Every college football team has question marks heading into the 2026 season. Whether it’s depth at a position or the need for a starter to emerge, every program is dealing with something. CBS Sports named its top non-quarterback position battle that could define the race for the 2026 College Football Playoff.
When it came time to break down Georgia, with its top pass catchers headed to the 2025 NFL Draft, wide receiver is an easy choice by CBS Sports as the position battle of intrigue.
The two-time reigning SEC champs have a steady hand at quarterback in Gunner Stockton, but the 2026 outlook relies heavily on some young players stepping into big roles. The Bulldogs lost four of their top five pass catchers to the NFL Draft, and six of their seven leaders in receiving yards overall. More consistency at wide receiver helped the pass game take steps forward, but now London Humphries is the only returning piece from that group. Isiah Canion transferred in from Georgia Tech and could compete for starting snaps, but he’s been held out of spring practice with an ankle injury. That’s opened the door for a lot of attention on some young stars who hope to bring some more explosiveness to the pass game, starting with former five-star prospect Talyn Taylor. The 6-foot receiver suffered a collarbone injury in October that limited his freshman campaign, but he’s gotten praise from coaches and teammates for his work this spring. Sacovie White-Helton is another name to know, as the redshirt sophomore hopes his track speed meshes with increased knowledge of the offense to help earn starter’s snaps.
Now, because we are talking about the Georgia offense, the pass game clearly is going to involve a good bit of work for the running backs and tight ends. Losing tight end Oscar Delp is a setback overall, but the position is well-stocked with what should be increased production for Lawson Luckie and Elyiss Williams. And while last season saw senior running back Cash Jones record more catches (20) than rushing attempts (13) for a second year in a row, leading returning rusher Nate Frazier should be capable of taking on pass-catching duties if needed.
Georgia is coming off a 12-2 season, winning the SEC Championship for the second year in a row, and losing in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl for the second year in a row. As far as starters departing, as of now, on offense, Georgia loses wide receivers Zachariah Branch, Dillon Bell, Colbie Young, and Noah Thomas, tight end Oscar Delp, offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, and offensive guard Micah Morris. On defense, they lose defensive tackle Christen Miller, linebacker CJ Allen, and cornerback Daylen Everette. Punter Brett Thorson has also exhausted his eligibility.
The Bulldogs return 17 starters this fall, adding three from other programs. On offense, Georgia returns quarterback Gunner Stockton, running back Nate Frazier, wide receiver Isiah Canion, tight end Lawson Luckie, offensive tackle Earnest Greene, center Drew Bobo, and right guard Dontrell Glover. On defense, Georgia returns defensive tackle Jordan Hall, defensive tackle Xzavier McLeod, defensive end Gabe Harris, outside linebacker Quintavius Johnson, linebacker Raylen Wilson, cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, safety Kyron Jones, safety Khalil Barnes, safety Ja’Marley Riddle, and safety KJ Bolden. Georgia also returns placekicker Peyton Woodring.
