Offense
The quarterback position is manned by Gunner Stockton. Year 1 saw him take command of the offense in some major victories, while also being a sign of concern in losses or other close games. Bridging the gap between his ceiling and his floor could potentially win this team a national championship.
The running back room is absolutely loaded. Nate Frazier is the lead back. He had nearly 1,000 yards last season. He is joined by Chauncey Bowens, Dwight Phillips, and Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell. This may be the deepest running back room in the country.
The wide receiver room returns London Humphreys and a slew of tight ends. Young talent such as Talyn Taylor, Sacovie White-Helton, Landon Roldan, and CJ Wiley, among others, will be relied upon. Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion has tons of experience and will be utilized heavily.
The offensive line room returns experience in Earnest Greene III, Dontrell Glover, and Drew Bobo. Juan Gaston and 6-foot-10 Jahzare Jackson will be utilized as well. The additions of TyQuez Richardson (Alabama A&M) and true freshmen Zykie Helton and Ekene Obboko are massive.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Xzavier McLeod, Elijah Griffin, Gabe Harris Jr., and Jordan Hall, among others. Watch out for Quintavious Johnson and Chase Linton coming off the edge. Both could be future stars. McLeod and Griffin are the anchors on the inside.
The linebacker room has a stellar trio in Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and Justin Williams. Wilson will hear his name called in the 2027 NFL Draft. Zayden Walker is another one to watch as he flashed last season. This is yet again, one of the top linebacker rooms in the country.
The secondary returns experience in Ellis Robinson IV, KJ Bolden, Demello Jones, Kyron Jones, and Resean Dinkins. The additions of Ja’Marley Riddle (East Carolina), Gentry Williams (Oklahoma), Khalil Barnes (Clemson), and Braylon Conley (USC) are absolutely massive for this unit.
Specialists
Kicker Peyton Woodring is entering Year 4 as a starter, and there may not be a better kicker in college football. Punter Drew Miller also returns and has a strong leg. The Bulldogs are in good shape here.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Tennessee State
- 9/12 Western Kentucky
- 9/19 at Arkansas
- 9/26 Oklahoma
- 10/3 Vanderbilt
- 10/10 at Alabama
- 10/17 Auburn
- 10/31 vs Florida in Atlanta, GA
- 11/7 at Ole Miss
- 11/14 Missouri
- 11/21 at South Carolina
- 11/28 Georgia Tech
Final Analysis
Kirby Smart is one of the best coaches in college football. This team was very young last season and still went 12-2. We have seen what older and more experienced teams can do during the College Football Playoff era. However, the Bulldogs will only go as far as Gunner Stockton takes them. Bridging the gap between his ceiling and floor is key.
