Georgia’s 2026 Defense: Loaded with Talent, Fueled by Potential
ATHENS - The dust has settled. The transfer portal window has closed, the NFL draft declarations are in, and Georgia's roster is officially taking shape for 2026. After losing 15 players to the portal and seeing four more declare early for the draft, this is a team in transition-but not one lacking in firepower.
Yes, some big names are gone. Daylen Everette, Oscar Delp, Brett Thorson-those are experienced players heading to the NFL.
But Georgia doesn’t rebuild, it reloads. And when you look at the Bulldogs’ defensive depth chart, it’s clear: this is still one of the most talented rosters in college football.
Let’s break it down, position by position, and take a closer look at the names you’ll need to know in 2026.
Defensive Line: A Young Core Ready to Dominate
Defensive Tackle:
- Elijah Griffin (Soph.)
- Xzavier McLeod (Jr.)
- Jordan Hall (Jr.)
- Nasir Johnson (R-Soph.)
- Carter Luckie (Fr.)
- Preston Carey (Fr.)
Nose Tackle:
- Jordan Hall (Jr.)
- Xzavier McLeod
- Nnamdi Ogboko (R-Fr.)
- Valdin Sone (Fr.)
Defensive End:
- Gabe Harris (Sr.)
- Amaris Williams (Jr.)
- Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (R-Soph.)
- JJ Hanne (Soph.)
- Justin Greene (R-Soph.)
- AJ Lonon (Fr.)
- PJ Dean (Fr.)
What to Watch:
Don’t get too caught up in the positional labels-Georgia’s defensive front is going to be versatile. Kirby Smart and his staff like to rotate and move guys around based on matchups, and this group gives them the flexibility to do just that.
Elijah Griffin is the headliner here, and for good reason. He closed out last season on a tear and has the tools to become one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the country. Jordan Hall is another name to circle-he brings experience and versatility, capable of playing multiple spots along the line.
This unit has the potential to be Georgia’s best front since that legendary 2021 group. That’s not hyperbole-it’s a reflection of the depth, talent, and upside across the board.
Outside Linebacker: Searching for a Spark
- Quintavius Johnson (Jr.)
- Isaiah Gibson (R-Fr.)
- Chase Linton (R-Fr.)
- Darren Ikinnagbon (Soph.)
- Khamari Brooks (Fr.)
What to Watch:
This is one of the more intriguing position groups heading into spring.
Quintavius Johnson made strides late in 2025 and looks ready to take on a bigger role. But the Bulldogs are also banking on young talent to step up.
Gibson, Linton, and Ikinnagbon all have the tools, but they’ll need to develop quickly if Georgia wants to improve a pass rush that lagged behind SEC standards last season.
With Gabe Harris also capable of sliding into this group, there’s some flexibility-but Georgia needs someone to emerge as a consistent edge threat.
Inside Linebacker: Still Elite, Even Without CJ Allen
Mac Linebacker:
- Justin Williams (Jr.)
- AJ Kruah (R-Fr.)
- Nick Abrams (Fr.)
Money Linebacker:
- Raylen Wilson (Sr.)
- Chris Cole (Jr.)
- Zayden Walker (Soph.)
- Elijah Littlejon (Fr.)
- Terrence Penick (Fr.)
What to Watch:
Even with CJ Allen off to the NFL, this room might be the deepest and most talented on the team. Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole bring experience and explosiveness, and Justin Williams looks poised to take over a full-time role after flashing serious upside last season.
The real wild card here? Zayden Walker.
He’s too talented to keep off the field, and his performances against Texas and Alabama showed he’s ready for the spotlight. Georgia’s linebacker coach Glenn Schumann has an embarrassment of riches-how he deploys them will be fascinating to watch.
Cornerback: New Faces, Same High Ceiling
Right Cornerback:
- Ellis Robinson (R-Soph.)
- Braylon Conley (R-Soph.)
- Justice Fitzpatrick (Fr.)
Left Cornerback:
- Demello Jones (Jr.)
- Gentry Williams (Sr.)
- Jontae Gilbert (R-Fr.)
- Caden Harris (Fr.)
What to Watch:
Replacing Daylen Everette is no small task, but Georgia may have already done that internally. Ellis Robinson emerged as one of the top young corners in the country last season, and he’s ready to take on a bigger role.
The Bulldogs also dipped into the portal to add Gentry Williams, a veteran presence who should compete with Demello Jones for starting reps. Keep an eye on the freshmen, too-especially Justice Fitzpatrick, though he’s coming off a serious knee injury.
Safety: Talent, Experience, and Freshman Firepower
Free Safety:
- KJ Bolden (Soph.)
- Jaylan Morgan (R-Fr.)
- Jordan Smith (Fr.)
Strong Safety:
- Kyron Jones (Jr.)
- Zion Branch (Sr.)
- Ja’Marley Riddle (Jr.)
- Todd Robinson (R-Fr.)
- Blake Stewart (Fr.)
Star (Nickel):
- Rasean Dinkins (Soph.)
- Khalil Barnes (Sr.)
- Tyriq Green (Fr.)
- Zech Fort (Fr.)
What to Watch:
This is a group with depth and options.
KJ Bolden is the name that jumps off the page-he’s a rising star with elite range and instincts. Kyron Jones is coming back from injury, and his return could be a big boost to a secondary that’ll need veteran leadership.
Georgia also added Zion Branch and Ja’Marley Riddle via the portal. Riddle likely fits best at strong safety, while Barnes could see time at the star position. Sophomore Rasean Dinkins is another name worth remembering-coaches love his instincts and physicality.
And don’t sleep on the freshmen. With four talented newcomers in the mix, it wouldn’t be a shock if one of them finds his way onto the field early.
Bottom Line
Georgia’s defense in 2026 is a blend of experience, youth, and sky-high potential. Yes, there are some holes to fill-particularly in the secondary and at edge rusher-but this is still a unit loaded with blue-chip talent and battle-tested returners.
If the young players continue to develop and the new additions settle in quickly, the Bulldogs could be fielding a defense that rivals their best in recent memory. And that’s saying something for a program that’s made elite defense its calling card in the Kirby Smart era.