Georgia

Last year's crushing playoff loss to Ole Miss has become Georgia's driving force entering 2026, with 14 returning starters forming the foundation for another championship run. The Bulldogs rank 8th nationally in JP+ (+21.3) behind a top-five defense (+10.2) and emerging offensive unit (+7.9) led by quarterback Gunner Stockton, who threw 34 touchdowns in 2025. They lost Zachariah Branch's 49.6 PPA production to the NFL Draft but countered by adding Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion (21.3 PPA) and Auburn edge rusher Amaris Williams through the portal. Defensive continuity remains exceptional despite moderate offensive line uncertainty, giving Georgia the stability needed to compete for SEC supremacy.

JP+ projects 9.0 wins for the Bulldogs in a schedule featuring road tests at Ole Miss and Alabama plus a neutral-site clash with Florida. The gap between Georgia's championship aspirations and that projection stems largely from offensive line questions and the brutal SEC gauntlet, though their elite defense and special teams unit (3rd nationally) provide consistent advantages. If Stockton builds on his breakout 2025 campaign and the defensive core maintains its dominance, Georgia has the ceiling to win 11-plus games and reach the playoff. If offensive line struggles create consistency issues, they're looking at a 7-8 win season in an unforgiving conference.