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ATHENS - For the Georgia Bulldogs to be at their best, several players on defense need to take their game up a notch.
The Dawgs have an extremely talented defense, but several up-and-coming defenders need to make a bigger impact this upcoming season.
Here are a few names on defense to keep a close eye on this fall...
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Joseph Jonah-Ajoye - Defensive Line
A third-year defensive lineman that the Dawgs need to emerge this season, Jonah-Ajonye is a former five star prospect who played in 14 games last year, making one start. He made nine total tackles with 11 quarterback pressures, but the defensive needs more out of him this fall. He's battled through some injuries over his career, but he's a gifted player with plenty of size at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds. This is someone Tray Scott needs to develop into a consistent, run-stopping defender who can also create havoc on the quarterback. It’s “go-time” for Jonah-Ajonye in 2026.
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Nasir Johnson/Nnamdi Ogboko - Defensive Tackle
The Bulldogs desperately need a space-eating, run-stuffing anchor in the middle of the trenches, and both Johnson and Ogboko are heading into year three and around the 340-pound mark. The Dawgs were excellent against the run last fall, and if they want to do the same in 2026, one of these two interior defensive tackles will need to step up their game. They need someone who can close running lanes, take on double teams, and make things easier for the defenders around them. It’s important one of these two emerge this fall.
Isaiah Gibson - Defensive Line
Another former five-star prospect, Gibson played in just three games last fall and will enter his redshirt-freshman season this fall with high expectations. Georgia needs pass-rushers to emerge this season and that’s exactly why they signed Gibson out of Warner Robins (GA). The 6-foot-5 255-pounder was ranked as the No. 1 EDGE defender in the country out of high school, and in year two, it’s important Gibson starts to show that talent. He brings a lengthy frame, good burst, and has the tools needed to be a consistent pass-rusher. It’s clear the Georgia staff need him to take the next step in his progression sooner than later.
Demello Jones - Cornerback
A defensive back to took a big step forward last year, Jones has the potential to have a giant junior season if he continues to progress and develop properly during fall camp. A favorite to earn one of the starting cornerback jobs, Jones played in 12 games last fall, making 25 tackles and breaking up five passes. He’s a tough, physical cornerback who continues to progress in coverage. He’s fresh off a strong sophomore season, but the Bulldogs need him to be even better as a junior if they want to be their very best in the secondary. There will be plenty of eyes on Ellis Robinson, but Jones is someone else who needs to take his game to another level.
Kyron Jones - Safety
A Bulldog safety who missed half of the 2025 season, Jones started all six games he played in, securing 24 tackles and recovering a game-changing fumble against the Auburn Tigers. Jones made a major impact when he was on the field but will have to win his job back with many other safeties fighting for playing time. Jones started for a reason, and Georgia’s defense could be at his best with a healthy Kyron Jones back in the lineup. If he is Jones could be in store for a massive fourth season this fall.
