Georgia Football’s 2026 NFL Draft Class: Key Numbers and Insights
The 2026 NFL Draft concluded with several noteworthy outcomes for the University of Georgia football program. Among the highlights, Red Murdock was named Mr. Irrelevant as the final pick of the draft. Micah Morris, selected in the sixth round, marked Georgia’s last player off the board.
Georgia’s Draft Performance
This year, Georgia secured a total of eight players selected in the draft, accentuating its status as a premier football program. With this latest draft, head coach Kirby Smart has overseen the selection of 84 players since taking the helm ten years ago.
Key Statistics
- Total players drafted: 8
- First-round picks: 1 (Monroe Freeling, No. 19, Carolina Panthers)
- Second-day selections: 5
- Overall players drafted since Smart’s tenure: 84
- Total first-round picks under Smart: 21
- Georgia’s record: 117 wins, 21 losses, 4 SEC championships, 2 national titles
Freeling, the sole first-round pick from Georgia, becomes the sixth offensive tackle chosen in the first round since Smart took over. The draft saw a busy second night for Georgia, with multiple players being selected, including defensive tackle Christen Miller and tight end Oscar Delp, who were both picked by the New Orleans Saints.
Notable Selections and Teams
- CJ Allen, Linebacker: No. 53, Indianapolis Colts
- Zachariah Branch, Wide Receiver: No. 79, Atlanta Falcons
- Daylen Everette, Cornerback: No. 85, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Colbie Young, Wide Receiver: No. 140, Cincinnati Bengals
The Falcons have now drafted a Georgia player for three consecutive years. Atlanta general manager Ian Cunningham praised the Bulldogs’ program, noting its consistent ability to produce talented players.
Draft Rankings by University
In the 2026 NFL Draft, Georgia ranked closely with other notable programs in terms of player selections:
| School | Picks |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 11 |
| Texas A&M | 10 |
| Alabama | 10 |
| Clemson | 9 |
| Miami | 9 |
| Texas Tech | 9 |
| Georgia | 8 |
| Indiana | 8 |
| Others | 7 |
Georgia remains a dominant presence in the draft, with its record of 15 selections in a single draft established in 2022 still intact. However, this year marked a departure, as it was the first draft since 2021 without multiple first-round picks.
Following a successful previous season where Georgia achieved a 12-2 record and secured the SEC championship, expectations remain high. Key returning players include potential first-round talents such as KJ Bolden, Ellis Robinson, and Chris Cole. The Bulldogs are set to kick off the 2026 season against Tennessee State on September 5.
