The Georgia Bulldogs enter the 2026 season looking to be the SEC Champion for three consecutive seasons in what would be a program first. With spring hall wrapping up and everyone getting a better picture of what teams will look like, it is time for us to start really analyzing the advantages and disadvantages each team has.
While some are more blatantly obvious, there are others that get overshadowed. However, one stat about Georgia’s schedule that has gotten overshadowed and it needs to be addressed more.
Georgia's Power Four opponents lack QB experience
Of Georgia's 10 regular season Power Four opponents, only three of them return their starting quarterback from the previous season. While this is likely the result of a new era in NIL and transfers coming in and out, it is still a shocking stat nonetheless.
Then there are teams like Alabama and Vanderbilt on their schedule that will likely be starting freshmen quarterbacks who have never started a collegiate game.
Other teams, like Auburn and Florida, will be in more of a scramble to find out who their next starter will be.
Meanwhile, Georgia knows exactly who their guy is in Gunner Stockton who is coming off a spectacular 2025 campaign. That level of poise and experience can be what Georgia needs to push them to yet another SEC title.
We have seen Kirby Smart be able to scheme and disrupt offenses that have new starters at QB, even if they are more experienced or incoming transfers. Just look at what the Bulldogs defense did to Jackson Arnold and Arch Manning last season.
It is not a groundbreaking stat or one that will break headlines, but it is without question one that creates a major advantage for Georgia. While these opponents will be breaking in new quarterbacks and trying to slowly adjust their new quarterback to their system, Georgia will be ready to go from the start.
If there was ever a time for Glenn Schumann to boost the blitzes, now is the time. And make no mistake, he was not afraid to do that at all last season. If he continues to dial those up and disguise coverages with experienced defensive backs KJ Bolden and Ellis Robinson IV, the sky is the limit for this defense.
Facing all of these new quarterbacks won’t guarantee a successful season, but it is another reason for fans to be hopeful that Georgia can repeat as SEC Champions.
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