-level yards-after-catch receivers. Fans saw bits and pieces of names such as Talyn Taylor, Landon Roldan and CJ Wiley last season, but when the idea of elevating returning pieces is presented, these are the names in mind. Thomas Blackshear, Tyler J. Williams and Jeremy Bell are also returners who have seen the field. Blackshear and Williams have recorded a combined three catches at Georgia, while Bell, the former high school dunk champion and walk-on, continues to be highlighted for his athleticism. Finding recent videos of Bell dunking over receiver teammates is definitely recommended summer screen time.
Newcomers
The big name on the list is Isiah Canion. Canion, a transfer from Georgia Tech, is expected to fill more of a Colbie Young role. Watching him in-person against Pittsburgh last year, I thought, this is a guy Georgia needs to go after. He totaled four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Canion is a player that can go up and get the ball, and now he’s doing it for the good guys. The freshman class is highlighted by Craig Dandridge, Ryan Mosley and Dallas Dickerson. Dandridge was a star for Cambridge high school, hauling in 1,193 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior. He also led Georgia’s G-Day Red Team in total receiving yards with 43. Mosley had over 900 yards during his senior year with Carrollton’s elite program. Dickerson’s 10.36 100-meter time gives the offense the ability to use his speed as a decoy or gadget tool.
Tight End
Veterans
Right up there with the running back position in terms of talent is the tight end group. Todd Hartley continues to build one of the most complete and impressive rooms in the country. The expectations remain high after Bulldog fans had the pleasure of watching Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington on the same roster. Lawson Luckie returns for his senior year, after having a career-high three touchdown game against Ole Miss during the 2025 season. Jaden Reddell anchored the offense as a blocker alongside Luckie and Oscar Delp. While his stats were minimal, his consistency of putting pads on the other guy was impressive. Reddell showed his scoring ability during G-Day, with 38 yards and a touchdown. Colton Heinrich has spent most of his career as a reserve tight end, but he did have the longest reception of the day in Georgia’s spring game. Elyiss Williams and Ethan Barbour had different outcomes in their freshmen years, but the hope for both still remains high. At 6-7, 255-pound, Williams played in 13 games and is a massive threat. Barbour’s 2025 season was thwarted in the second game of the season when his ankle snapped. However, the freshman impressively worked his way back to health and appeared in the Bulldogs’ playoff game against Ole Miss. ESPN listed Barbour as their under-the-radar player for Georgia heading into the 2026 season.
Newcomers
This year, another crop of tight end freshman “beasts” linger in the locker room. Kaiden Prothro, Lincoln Keyes and Brayden Fogle all joined the roster this offseason. Prothro, the No. 3 tight end in the class of 2026 had a touchdown along with a 24-yard reception during G-Day. Prothro and Keyes both stand at 6-6, and Fogle measured in at 6-4. Fogle also had a big moment during G-Day with a 32-yard reception. These freshmen bring in the size of instant-impact players.
Offensive Line
Veterans
Georgia continues to bring offensive line talent to the NFL. This year was no different. Monroe Freeling went in the first round and Micah Morris in the sixth, leaving some holes to fill heading into the 2026 season. Earnest Greene III and Drew Bobo are the leaders of the group in terms of age and experience within the program. The question is: how will the playing time be distributed this season? The offense rotates pieces of the line continuously and alternates between personnel. Dontrell Glover and Juan Gaston were thrown into the mix early last year as true freshmen, while players like Daniel Calhoun, Michael Uini and Malachi Toliver were used more as rotational pieces. Toliver was given the chance to start at center once Drew Bobo went down with an injury. Jahzare Jackson came into Georgia as a raw prospect and former standout basketball player in the Overtime Elite league. Jackson is now in his third year of collegiate football after playing in all 14 games last season. At 6-10, 350-pound, he’s one of the biggest offensive tackles in the land. The Bulldogs will also look to the development of Cortez Smith and Dennis Uzochukwu, both entering their redshirt freshman seasons.
Newcomers
With the question of Drew Bobo’s foot injury heading into the season comes rumors surrounding the position. One of the names listed to have a shot at starting is true freshman Zykie Helton. Helton is the lone player listed specifically as a center on the 2026 roster chart. Ekene Ogboko is the highest-rated newcomer at the offensive line position, playing both offensive and defensive tackle in high school. You may recognize the last name. His brother, Nnamdi, is a redshirt sophomore defensive lineman. Tyreek Jemison, Graham Houston and Zach Lewis are other new additions who were all ranked top-50 at their positions in the 2026 class. TyQuez Richardson transferred in after starting all twelve games last season for Alabama A&M. When it comes to Georgia looking at another shot to have a 1000-yard rusher, this is the group that will have to take a step up. There’s no shortage of a running back rotation, and the Bulldogs must see success from the new and returning faces of the Great Wall of Georgia.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Veterans
One of the most infamous positions in the Kirby Smart era lies at the defensive line. Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Devonte Wyatt are just a few of the names that have shined for Georgia and are now stars at the next level. There’s been no lack of talent for the group, but it does feel like there has been a lack of production recently. The team totaled just 20 sacks last season according to the cumulative statistics, down 17 from the year prior. Jordan Hall is back for his redshirt junior year. Hall started in eight games last season before being sidelined with a knee injury. The former transfers Josh Horton and Xzavier McLeod stamped their names as pieces of the rotation, each playing in all 14 games of the 2025-26 season. Elijah Griffin and Isaiah Gibson entered as No. 1 ranked prospects at their positions in the 2025 class. Griffin saw action in every game and was named to the Freshman All-SEC team. Gibson appeared as a reserve defensive end and will take advantage of his redshirt opportunity. Joseph Jonah-Ajonye started in one game but appeared in all 14. He was credited with 11 quarterback hurries. JJ Hanne, Justin Greene and Nnamdi Ogboko were all reserve linemen, each appearing in multiple contests.
Newcomers
Names to know … Valdin Sone, PJ Dean AJ Lonon Jr, Carter Luckie and Preston Carey …
Sweden-native Valdin Sone helped lead Sweden to 2024-25 IFAF European Junior Football Championship, before becoming the first European to be a five-star recruit. PJ Dean ranked as the No. 11 defensive prospect in the nation with six sacks and two forced fumbles during his senior campaign. 6-5, 275-pound freshman Carter Luckie joins his brother this year after spending time watching him in the stands as a recruit. Carter is the brother of tight end Lawson Luckie. His father, Mike, and uncles Dustin and Miles all lettered for Georgia. The legacy continues. AJ Lonon Jr. didn’t have to travel far after making his decision for where he wanted to play college ball. The Clarke Central defensive lineman had eight sacks during his senior year. Preston Carey is the last new name of the group, coming from IMG Academy.
Linebacker
Veterans
CJ Allen took the step to the next level (NFL), but the linebacker well at the University of Georgia will seemingly never run dry. For awhile, Allen and Raylen Wilson were the one-two punch, controlling the middle of the field. Now, it’s Wilson’s time to get paid. He had 74 tackles along with 2.5 sacks last season. Outside linebackers Quintavius Johnson and Gabe Harris Jr. combined for 27 starts, 61 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss. Darren Ikinnagbon, sophomore outside linebacker, is another name to watch. Chris Cole and Justin Williams are one of the team’s premier duos. The two friends show a bond both on and off the field. Both saw action in every game. Cole was credited with a 10-yard sack in Georgia’s overtime win over Tennessee. Zayden Walker was the No. 1 linebacker in the class of 2025 and saw the field in 10 games during his first season with the Bulldogs. If you want to get a shot at playing early, it’s safe to say Georgia does a pretty good job.
Newcomers
Keeping it near Athens with another North Oconee recruit … this time, it’s inside linebacker Khamari Brooks. He was a standout for the Titans, playing both linebacker and tight end, contributing to the teams’ state championship as a junior. After sustaining an injury during his senior season, his next action came in G-Day, where he had two sacks. Nick Abrams II, Elijah Littlejohn and Terrence Penick Jr. are other inside linebacker additions. Littlejohn had the most tackles of the newcomers during G-Day with four, while Abrams II and Penick Jr. each had two. Amaris Williams is another addition to the group, but he will be sidelined for the 2026 season after sustaining a torn ACL.
Secondary
Veterans
Two names that everyone should know by now are Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden. The biggest threats of Georgia’s secondary. Both had multiple interceptions last year, while Robinson IV tied for first among SEC players with four. With the departure of Daylen Everette, Robinson IV is the top returning starter at the position. Bolden came in with all the hype in the world, and he has lived up to it. He even got his first ever punt block in football in the Bulldogs’ matchup against Marshall. Demello Jones was another defensive back that brought juice to the secondary, showing signs of energy similar to Kamari Lassiter a few years back. Jontae Gilbert and Jaylan Morgan each appeared in one game last season and used their redshirts. Both had multiple tackles in the spring game. Todd Robinson, Rasean Dinkins and Zion Branch are contenders for the back half of the secondary at the safety positions. Robinson came from Valdosta High School, playing multiple positions, most notably quarterback. He was a standout in the spring game, with a game-high seven tackles. Robinson also recorded an interception. Branch remains in the same state as his brother and former Bulldog, Zachariah, one of the Falcons’ newest receivers. Dinkins led G-Day’s black team with five total tackles.
Newcomers
Names to know … Braylon Conley (USC), Gentry Williams (OU), Khalil Barnes (Clemson), Ja’Marley Riddle (ECU), Zech Fort, Tyriq Green, Caden Harris and Jordan Smith …
The Georgia staff recruited hard this cycle at the secondary position. They brought in four transfers as well as a haul of high school recruits. The portal additions include two cornerbacks and two safeties. Braylon Conley spent two years with the Trojans, seeing action in 10 total games. Gentry Williams was with Oklahoma for four years but has spent the last two seasons dealing with shoulder injuries. In his four games before injury last season, Williams had 10 tackles and two pass breakups. Two competitive pieces for the room. Safety Khalil Barnes brings back the trend of former North Oconee players. Barnes, with Clemson for three years, was recruited by Georgia out of high school but will spend his first year with the Bulldogs as a senior. Ja’Marley Riddle spent two seasons with East Carolina, helping the Pirates to a win over Pittsburgh in the Military Bowl. Riddle had 70 tackles and three interceptions last season. Freshmen additions include Blake Stewart, Zech Fort, Tyriq Green, Caden Harris and Jordan Smith. The defense can compliment this group with improved play at the line of scrimmage.
Special Teams
Veterans
Brett Thorson’s time at Georgia has come to a close. Not everyone may know it, but talent has been looming behind him waiting for the opportunity. Drew Miller has only punted the ball 10 total times in-game for the Bulldogs, but has been with the program for two years. Miller was ranked as the No. 1 prospect at his position in his class and was a three-star on 247Sports. He booted the ball six times against Marshall, including a career-high 54-yarder against the Herd. The placekicking duties for Peyton Woodring aren’t going anywhere. The senior went 17-19 last season with a long of 53 yards. Woodring has made all 173 PATs in his career and is second behind Rodrigo Blankenship in Georgia’s program history for extra points made.
Newcomers
The Bulldogs brought in two highly-touted special teams prospects this year. Wade Register, the No. 1 punter in the state of Georgia, and Harran Zureikat, the No. 1 placekicker in the nation, according to KohlsKicking.com. Register punted eight total times during G-Day, averaging 34.0 yards per punt. Zureikat attempted two field goals for the black team, making a 28-yard attempt and missing a 51-yard attempt. Zureikat did have success kicking the ball off, sending the ball an average of 64.5 yards and forcing three touchbacks. His career-long in high school was 65 yards.