When you’re a perennial contender like Georgia, roster turnover isn’t a surprise-it’s a given. Every offseason under Kirby Smart has brought with it a fresh set of challenges, and 2026 is no different.
Whether it’s the NFL Draft calling or the Transfer Portal shifting the depth chart, the Bulldogs are once again in reload mode. But if history’s any indicator, this program knows how to turn question marks into exclamation points.
This year, three names stand out as potential breakout stars-players who’ve waited their turn, flashed in limited action, and are now primed to take center stage in Athens.
Sacovie White-Helton: The Next Man Up at Receiver
Let’s start with the wide receiver room, where Georgia faces a massive void after the departure of Zachariah Branch. Losing your top pass catcher is always a challenge, but when that player had more than triple the receptions of the next guy on the list, it’s more than just a gap-it’s a crater.
Enter Sacovie White-Helton.
The redshirt freshman stepped into the spotlight last season when Colbie Young went down, and he didn’t look out of place. He’s not a carbon copy of Branch, but the skillset is there-quick feet, sharp route running, and the kind of burst that fits perfectly into Mike Bobo’s offensive scheme.
White-Helton may not replicate Branch’s production overnight, but don’t be shocked if he becomes Gunner Stockton’s safety blanket before long. Every great quarterback needs a go-to guy, and White-Helton has the tools to be that guy.
Rasean Dinkins: From Depth Piece to Defensive Anchor
Every year, someone emerges from the shadows on Georgia’s defense. In 2026, that guy might just be Rasean Dinkins.
Before last season, only the most plugged-in fans knew his name. Surrounded by five-star talent and seasoned veterans, Dinkins-a four-star freshman-quietly carved out a role for himself. He finished the season with 13 tackles, a modest stat line on paper, but one that tells the story of a player earning trust in a crowded secondary.
Now, with Joenel Aguero heading to Ole Miss and Jacorey Thomas off to the NFL, the spotlight shifts. Dinkins won’t just be part of the rotation-he’ll be counted on to help lead a retooled secondary.
He’s shown he can handle the moment. In 2026, he’ll get a lot more of them.
Juan Gaston: A Giant Ready to Anchor the Line
Georgia’s offensive line has long been a factory for NFL talent, and 2025 was no exception. With Monroe Freeling and Earnest Greene declaring for the draft, the Bulldogs are reshuffling up front. But while the departures are significant, the emergence of Juan Gaston gives this unit a solid foundation to build on.
Gaston was thrown into the fire as a true freshman due to early-season injuries, and he didn’t just survive-he impressed. At 6'7" and 360 pounds, he’s hard to miss, but it’s not just the size that makes him stand out. He showed poise, power, and the kind of footwork that hints at big things to come.
With a full offseason to develop and a clear path to a starting role, Gaston is poised to be one of the most talked-about linemen in the SEC. Don’t be surprised if his name starts popping up on award watch lists as the season progresses.
Georgia’s 2026 campaign will look different-because it always does. But that’s the beauty of a program built like this.
The names change, the stakes remain high, and new stars are always waiting in the wings. White-Helton, Dinkins, and Gaston may not have been household names last year, but if they rise to the occasion, they’ll be part of the next chapter in Georgia’s championship chase.