Which Georgia Coordinator Is Facing More Pressure in 2026?
by Chito Chibuye
Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus
At the University of Georgia pressure is different than it is at most schools. Here, pressure is a privilege. Kirby Smart has elevated this University to an annual contender that expects to compete for National Champions every year. However, we have to acknowledge that CFB has changed drastically. The result so far, UGA hasn’t been to the title game since the new NIL rules began, and the SEC hasn’t won a title in 3 years and counting. Whether we like it or not, the SECCG no longer guarantees a chance at a natty the way it used to as UGA is back-to-back conference winners with 2 first round exits to follow. One being to an in conference foe. Both of UGA’s coordinators are in prime position to excel in 2026 with their returning talent if they can fix a few mistakes from last year, but with that being said which coordinator is facing more pressure this year?
OC Mike Bobo: 2023-2026
History is not on this coordinator’s side as much of the fanbase remembers what could have been. However, the offense saved us in multiple games in 2025 and was not the reason we lost to Ole Miss in round 1 of the playoffs.
Offensive Scoring
2023: 40.1 pts/g (5th)
2024: 34.6 pts/g (22nd)
2025: 32.1 (28th)
As you can see the pts/g have dropped every year since Bobo was the OC. You can blame the defense, the injuries, or the drops if it makes you feel better but those are the numbers. To Bobo’s credit he has led the offense to 2 SEC Championships in this same timeline.
Talent
QB: Gunner Stockton (7th in Heisman race, SECCG MVP, 3rd All-SEC)
This dual-threat Senior is ready to be fully unlocked. Leading the team with 10 Rush TDs in 2025. If his decision making in the deep passing game can take a step forward UGA will be scary.
OL: Projected as one of the best units in the country with 2, 1st team All-SEC players including his son (Drew Bobo and Earnest Greene III) running the ball and protecting Gunner will not be an issue.
TE: This is not hyperbole. I think this could be the best TE room in the country and in school history. There are 5 NFL TEs in this room with a variety of skillsets to create mismatches. Bobo has to excel with these weapons.
Goal
The RB room is deep and talented leaving most of the questions for the WR room. I see these receivers more as wild cards than question marks personally. Canion, Humphreys, Talyn, and CJ Wiley have talent, and Sacovie and Dandridge help with depth. If Bobo can use these WRs to open things up for the run game and TEs underneath, defenses won’t be able to keep up in 2026.
Pressure rank: 8/10
DC Glenn Schumann: 2022-2026
Schumann has been looked at more favorably than the OC because of the LB’s he has produced while at UGA and our program was known for its stingy defenses that he’s been a part of since day 1. That changed last year in games against Tennessee, Bama, and Ole Miss in the playoffs. The offense saved us in key moments last year while our secondary struggled so this is the year to return the favor.
Defensive Scoring
2023: 15.6 ppg (5th)
2024: 14.5 ppg (2nd)
2025: 17.5ppg (10th)
It’s very hard to be critical of these numbers as this defense still shows a bend don’t break mentality, has been elite in the red zone and was a top 5 run defense last year. At times last year it did feel like we couldn’t get stops in big moments however.
Talent
This defense is LOADED. I truly think this defense will be as good as 2022. There are 5 ⭐️ and #1 players at each level who were young last year and STILL won the SEC
Secondary:
S KJ Bolden (1st team All-American, 1st All-Sec, #1 returning safety, #11 OVR player by PFF)
CB Ellis Robinson IV (1st SEC, best defensive freshman ‘25, former ESPN #1 OVR recruit)
NC Khalil Barnes (3rd SEC, former All-ACC DB at Clemson) Demello Jones, Rasean Dinks, Riddle, etc.
LBs:
Deepest and most Talented LB room in the country. Former #1 Justin Williams, Elite Chris Cole, Vet Raylen Wilson (2nd SEC, 5 star Zayden Walker. Multiple edge players that can win (Q Johnson, Gibson, Linton)
DLine:
Even after losing Amarius Williams we have Elijah Griffin (2nd All-SEC) who could be the next great UGA DL, Gabe Harris (3rd SEC) returns, Jordan Hall to anchor, Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Xavier McCleod, Josh Horton, etc.
Goal
The biggest goal will be for this secondary to put it all together. The talent is undeniable and has another year of experience. Better coverage will give this front 7 a chance to add sacks to last year’s pathetic total of 20. So secondary growth is BOGO free.
Pressure Rank: 8.5/10
Final Verdict: I’m giving Glenn Schumann MORE pressure this year because of sheer talent and that’s Kirby’s bread and butter. As much flak as Bobo (deservedly) gets. If the defense is a little better in a couple key areas, this 2026 team will be a tough out. Go Dawgs!
