UGA Football Defender Gearing Up For Breakout 2026 Season
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ATHENS - As we all know, Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann will have one of the best linebacker rooms in college football next season.
Even without starter CJ Allen, “Linebacker University” isn’t slowing down.
Veteran Raylen Wilson is back for his senior season and is hoping to be one of the leagues’ best. Junior Chris Cole is one of the best players on the roster and could push for All-American status in 2026. The Dawgs also have promising sophomore Zayden Walker looking to make a big impact this fall.
But don’t forget about Justin Williams.
The former five-star prospect could’ve easily hit the transfer portal this off-season. The Texas native could’ve gone closer to home, earned an easier starting role elsewhere and started fresh in a new environment.
But Justin Williams stayed. Not only because he wants to be at Georgia, but because the staff wants him in Athens, too. They know his talent, potential, and presence in the locker room will be needed in a big way next season.
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“Well, he's probably one of the most positive people I've ever been around,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said about Williams last year. “He inspires hustle and effort. I just love the kid's energy. He's never down in the dumps. He competes. I think that he is the kind of alpha you need at the inside linebacker position. But, man, he competes, and we're basing our team and our roster and our culture on fire, passion, and energy. He embodies that, so we want to embrace that with him.”
Clearly Williams has already won over Kirby Smart and the defensive staff. That’s not easy, especially for someone in their second season.
While Williams has yet to consistently crack the starting rotation, his presence is still felt on the field. In a backup role last season, Williams made 38 tackles and broke up one pass in coverage. Now, Williams has a chance to consistently see the field and make a major impact in year three.
Listed at 6-foot-2 225-pounds, Williams brings a muscular frame and the ability to change directions quickly. He knows the defense, loves to practice, and could see his game improve significantly as a junior under the eyes of Glenn Schumann.
As we’ve seen many times over the years, year three is where Georgia linebackers thrive. Chris Cole could obviously have a gigantic season himself, but Williams has a really big opportunity in front of him this spring and beyond.
