Kirby Smart (HC) – Kirby Smart has beaten Texas twice in his head coaching career, and he’ll look to make it three straight when Georgia faces the Longhorns on Saturday. Both of those wins marked milestone moments for Smart and the program, and this matchup carries similar weight as the Bulldogs push toward another playoff run. Georgia’s preparation and discipline under Smart have been defining traits all season, and his ability to manage in-game momentum could once again be the difference.The pressure is on to uphold the momentum versus Texas, and Smart’s track record in big-time games speaks for itself.
Dillon Bell (WR #86) – Dillon Bell continues to be one of Georgia’s most reliable and versatile offensive weapons. Whether lining up wide or motioning into the slot, Bell’s physicality and smooth route running make him a consistent target for Gunner Stockton. He’s shown the ability to win on deep balls and make contested catches in traffic – a combination that gives this offense a steady presence on the perimeter. Against a Texas secondary that has seemed to struggle with coverage consistency this season, Bell’s ability to create separation and extend drives could be a major factor. Expect him to be heavily involved in Georgia’s early game plan as Stockton looks to establish rhythm through the air.
Chauncey Bowens (RB #33) – Redshirt freshman Chauncey Bowens continues to carve out a big role in Georgia’s rotation. He made a strong impact last week with a four-yard touchdown run that gave the Bulldogs a 10-7 lead over Mississippi State. Bowens runs with power and leverage, rarely going down on first contact. His physical style complements Nate Frazier’s explosiveness perfectly, giving Georgia a one-two punch in the backfield that defenses have to respect. Against a tough Texas defensive front, Bowens’ ability to grind out yards will be essential, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
Gunner Stockton (QB #14) – Gunner Stockton continues to prove why he belongs under center for Georgia. Coming off a strong performance against Mississippi State – three touchdown passes to three different receivers – Stockton appears poised and confident heading into a game that already carries personal history. The last time Georgia faced Texas, Stockton came off the bench in the 2024 SEC Championship after Carson Beck went down with an injury. All he did was lead the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win, sealing one of the most memorable comebacks in recent program history. Now as the full-time starter, Stockton will look to replicate that same calm under pressure in Saturday’s game. His leadership and ability to spread the ball around will be key in testing Texas’ secondary and setting the tone for Georgia’s offense.
Daylen Everette (DB #6) – Daylen Everette has become one of the anchors of Georgia’s defense. The senior defensive back continues to grow more each week, using his physicality and length to disrupt passing lanes. Everett will have his hands full with a talented Texas receiving corps that loves to attack vertically, but his technique and discipline give Georgia that stability on the outside. Expect him to be tested early and often, especially on deep shots down the sideline. If he can hold his own in one-on-one coverage, it will free up the rest of Georgia’s secondary to be aggressive and mix up looks against the Longhorn passing game.
Raylen Wilson (ILB #5) – Raylen Wilson’s speed and instincts were on full display last week, as he led the charge in Georgia’s front seven with six tackles. His range allows him to chase plays sideline to sideline, and his closing burst helps shut down running lanes quickly. Against Texas, Wilson will be critical in limiting explosive plays from both the run game and quarterback scramble. His ability to diagnose and react in real time makes him one of the most valuable players on this defense.
Brett Thorson (P #92) – In games where every yard matters, field position can quietly decide the outcome – and that’s where Brett Thorson shines. The senior punter continues to be one of Georgia’s most reliable specialists, consistently pinning opponents deep and giving the defense favorable situations. His precision and hang time can flip the field in a single kick, and that could be huge in a matchup expected to be physical and tightly contested. Thorson’s steady presence has been an underrated strength for Georgia all season, and his ability to control field position could once again play a key role in keeping the Bulldogs in command from start to finish.
In the Cotton Bowl on January 2, 1984, John Lastinger scored the lone touchdown of the game, and Kevin Butler delivered the point after.
Georgia defeated Texas 30-15 in Austin in 2024, with Butkus Award winning linebacker Jalon Walker recording three sacks, a fumble recovery and seven quarterback pressures.
Led by legendary coach Manuel Diaz, the Bulldogs defeated Texas in the finals of the 2008 NCAA Men’s Tennis Finals, capturing the sixth national championship in program history.