Georgia lands multiple players on ESPN’s midseason ranking of best players
By Mark Kern
Published:
Georgia may have lost last week to Auburn, but the Bulldogs are still off to a great start in 2026. They are 6-1 entering their bye week, before the Halloween matchup against Florida in Week 9.
A large part of the Bulldogs’ early success has been the play of quarterback Gunner Stockton (13th) and defensive star Chris Cole (4th), who were both named to ESPN’s midseason ranking of the top 25 players in the nation
Stockton, through seven games, has thrown for 1,570 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He had a tough game in the loss to Auburn, but he has been steady throughout the year. He has been the guy for the Bulldogs since taking over for Carson Beck in the 2024 College Football Playoff, and there aren’t many quarterbacks who do a better job of leading their team.
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Linebacker Chris Cole played in 14 games last year, but he started only one. He has 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks this year, while also recovering two fumbles. He is an explosive athlete who is capable of wreckign a game and is well on his way to being the next star Georgia defensive player to be drafted early in the NFL Draft.
If the Bulldogs are going to have the season that Kirby Smart is hoping they do, then these two are going to continue to lead the show.
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