2026 Could Be Massive For This Georgia Bulldog Linebacker

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ATHENS - Once again, Georgia Bulldog assistant Glenn Schumann has the Dawgs loaded at the linebacker position.

Even with the loss of starter CJ Allen, Schumann and the Bulldogs will have one of the best linebacker units in college football for the 2026 season.

Starter Raylen Wilson is back for a fourth season. He’s an experienced, talented defender who will bring plenty of returning production and leadership qualities to the room.

Then there’s Chris Cole. One of the best overall players on the roster, Cole is a versatile linebacker who can make plays in the open field, is sound in coverage, and has proven to be one of the better pass-rushers on the team. At his best, Cole has the All-American potential in 2026.

Former five-star Justin Williams is also back and looking to have his breakout season this fall as a junior. Another talented, physically gifted defender with his best football still ahead of him, expectations are high for Williams this upcoming season.

But don’t forget about Zayden Walker. Another former five-star prospect, the Schley County native played in nine games as a freshman last year and has the potential to have an even bigger second season this fall. A speedy, athletic linebacker who knows how to attack the quarterback, Walker should see his role increased in a big way next season.

Here’s what Glenn Schumann had to say about his promising linebacker this past winter...

“We knew that Zayden had an ability to help us rushing the passer. That's something that he did his whole life. And we knew that, long-term, his ability to develop as a linebacker is gonna be good for his football career. And it was a matter of time and how he learned to, one, execute the plan within what we're doing. And then kind of let his skill set grow and develop because he has the natural tools as a rusher. But then you have to carry that over to an advanced level competition and go from there.”

“So I think Zayden's growth was expected”, Schumann added. “It was kind of a when, not if. And so he just worked really hard to work through the areas he had to get better."

As a freshman last season, the 6-foot-2 225-pounder made six tackles, two TFLs and two sacks.

Those sacks didn’t come against cupcakes, either. Walker had a big strip sack against Arch Manning and the Horns in Athens with the entire world watching. He also chased down Ty Simpson for a big sack during Georgia’s big 28-7 SEC Championship win over the Crimson Tide.

As good as Georgia’s starters are, it’s clear Walker may have “superstar” potential down the road. Not to say Chris Cole doesn’t, but Walker is absolutely a second-year player Georgia fans should keep a close eye on in 2026.