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ATHENS - The Georgia Bulldogs were missing one of their biggest weapons during their heartbreaking Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss.
After a strong 2025 SEC Championship game performance, veteran outside linebacker Gabe Harris was held out of the Sugar Bowl due to a turf toe injury. As good as Georgia’s defense was against the Tide, it was clear they missed Harris when they were getting carved up by Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels offense in New Orleans.
Injuries happen. That’s football. But in reality that particular injury may have cost the Bulldogs another shot at a national title.
Thankfully, Gabe Harris will be back for his fourth season as a Bulldog this fall. Not only will Georgia need his physical toughness, but Kirby Smart said this spring to Cole Cubelic and Greg McElroy that Harris’ leadership will also be a key to Georgia’s success in 2026.
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“Man, Gabe (Harris) brings physical toughness”, Smart said in the interview. “That was probably one of the most painful conversations I had to have after the SEC championship where he was peaking. He played better down the stretch when he got confidence and he played in that game with a very serious foot injury in the Alabama game. When we had to go see him, he just thought he was going to be fine. Then when we had to tell him he was out and had to have surgery because he couldn't play with it. He was crushed but he still has great toughness. He's got great pass stability and shoot, he was back out there at the end of spring, going through drills without pads on and trying to compete against our guys.”
Smart also spoke highly of Harris before the Sugar Bowl when asked about his status for the game.
“Gabe is a wrecker, man. He wrecks things. He's tough, physical, relentless. He's been a force with our defense. He's one of those guys that doesn't question things. He just gets out there and works, competes, and gets better. And really proud of the improvement he's made for our defense.”
Not having a player like Harris with the season on the line was a tough blow. But if Harris can stay healthy and continue to progress in fall camp he’ll likely give Georgia what they desperately need this season. A consistent pass-rush.
Gabe Harris signed with Georgia in the 2023 class with Sam M’Pemba and Damon Wilson. Those two are gone, but Harris stayed the course. He battled, competed, and has become a key contributor for a defense with high-expectations this upcoming season.
Others will need to step up around him, but it’s clear a healthy Gabe Harris could be a game-changer for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldog defense this fall.
