One thing the Georgia Bulldogs have never had a real issue with is the defensive line. The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with the fourth-best run defense in the country, and the scary part is that this year’s unit might be even better, by a mile. The Bulldogs’ head honcho Kirby Smart has stacked the front seven with six former five-star recruits.

After years of recruiting top talent and a little help from the portal, Kirby has built an impressive group of some of the highest-rated recruits in the country. While the 2021 Georgia defensive line is still considered the gold standard, the 2026 group might very well be the most talented collection of raw recruits Kirby Smart has ever put together at this position.

You’ve got Elijah Griffin, a massive interior force who was the No. 1 DT in his class. Some even believe he has the same ceiling as Jalen Carter. Another one is Jordan Hall, a physical specimen who recorded four tackles and a tackle for loss in the 2025 SEC Championship.

Speed demons like Isaiah Gibson (the No. 28 overall player in the class of 2026) and Amaris Williams (Auburn transfer) are coming off the edge to chase down quarterbacks. Gibson is already drawing comparisons to future first-round NFL talent by some.

Add in guys like 6’5, 275-pound Joseph Jonah-Ajonye and Valdin Sone, and you basically have a brick wall that’s also incredibly fast. Mind you, the Bulldogs still have Gabe Harris Jr. and Xzavier McLeod. Based on this, the Bulldogs could have the top run defense in the country next season, possibly the best in years.

Kirby Smart’s defensive philosophy is all about rotating bodies and keeping everyone fresh. So, do expect to see all these names on the field a lot. By the time the fourth quarter rolls around, most teams are exhausted. Georgia, meanwhile, will just be subbing in another five-star who’s ready to go at full speed.

After a tough playoff loss last January to Ole Miss, the Dawgs have some serious unfinished business heading into next season. With this loaded defensive front leading the way, Georgia is going to be an extremely tough outing for anyone on their schedule. They are clearly eyeing a return to the Natty.

Not only that. They are also keeping tabs on the next potential five-star defensive back in Jerry Outhouse.

Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs are in the race for the Swiss Army recruit

The Georgia Bulldogs are excited about their strong efforts to recruit 2027 four-star defensive back Jerry Outhouse Jr. He’s currently recognized as one of the top recruits from Texas and is proudly ranked as the No. 116 player nationwide. Coach Kirby Smart and defensive backs coach Donte Williams have been very engaged lately. Williams even traveled to Texas this month to visit the talented North Crowley High School star in person.

Jerry Outhouse is basically a Swiss Army knife on defense. While most recruiting sites label him as a safety, he’s an elite cornerback who can lock down one side of the field. Last season, he put up some serious numbers, finishing with 44 tackles and six interceptions. Even though he’s not labeled as a five-star, he has all the credibility and more.

Right now, Georgia is sitting pretty in Outhouse’s top-10 schools, competing with heavy hitters like Texas, Oklahoma, and Michigan. He’s been to Athens for a night game before and walked away saying that nothing else really compares to that atmosphere. However, he’s still exploring his options. He visited the Texas Longhorns in January and also received a fresh offer from Florida.

For now, keep an eye on his spring visits, as he plans to head back to Athens soon to see the Dawgs.