As the Georgia Bulldogs get ready for the 2026 college football season, they’re in a spot that feels pretty familiar. High expectations, but also some nagging questions that won’t go away.
According to a recent CBS Sports analysis, Georgia’s biggest concern heading into spring practice is the defensive front. That’s a shift from ESPN, which was more focused on the quarterbacks and receivers.
With the defensive line under the microscope, Kirby Smart and his staff are hoping to breathe new life into a pass rush that’s lost some of its bite. Honestly, it feels like the Bulldogs are searching for that old swagger up front.
Defensive Line: The Achilles’ Heel
The defensive front has become the team’s most glaring issue. Georgia’s pass rush just isn’t what it used to be back in 2021, when guys like Nakobe Dean and Nolan Smith were making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
Last season, they averaged just 4.2 tackles for loss per game. That’s actually the lowest of the Kirby Smart era—two fewer per game than the year before.
It’s put a big spotlight on the defensive line. Improvement here isn’t just a wish; it’s a must.
Key Players to Watch
Some young guys are getting their shot this spring. Sophomore Elijah Griffin is expected to take over at defensive tackle after Christen Miller left.
Georgia does have four starters back on the defensive front: Jordan Hall, Xzavier McLeod, Gabe Harris, and Quintavius Johnson. They’ve also added Amaris Williams, a transfer from Auburn, who’s supposed to give the pass rush a real jolt.
- Elijah Griffin: Stepping into a starting role at defensive tackle.
- Jordan Hall: Returning starter at defensive tackle.
- Xzavier McLeod: Another key returning tackle.
- Gabe Harris: Defensive end looking to make some noise.
- Quintavius Johnson: Outside linebacker hoping to spark the pass rush.
- Amaris Williams: Edge rusher from Auburn, pretty highly rated.
Offensive Changes and Departures
On offense, Georgia’s got its own headaches. Several key players are gone, including wideouts Zachariah Branch, Dillon Bell, Colbie Young, and Noah Thomas.
Tight end Oscar Delp, tackle Monroe Freeling, and guard Micah Morris have also moved on. Even so, the Bulldogs still have a solid core—quarterback Gunner Stockton and running back Nate Frazier are back.
Returning Offensive Starters
Here’s who’s back on offense:
- Gunner Stockton: Quarterback, ready to lead the charge.
- Nate Frazier: Running back, shouldering the ground game.
- Isiah Canion: Wide receiver with a chance to stand out.
- Lawson Luckie: Tight end, big shoes to fill.
- Earnest Greene: Tackle, anchoring the line.
- Drew Bobo: Center, steady in the middle.
- Dontrell Glover: Right guard, helping keep things together up front.
Defensive Retention and Additions
The defense does get a boost from several returning players. Besides the linemen mentioned earlier, linebacker Raylen Wilson and cornerback Ellis Robinson IV are back.
There’s also a solid group of safeties returning: Kyron Jones, Khalil Barnes, Ja’Marley Riddle, and KJ Bolden. Plus, Georgia picked up three new defenders through the transfer portal.
Returning Defensive Starters
Key names on defense include:
- Raylen Wilson: Linebacker, expected to lead.
- Ellis Robinson IV: Cornerback, reliable in coverage.
- Kyron Jones: Safety, adds depth.
- Khalil Barnes: Another safety back in the mix.
- Ja’Marley Riddle: Safety, hoping to make a mark.
- KJ Bolden: Experienced safety, solid presence.
High Expectations and Key Matchups
Once again, expectations are sky-high in Athens. The Bulldogs want to get back to the College Football Playoff and win their first game in the new 12-team format.
FanDuel Sportsbook has Georgia’s win total at 9.5 games—same as last year, and tied with Texas for the most in the SEC. Is it too high? Too low? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Crucial Games on the Schedule
Georgia’s schedule this year packs in several matchups that could make or break their season.
- Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee State: Season opener at home.
- Sept. 26 vs. Oklahoma: Home game against a top 10 opponent.
- Oct. 10 at Alabama: Tough road game against a top 15 team.
- Nov. 7 at Ole Miss: Another challenging road game.
- Nov. 14 vs. Missouri: Home game against a top 20 team.
- Nov. 21 at South Carolina: Final regular-season game on the road.
They’ve got a solid core coming back, and some new faces that could make things interesting. Still, the Bulldogs have to figure out their defensive front if they’re aiming for another championship run.
If you’re curious about the details, there’s a deeper dive over at CBS Sports’ biggest question mark for Georgia. Worth a look, honestly.
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