If you walk into a bar in Athens, Georgia, and shout "Herschel," you’ll probably get a free drink. Or a twenty-minute lecture on how he could still suit up today. Being one of the GA Bulldogs football players isn’t just a four-year gig. It’s a lifetime membership in a very intense, very loud family.
But things are changing fast. Between the transfer portal, the NFL exodus, and NIL deals that look like corporate mergers, keeping track of who is actually wearing the silver britches is a full-time job.
The New Guard: Who is Leading the 2026 Roster?
Honestly, the 2025 season was a wild ride that ended with a tough loss to Ole Miss in the CFP, but it set the stage for a new era. We just saw the January 14, 2026, NFL declaration deadline pass. It was a bloodbath for the roster, but not in the way you’d think.
Gunner Stockton is the guy now. Period.
After accounting for 34 total touchdowns and finishing seventh in Heisman voting last year, Stockton decided to skip the draft and come back for his final season of eligibility. He’s got that "gamer" quality. He isn't the tallest or the fastest, but he’s basically a linebacker playing quarterback. Fans love him because he’ll lower his shoulder for a first down even when he probably shouldn't.
The Weapons Around Him
With Zachariah Branch (who was a walking highlight reel with 81 catches) heading to the NFL, the receiving corps looks a bit different. Branch was basically a human joystick. Replacing that kind of explosiveness isn't easy.
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- Isiah Canion: The Georgia Tech transfer. Yeah, Kirby Smart actually went to the rivals to find a playmaker. He’s big, smooth, and should thrive in a pro-spread system.
- Sacovie White-Helton: Expect him to take over that slot/punt returner role. He’s twitchy.
- London Humphreys: The veteran presence. You need a guy who knows where the sticks are on 3rd and 8.
The backfield is a bit of a committee, which is typical Georgia. Dante Dowdell came in from Kentucky via the portal, and Nate Frazier is back after a solid sophomore year where he averaged over 5 yards a carry. It’s a "thunder and lightning" vibe.
Why the Defense Still Dictates the Terms
Kirby Smart’s defense is a factory. It’s basically an assembly line for the NFL. But losing CJ Allen to the draft hurts. Allen was a Butkus finalist and the heartbeat of the middle.
Raylen Wilson is the one everyone is watching now. He’s been in Allen’s shadow, but he’s got the range to cover the whole field. He announced his return on January 7, which was a massive win for the coaching staff.
The Trenches
The defensive line is where Georgia usually bullies people. Christen Miller is gone to the league, which leaves a hole. But Xzavier McLeod and Jordan Hall (assuming his knee is 100%) are massive humans who can eat double teams.
Then there’s the freshman everyone is hyped about: Elijah Griffin. He’s a sophomore now, but he plays like a 5th-year senior.
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The Greats: More Than Just Herschel Walker
You can't talk about GA Bulldogs football players without paying respects to the legends. Everyone knows Herschel. 1982 Heisman. 5,259 rushing yards. The 1980 Natty. He’s the undisputed king.
But the "greatest" list has grown lately.
- Brock Bowers: Is he the best tight end in college football history? Probably. He was the focal point of the back-to-back title runs.
- David Pollack: People forget how much of a nightmare he was. Three-time All-American. 36 sacks. Just pure, unadulterated motor.
- Champ Bailey: The man played offense, defense, and special teams. He was on the field for like 100 snaps a game.
- Stetson Bennett IV: The "Mailman." From walk-on to two-time national champ. He’s the ultimate underdog story that UGA fans will tell their grandkids.
The Reality of NIL and the "Business" of being a Bulldog
It’s not just about "Glory, Glory" anymore. It’s about "Classic City Collective" and market valuation.
Last season, Zachariah Branch had a $1 million NIL valuation. Gunner Stockton is sitting around $859,000. This matters because it keeps players from jumping to the NFL too early or hitting the portal for a quick buck.
Sometimes it gets messy. Look at the Damon Wilson II situation. Georgia actually took legal action seeking $390,000 in damages after he transferred to Missouri. They argued he breached a buyout clause in his NIL contract. It’s a landmark case. It shows that being one of the GA Bulldogs football players is now a high-stakes professional commitment.
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Moving Forward: What to Watch in 2026
If you're following this team, keep your eyes on the quarterback depth. With Bryson Beaver transferring in from Oregon, there’s actually a competition behind Stockton. Beaver was a 4-star kid who left the Ducks after they snagged Dylan Raiola.
The roster is deeper than it was in 2025. The SEC is allowing 105 scholarship players now, up from 85. That means more specialists, more depth on the lines, and fewer "tired" fourth quarters.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Track the Spring Game: This is where you’ll see if Isiah Canion and Gunner Stockton have that chemistry.
- Monitor the O-Line: With Monroe Freeling gone to the NFL, watch Earnest Greene and the young Ekene Ogboko. If the protection holds, the offense is scary.
- Follow the Wilson Lawsuit: The outcome of the Damon Wilson II case will literally change how every college football player in the country signs contracts.
The Bulldogs aren't going anywhere. The roster might turn over, and the names on the back of the jerseys might change, but the standard in Athens stays exactly the same. They expect to win it all. Every single year.