Georgia linebacker Zayden Walker stepped into the spotlight last season, learning the ropes behind veterans CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson. As the Bulldogs leaned on him late in the year, Walker proved he was more than ready for prime time.
Throughout the 2025 season, Walker's role expanded, and the former five-star recruit showed he was a force to be reckoned with. Emerging as a reliable pass rusher, Walker is definitely a player to keep an eye on as we head into 2026.
Reflecting on his freshman year, Walker emphasized making the most of his opportunities.
"I've been working hard," Walker shared at Sugar Bowl Media Day. "I've had opportunities here and there, so I just did what I could do with the opportunities I've gotten."
Despite being one of four five-star recruits in Georgia's 2025 class, Walker had to earn his stripes with seasoned players like Allen and Wilson ahead of him. He patiently waited for his chance, gradually seeing more action as the season progressed.
Walker logged 15 defensive snaps over the first eight games, but it was against Mississippi State that he truly made his mark, recording 3 tackles. The following week against Texas, he was a game-changer, pressuring quarterback Arch Manning and notching a sack and a forced fumble in a decisive 35-10 win.
His performance was crucial, especially after Allen left the game with a knee injury.
"His first day here until now, he's grown so much," fellow linebacker Chris Cole remarked after the Texas game. "He got the opportunity to showcase all he'd been working on. I'm just so proud of him."
Walker continued to shine in the SEC title game against Alabama. In just 6 snaps, he sacked Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson late in the fourth quarter, sealing a 28-7 victory. Walker called this win a personal highlight of his freshman campaign.
"Having the confetti fall down, that was definitely a moment that will last with me forever. A moment that I can come back and tell my kids about," Walker reflected.
"We know all the hard work we put in. It just definitely felt like a great relief to let it all play out and go out and do our best."
In the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss, Walker played 12 snaps but didn't record any stats. He wrapped up his freshman year with 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks over 10 games.
Looking to 2026, Walker aims to expand his role, though the competition remains fierce with Wilson, Terrell Foster, Cole, and Justin Williams still in the mix, along with AJ Kruah, Nick Abrams II, Elijah Littlejohn, and Terrence Penick.
Walker demonstrated his potential in his first year as a Bulldog, and as he gears up for Year 2, he's focused on continuous improvement.
"Just try to be better every single day. Not looking too far ahead," Walker said. "Just seeing what I can do in that day to be better and better."