ESPN has shifted where they had the Georgia Bulldogs in way too early 2026 College Football Top 25
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The Georgia Bulldogs head into the 2026 college football season with some high expectations. Can Kirby Smart’s squad fulfill them?
The Georgia Bulldogs head into the 2026 college football season with high expectations, which is typically the case under head coach Kirby Smart. With quarterback Gunner Stockton and some other talented players returning, it is easy to understand that hype. They have been a constant on the college football landscape for some time now.
To begin the offseason, ESPN ranked Georgia No. 4 in its early top-25. As spring winds down, Mark Schlabach has redone that ranking. On that updated list, he had Georgia come in at No. 3. There was apparently enough over the last few weeks to get some folks more excited.
Here is what Schlabach wrote about the Bulldogs and why everyone should buy in.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 SEC
Previous ranking: 4
Key players lost: WR Zachariah Branch, OT Monroe Freeling, LB CJ Allen, DT Christen Miller, CB Daylen Everette
Key additions: WR Isiah Canion(Georgia Tech), S Ja’Marley Riddle (East Carolina), CB Gentry Williams(Oklahoma), DE Amaris Williams(Auburn), S Khalil Barnes (Clemson)
2026 outlook: The Bulldogs were the second-youngest team in the SEC in 2025, but coach Kirby Smart still managed to win the program’s second straight SEC title and reach the CFP again. Georgia went back to its bread and butter under Smart — running the ball and stopping the run. Quarterback Gunner Stockton is back after a solid first season as the starter, and persuading tailback Nate Frazier to stay was big. The defense should again be stingy, and Smart retooled the secondary with experienced transfers. The Bulldogs will play only four games outside the state of Georgia in 2026: at Arkansas, Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina.
Why you should buy into Georgia
As long as Coach Smart is leading this team, the expectations are the same for the Georgia Bulldogs. They have a veteran quarterback returning, along with a ton of defensive talent, and a deep running back room. When this team is at its best, they have been able to run the football, play good defense, and take care of the football.
After some down moments in the secondary for Georgia recently, they should be a really strong unit in 2026. The emergence of cornerback Ellis Robinson was great sign, and KJ Bolden returning is huge. Adding former Clemson star Khalil Barnes to the unit was an underrated grab.
What could hold the Bulldogs back?
While the running back room should be strong for Georgia, the rest of the skill positions are a major question mark. With the offensive line a bit in transition, you would hope the weapons would be able to overcompensate for that question. I'm not sure that will be the case.
On the defensive side of the football, the pass rush was a major question mark last season. Based on the early feedback and injury, it's uncertain that it'll get much better. That is still a major concern.
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