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ATHENS - As good as Georgia’s defense was last season, it’s clear there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
The Bulldogs sacked the quarterback just 20 times last season. The lowest in the Kirby Smart era.
That has to change.
They also forced just 13 turnovers on defense, which was also tied for the lowest mark in the Smart era.
“We’ve got to generate more turnovers and generate more havoc,” Smart told reporters last week.
In order to generate more havoc, Smart hired “pass-rushing specialist” Larry Knight to the staff to coach the outside linebackers. At Arkansas State last year Knight’s group recorded 39 sacks, first in the Sun Belt Conference.
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Now, Knight has an incredibly talented group led by two veterans in senior Gabe Harris and third-year defender Quintavius Johnson. Two dependable run defenders who need to create more havoc this fall when attacking the quarterback.
Then there’s Chase Linton, a Georgia native with high expectations heading into year two.
”We recruited Chase because of some redeeming qualities,” Smart told reporters this spring. “Number one, character, effort, intelligence. He's exemplified those things and has probably been tougher than I expected in terms of the guy likes contact and he likes hard work. He's been a high motor player for us. I've been very pleased with Chase's progress, and we need him to get better to give us some of the pass rush we need."
Sophomore outside linebacker defender Darren Ikinnagbon has the potential to take a big step forward, and incoming freshman Khamari Brooks flashed during Georgia’s G-Day scrimmage this spring.
So the talent is there. It’s up to Knight to get the most out of his extremely promising group.
Still. The Bulldogs also need to create more pressure in the trenches. That’s where former five-star Isaiah Gibson comes into play.
Ranked as the No. 1 EDGE defender out of high school, the former Warner Robins (GA) standout could likely play more on the line than on the edge this fall. He’s a pass-rusher who needs to take a big step forward in 2026.
“He's a high effort, really tough, hard-nosed player,” Smart said this spring. “He's bounced in between what we call the ‘big end’ and the ‘Jack’, and he's playing both of those positions and helping us fill a role. He's flashed at times, especially in the pass rush with quickness and suddenness. I like his energy at practice. He loves the game and he plays really hard. He’s continuing to improve.”
Georgia’s got guys. There’s no lack of talent. There was a lack of production last year, and in the end, it cost them badly in the Sugar Bowl.
Georgia’s defense needs to be at their best when it matters most. And for that to happen, they’ve got to create more havoc, which will likely lead to more turnovers.
And that’s exactly what Georgia needs more of.
