Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have once again turned to the transfer portal to reload at wide receiver - a move that’s become almost a yearly tradition in Athens. This offseason, the Dawgs added a familiar face from across the state, landing former Georgia Tech wideout Isiah Canion. It marks the fourth straight year Georgia has dipped into the portal to bolster its receiver room, and based on recent history, that’s been a winning formula.
From Dominic Lovett and Rara Thomas in 2023 to London Humphreys and Colbie Young in 2024, and most recently Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas in 2025, Georgia has made a habit of finding impact players through the portal. And while the Bulldogs weren’t as aggressive in the first window of the 2026 cycle, Canion looks like a guy who could step in and help immediately - and Georgia’s going to need that kind of help.
Let’s talk about what Canion brings to the table. At 6’4”, 215 pounds, he checks the box as a true “X” receiver - the kind of outside threat who can win one-on-one matchups, stretch the field, and give defensive backs problems at the line of scrimmage.
With Colbie Young and Noah Thomas both moving on to the next level, Georgia was short on size at that spot. Without Canion, the best option to fill that role was sophomore CJ Wiley.
Now, there’s a real competition brewing on the perimeter.
And make no mistake - Georgia needs playmakers. Six of the Bulldogs’ top seven receivers from last season are gone, either graduating or heading to the NFL.
The only one still in Athens? London Humphreys.
And while he had his moments last year, finishing with 18 catches for 276 yards and three touchdowns, that’s not the kind of production you build a passing game around. Georgia needs guys to step up - fast.
That’s especially true for quarterback Gunner Stockton, who’s entering his second year as the starter. Last season, he leaned heavily on Zachariah Branch, who set a school record with 81 receptions and accounted for about a third of Stockton’s total production. When Branch wasn’t the target, it was often Colbie Young - who, despite playing just eight games, still racked up 26 catches for 358 yards, second on the team.
Heading into 2026, there’s no clear-cut No. 1 option. There’s no Branch.
No Brock Bowers. No obvious go-to guy.
That could mean one of two things: either someone emerges as the guy, or the ball gets spread around more than we’ve seen in recent years. Either way, Canion is going to have a real shot to carve out a significant role.
Looking back at his 2025 season at Georgia Tech, Canion led the Yellow Jackets with four touchdown catches and finished third in both receptions (33) and receiving yards (480). He made plays in big moments - including one against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium - and showed he’s more than just a big body who wins jump balls. Turn on the tape, and you’ll see a receiver who can create after the catch, make acrobatic grabs in traffic, and even hurdle defenders when the opportunity presents itself.
That kind of versatility is exactly what Georgia needs. It’s what Young and Thomas brought during their short but impactful stints in Athens, and it’s the type of playmaking that could help ease the transition for Stockton as he adjusts to a new-look receiving corps.
Now, nothing is guaranteed at Georgia - not under Kirby Smart. Every position is a battle, and that competition doesn’t stop when the season starts.
But Canion’s combination of size, experience, and production makes him a strong candidate to earn serious snaps. His main competition for that outside role?
CJ Wiley, who brings similar size but less proven game experience.
Beyond Canion, Georgia’s receiving group will include returning names like Humphreys, Sacovie White-Helton, Talyn Taylor, Landon Roldan, and Wiley. The tight ends will also play a role, offering size and versatility in the passing game, as they always do in Georgia’s offense.
If history is any indication, Georgia’s portal pickups at wide receiver tend to make a difference. And with Canion now in red and black, the Bulldogs are hoping that trend continues in 2026.