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Georgia Bulldogs 2026 Positional Preview: Edge Rushers
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- Georgia Bulldogs 2026 Positional Preview: Edge Rushers
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Georgia Bulldogs head into the 2026 season looking to get back to dominating on the defensive side of the ball after what has been a bit of a roller coaster there the last few years.
Though of course the unit has not been horrible by any means, they also have yet to reach the kind of level Bulldogs fans had become accustomed to at the start of the decade, and they are going to do their best to get back to that version of themselves.
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With any defense that strikes fear into the opponents hearts, perhaps the single most important thing may be an ability to get to the quarterback, make him uncomfortable, force him to the ground, and force him into making silly decisions.
This year's Georgia team has the names to make that happen, and here is who you need to have an eye on this season for the Dawgs.
Gabe Harris Jr., EDGE
A former four-star recruit in the 2023 class, Harris started to make a real impact in 2024 and became a full-time starter in 2025. Now headed into his senior year, this could be the campaign where Harris finds a way to become a household name in the sport and potentially an NFL Draft talent.
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Harris is not only one of the best players Georgia has on the edge, he has also become an important leader. If the Dawgs are going to have a productive pass rush, he is going to have to reach another gear.
Quintavius Johnson , OLB
A rising junior, Johnson will likely be on the other side of Harris as the JACK linebacker trying to get after the passer himself. He has two sacks last season as a sophomore while becoming a full-time starter, and like Harris, this should be the year he takes that next step and introduces himself as a name that must be watched very closely.
Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, EDGE
Headed into his redshirt sophomore year after taking on a rotational gig in his first real playing action last year, Jonah-Ajonye is another key to this defense being able to produce at a high level. After putting up 11 quarterback hurries last year, this could be the campaign the Texas native turns some of those into sacks and finds a way to make a huge impact.
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JJ Hanne, The X-Factor
Hanne had a lot to adjust as a freshman and still found a way to play in every game and make an impact largely on special teams. The Germany native grew up playing basketball and soccer and has not played a ton of football in his life, so he should get better every season, especially in this program.
As a sophomore, him finding a way to make a significant impact would not be a surprise to anyone in the building.
