Kirby Smart enters his 11th season at Georgia in 2026, while Mike Bobo returns for his fourth season as offensive coordinator. At quarterback, Gunner Stockton is back after completing 70% of his passes last season. At running back, Nate Frazier returns after leading Georgia with 68 rushing yards per game, and Chauncey Bowens also returns after averaging 41 yards per game. Update (Oct. 13): RB Nate Frazier continues to deal with a rib injury suffered against Arkansas and missed the Alabama game on October 10. RB Chauncey Bowens also missed Alabama with an ankle injury suffered against Vanderbilt. Dwight Phillips Jr. has taken on a larger role as Georgia deals with significant backfield injuries. Georgia must replace six of its top eight receiving producers from last season, but London Humphreys returns at receiver. Joining him are Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion, returning receiver Sacovie White-Helton, and tight end Lawson Luckie. Update (Oct. 13): WR Isiah Canion has missed three consecutive games with a lower-body injury suffered against Arkansas. His return timetable remains uncertain. Up front, the offensive line returns full-time starters Dontrell Glover and Drew Bobo, who made 12 and 11 starts, respectively. Ernest Greene also returns after nine starts, while Juan Gaston Jr. made four last season.

Glenn Schumann returns as defensive coordinator. Georgia brings back seven of its top eleven tacklers from last season after leading tackler C.J. Allen departs for the NFL. At linebacker, Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and Justin Williams return. Up front, Quintavius Johnson returns after 14 starts last season, Gabe Harris Jr. after 13, Jordan Hall after eight, and Xzavier McLeod after six. In the secondary, K.J. Bolden and Zion Branch return, and Clemson transfer Khalil Barnes joins the unit.

Kirk Benedict enters his third season overseeing special teams. Peyton Woodring returns as the starting placekicker after converting 90% of his field-goal attempts last season, and Drew Miller returns as the starting punter. Sacovie White-Helton returns with experience on punt and kickoff returns, and Nate Frazier is also among Georgia’s kickoff return options.

With continuity at quarterback, multiple offensive linemen with starting experience, and seven of its top eleven tacklers returning on defense, Georgia entered 2026 with an experienced foundation on both sides of the ball. However, injuries to Frazier and Bowens have created significant concerns in the backfield, while Canion’s absence has further tested a receiving corps already replacing considerable production from last season.