Georgia football earns high spot in ESPN preseason power rankings
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The 2026 college football season is approaching, and ESPN released its preseason power rankings. There were plenty of SEC powerhouses in the rankings and the Georgia Bulldogs were front and center for the conference.
Georgia was ranked second in the preseason power ranking while the Texas Longhorns were ranked fifth. The Bulldogs had a great season in 2025, going 7-1 in the conference and 12-2 overall.
Georgia defeated Alabama in the SEC championship last year, 28-7, and they got the No. 3 seed in the college football playoffs. They took on Mississippi in the quarterfinals, the Sugar Bowl, but lost 39-34.
What ESPN says about the Bulldogs
ESPN's Mark Schlabach discussed the reasoning behind Georgia's No. 2 ranking.
"With the Bulldogs following SEC titles with quarterfinal exits in the CFP the past two seasons, coach Kirby Smart's team might be flying under the radar," Schlabach wrote. Georgia is the media's preseason pick to win the SEC, but the Dawgs don't have as much hype as previous seasons.
"Quarterback Gunner Stockton should be better in his second season as a starter, and the Bulldogs have tons of star power on defense. But can they generate a disruptive pass rush? Georgia ranked last in the SEC in sacks with 20 in 2025. Linebackers Chris Cole, Chase Linton and Quintavius Johnson are three names to know."
Although Georgia lost some good players to the NFL, they still have a lot of talent that can carry them through the season. They've been one of college football's premier teams and certainly that in the SEC.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton will be in his senior season and the weapons they have on offense, especially at wide receiver, will need to be up to par if they want to make another playoff run. Their defense is stacked and the staple of the team, so now it's up to coach Smart to lead them through the year and ensure they're up to the standard.
Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia football earns high spot in ESPN preseason power rankings
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos