No. 3 Georgia is armed with plenty of talent entering the 2026 season.
With the season opener vs. Tennessee State nearly here, the DawgNation team answered this question: Who’s the player you feel is primed to dominate?
The guy you think will be a consistent, dominant presence, the type of difference maker who can be a turning point in a game or season. In fairness, Georgia is probably hoping many Bulldogs fall into that category, and that all stay healthy throughout the year.
This roundtable was featured in the Sept. 4 newsletter as a part of “Feature Fridays,” where each Friday the staff will chime in on anything from football to tailgating to their wildest sports memories.
You can subscribe to the newsletter here, and check out our answers below:
Connor Riley: “As the president of the Gabe Harris fan club, I am going to pick Gabe Harris. Georgia saw just how valuable Harris was a season ago when he missed the team’s season-ending loss to Ole Miss. He really developed into a disruptive player on Georgia’s defensive front late last season. If he carries that over into 2026, it should help elevate Georgia back into the very top class of the sport. Rather than a team that goes home after one playoff game.”
Mike Griffith: “Georgia will go as far as Gunner Stockton takes them, as he will be at the controls of a powerful offense that relies on adjustments and checks at the line of scrimmage. Stockton’s skills as a runner and passer will be pivotal when the Bulldogs clash against the likes of Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida and Ole Miss in the regular season as well as the postseason when the competition heats up even more.”
Jeff Sentell: “Ellis Robinson will be that guy for Georgia this year. He came in rated as the nation’s No. 2 overall recruit. The only guy ahead of him was Ohio State All-American Jeremiah Smith. Robinson will have that type of season and leave a legacy with DawgNation touting him as the best cornerback in Athens since the great Champ Bailey. All-American. Future first-round pick. He’ll be a difference maker in the playoffs, shutting down the opponent’s best receiver every week and coming away with key turnovers.”
Brandon Adams: “My pick for Georgia’s most dominant player this season is Ellis Robinson. He’s possibly the best cornerback in the country, and if opposing quarterbacks throw his way, he could help UGA accomplish one of its stated goals — which is forcing more turnovers.”
Cody Chaffins: “Chris Cole. He showed his impact last year in his ‘Jalon Walker Chess Piece’ role by leading the team in sacks and says he’s made it a point to work even more on his pass rush this offseason.”
Kaylee Mansell: “When I think of dominance, I think of pure disruption and who can wreak the most havoc. Therefore, I am going with UGA’s returning sack leader, Chris Cole. Chris has the ability to dominate in the pass rush and the athleticism to force turnovers. Sometimes you have to go with the most obvious choice and I believe Chris Cole is exactly that.”
Sarah Spencer: KJ Bolden. I totally agree with the Robinson hype, but I also think Bolden is right there with him in a talented Georgia secondary. Bolden was second on the team with 76 tackles and two interceptions last season and is carrying on the mantle of excellent safeties at Georgia in the Kirby Smart era.
Smart has praised Bolden’s instincts, tight end Lawson Luckie has lauded Bolden’s preparation and Cole pointed out Bolden’s growing leadership role this offseason. I think the stage is set for a stellar, dominant season from Bolden.
