The Georgia Bulldogs are shaping up to head into the 2026 season with a loaded roster-and thanks to a recent rule change in the SEC, they’ve got room to work with. The conference is now allowing teams to carry up to 105 scholarship players, a notable jump from the self-imposed 85-player cap that was in place for 2025. That expanded limit is already making an impact in Athens.
Let’s break down where Georgia stands right now.
Roster Snapshot: 2026
The Bulldogs have signed 26 players in their 2026 recruiting class, a group that brings both high-end talent and depth across the board. Add to that five players acquired through the transfer portal, and Georgia’s coaching staff has clearly been aggressive in reloading the roster.
One of the more feel-good stories to come out of this cycle is walk-on quarterback Colter Ginn. According to quarterback trainer Charley Loeb of QB Country in Atlanta, Ginn has officially been awarded a scholarship. It’s a big moment for the young QB, and it speaks to the program’s recognition of hard work and development.
All told, that puts Georgia at 101 scholarship players for the 2026 season-whether those scholarships are traditional athletic awards or funded through NIL avenues. And they’re not done yet.
Who’s Still on Deck?
Three more players are verbally committed and expected to join the program this summer:
- Chace Calicut, a defensive back
- Wade Register, a punter
- Colton Dermer, a long snapper
If all three arrive as planned, Georgia would be sitting at 104 scholarship players, just one shy of the new SEC limit. That gives the Bulldogs some wiggle room heading into fall camp.
Attrition Still in Play
It’s important to remember: the 105-scholarship cap doesn’t have to be finalized until fall camp. That means Georgia still has time-and likely will see-some roster movement. Whether it’s players declaring early for the 2026 NFL Draft, or more departures through the transfer portal, attrition is a natural part of the offseason.
So far, 13 scholarship players have entered the portal. That’s a significant number, but not unusual for a powerhouse program like Georgia, where competition is fierce and playing time is hard-earned.
Transfer Portal Window
The transfer portal officially opened on January 2, just a day after the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, and closed on January 16. That window gave players a chance to reassess their situations and seek new opportunities. For Georgia, it was also a chance to bolster the roster with experienced talent, and they’ve done just that with six total additions from the portal (including Ginn, now on scholarship).
By the Numbers: Positional Breakdown
Based on the current roster and without projecting future position changes, here’s how Georgia’s scholarship distribution shakes out:
- 49 players on offense
- 49 players on defense
- 3 scholarship special teams players
That’s a balanced roster, and it highlights the staff’s intentional approach to roster construction. With depth on both sides of the ball and specialists in place, Georgia is putting itself in a strong position heading into spring workouts and, eventually, fall camp.
Final Thoughts
The Bulldogs are navigating this new 105-scholarship era with precision. They’ve hit on high school recruiting, been selective and strategic in the portal, and left themselves just enough flexibility to adapt in the coming months. As always, the roster will evolve, but right now, Georgia looks like a team that’s not just reloading-they’re reloading with purpose.