The 2026 college football season is already generating buzz as the Georgia Bulldogs are slated to open the year ranked No. 3 in the US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25, a spot that reflects their continued ascent under Coach Kirby Smart.
Preseason Outlook
Smart's program has now earned a top‑three preseason ranking for five straight seasons, underscoring the consistency of his leadership. The coach himself is one of 73 voters shaping the 2026 poll, a testament to the Bulldogs' influence within the national conversation.
Georgia's roster returns a core of playmakers, including quarterback Gunner Stockton, running back Nate Frazier, center Drew Bobo, safety KJ Bolden, cornerback Ellis Robinson, and defensive lineman Elijah Griffin. Their experience should provide stability as the team prepares for a demanding slate.
The Bulldogs will open the season on September 5 against Tennessee State before confronting a series of preseason‑ranked opponents: No. 9 Oklahoma, No. 10 Ole Miss, No. 11 Alabama, and No. 25 Missouri. This schedule places Georgia at the center of a SEC that boasts nine teams in the top 25.