ESPN names under-the-radar player for Georgia entering 2026 season
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Georgia Bulldogs have won back-to-back SEC titles the past 2 seasons despite some struggles on offense. The Bulldogs haven’t reached the heights they reached under Kirby Smart in 2021 and 2022, when they won back-to-back national championships in dominant fashion, but this is still an elite program.
One thing that has plagued Smart’s program since TE Brock Bowers left for the NFL? A lack of consistency from pass catchers.
The tight end position hasn’t received much attention in the passing game since Bowers left. Though Oscar Delp was just taken in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, he only recorded 70 catches for 854 yards and 9 touchdowns in 4 years at Georgia.
For context, Bowers had 63 catches for 942 yards as a sophomore in 2022 and caught 13 touchdown passes as a freshman in 2021.
So, it’s no surprise that Smart needs to get more offensive production from that position in 2026 if the Dawgs are going to be a threat to win the national championship. ESPN released a list of under-the-radar players for each top 25 team this fall, and analyst Mark Schlabach highlighted TE Ethan Barbour as Georgia’s guy:
Under-the-radar players: TE Ethan Barbour. Georgia has some question marks at receiver after four key contributors left, so perhaps it’s time for the Bulldogs to get back to throwing to their tight ends. Georgia is loaded at the position with Lawson Luckie, Jaden Reddell and Elyiss Williams coming back. The Bulldogs also signed Kaiden Prothro of Bowdon, Georgia, who was the No. 1 tight end in the Class of 2026, according to ESPN Recruiting. But Georgia’s coaches were very high on Barbour before he broke his ankle in the second game of the 2025 season. Kirby Smart loves his toughness, blocking ability and versatility. He’s a capable pass catcher too.
Of course, some improvement from QB Gunner Stockton as a passer will be necessary for the offense to hit its stride. OC Mike Bobo will also draw criticism if the offense flounders early. But the Bulldogs have plenty of options at tight end to make that position a weapon this fall.
Will Georgia win its third-straight SEC championship this season? Here’s what the latest Kalshi market says:
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Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
