The Georgia Bulldogs have built a tradition of having a tough, physical running game. However, in recent years the Bulldogs have adapted with the times and have had more of a passing attack.
Guys like Stetson Bennett, Carson Beck, and now Gunner Stockton have benefited from the way the game of football has evolved. However, in 2025, Georgia had more total rushing attempts on the season than they did since 2022. In 2026, all factors are lining up so that Georgia will fully avert back to their 'old school' ways.
Georgia's Loaded Backfield vs Depleted Receiver Room
For the 2026 season, Georgia has already lost Zachariah Branch, Colbie Young, Noah Thomas, and Dillon Bell to the NFL Draft, meaning Georgia is losing four of its top six pass catchers from this season. The backfield, however, is expected to return all four of its top four rushers on the 2025 campaign in Nate Frazier, Chauncey Bowens, Dwight Phillips Jr, and of course Stockton are all returning next year.
Beyond that, Bo Walker is also expected to return and gain more attempts on the season. Georgia has even been predicted to land an elite SEC running back out of the Transfer Portal as well.
This loaded backfield could be relied on more heavily with such a heavy turnaround with the receivers.
Offensive Line gains experience
Over the course of the season, Georgia had five freshmen play on the offensive line. In particular, in their game against Alabama in the regular season Georgia had three freshmen play on the right side of the line of scrimmage. Because of this, Georgia had to utilize quick passes a lot more than usual.
Even with that much inexperience on the offensive line, Georgia still ran the ball and for good yardage. Now that those guys are more comfortable and suited to play, expect those rushing attempts to only increase. Experience matters in the SEC, and Georgia is about to gain a lot of it on their offensive line.
Overall, Georgia is losing in one aspect and gaining in another. Even if Georgia's transfer portal period is a major success and several stars come in to fill those holes in the receiver room, Stockton has yet to have any reps with those guys. In the backfield, all of those running backs returning know Bobo's system inside and out.
So look for Georgia to use the running game the most in Smart's era since Sony Michel and Nick Chubb were in Athens.