There are other five-star freshmen making waves for Georgia before spring practice, besides Elijah Griffin.

The University of Georgia Bulldogs are one of the premier programs in college football, a position that they’ve solidified with their national championships, elite recruiting, and consistent dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Every year, Georgia reloads with a group of highly-touted recruits, and the 2026 class is no exception. The arrival of Elijah Griffin, a standout five-star freshman, has grabbed a significant amount of attention, but he is far from the only high-profile player making waves in Athens before spring practice. As Georgia gears up for the 2026 season, several other five-star freshmen are stepping into the spotlight, ready to make an immediate impact on the program.
This article will delve into some of the other five-star recruits for Georgia, besides Griffin, who are poised to leave their mark on the team before spring practice even begins. These young players have the skill, potential, and work ethic to contribute significantly to Georgia’s pursuit of another SEC title and national championship. From wide receivers to defensive players, these incoming freshmen are showing that they’re not here to wait their turn—they’re here to compete.
1. Zion Rashada – Quarterback
Perhaps one of the most intriguing freshmen on the Georgia roster is quarterback Zion Rashada. Coming out of high school, Rashada was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and for good reason. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound signal-caller brings a mix of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility to the quarterback position, making him a potential game-changer for the Bulldogs in the years to come.
Early Impressions
Despite Georgia already having a well-established quarterback in Carson Beck, Rashada is quickly proving that he won’t simply sit on the bench waiting for his opportunity. Throughout winter workouts and early spring practices, Rashada has displayed a remarkable grasp of Georgia’s complex offensive scheme. Coaches and teammates have raved about his poise in the pocket, his ability to read defenses, and his impressive throwing mechanics. His arm strength allows him to make all the necessary throws, from deep shots down the field to quick timing routes over the middle.
Rashada’s mobility is another asset that Georgia coaches are excited about. While he won’t necessarily be used as a dual-threat quarterback, his ability to extend plays and make throws on the run adds another dimension to Georgia’s offense. With an already solidified starting quarterback, Rashada will likely get the chance to sit and learn from Beck but will also be in competition for the backup spot or even a possible starting role if the Bulldogs look to transition to a new leader under center in the coming seasons.
The Future of Georgia’s QB Room
As Georgia continues to compete at the highest level of college football, Rashada’s development will be crucial. If he continues to impress and refine his game during spring practice, he could be in a position to eventually take the reins from Beck and become the next face of Georgia’s offense. His combination of physical tools and football IQ makes him one of the most promising quarterbacks in the country, and Georgia fans are eagerly watching his progression.
2. Jalen Davis – Wide Receiver
While Georgia has historically been known for its power-running game, the Bulldogs have made significant strides in developing a dynamic passing attack in recent years. A major reason for the team’s rise in this area is the influx of elite wide receivers, and Jalen Davis is the latest star to join the ranks.
A Dual-Threat Receiver
Davis, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound wideout, is an explosive player who brings a dynamic skill set to the receiver position. He’s a smooth route runner with the ability to create separation with his speed and quickness. What sets Davis apart is his ability to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally. He’s dangerous after the catch, with a natural ability to make defenders miss and gain extra yards. His speed makes him a constant deep threat, but he’s also proficient in the short and intermediate game, making him a versatile weapon for the Bulldogs’ offense.
In early practices, Davis has already caught the attention of Georgia’s coaching staff. Reports indicate that he has been one of the standout performers among the freshmen, routinely getting open and making plays during scrimmages and team drills. His ability to quickly adjust to the speed of the college game has impressed coaches, and they’re excited about the potential he brings to the table.
The Receiver Room at Georgia
Davis joins an already talented group of wide receivers at Georgia, including Lad McConkey, Arian Smith, and Dominick Blaylock, among others. However, the coaching staff has always been open to bringing in young talent who can contribute immediately. Given Davis’ playmaking ability and the need for explosive wide receivers in Georgia’s offensive scheme, it wouldn’t be surprising if he plays a significant role in the Bulldogs’ passing game as a freshman.
3. Dante Allen – Defensive End
Georgia’s defense has long been one of the most dominant units in college football, and Dante Allen, a five-star defensive end out of Alabama, is the latest recruit who could help elevate the Bulldogs’ defense to even greater heights. Allen, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 260 pounds, is a physical specimen with the size, strength, and speed to be a game-wrecker on the defensive line.
Immediate Impact
Allen’s blend of size and athleticism gives him the ability to excel in both pass rushing and run stopping. Early in spring practice, he has impressed coaches with his ability to use his quick first step to disrupt plays in the backfield. His burst off the line and his relentless motor have made him difficult for offensive linemen to block, and he’s been able to collapse the pocket with regularity during scrimmages.
The Georgia defense has always prided itself on producing pass rushers who can take over games, and Allen appears to have the potential to be the next in line. His ability to pressure quarterbacks could make him an immediate contributor for the Bulldogs, and his physicality and versatility could allow him to play multiple positions along the defensive line.
A Deep Defensive Line
Georgia has a deep and talented defensive line, but Allen’s skill set could make him an immediate threat, particularly in passing situations. His raw talent and ability to be a disruptive force in the backfield could lead to him carving out a role early in his career. The Bulldogs are consistently looking to build one of the nation’s best defenses, and Allen’s development will be crucial as the team looks to maintain its dominance on that side of the ball.
4. Ethan Wood – Linebacker
Another five-star freshman making waves in Athens is Ethan Wood, a linebacker who has quickly caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, Wood is an athletic and versatile linebacker who has the ability to make plays all over the field. Whether he’s rushing the passer, covering tight ends in the passing game, or plugging up running lanes, Wood has the tools to be a difference-maker for the Bulldogs.
Early Impressions
Wood’s football IQ and understanding of the game have been standout traits early in spring practices. His ability to read offenses, recognize formations, and react quickly has impressed the coaching staff. Additionally, his physicality and speed have allowed him to be a factor in both pass coverage and in run support, two key areas that Georgia values highly in its linebackers.
The linebacker position is one of the most critical positions on Georgia’s defense, and with the Bulldogs losing several key players to the NFL, Wood’s presence in the middle could be exactly what the defense needs. His work ethic and ability to adapt to the speed of the game have positioned him to make a significant impact early in his career.
A Key Addition to the Linebacker Corps
Wood joins a linebacker group that already includes talented players like Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson, but Georgia is always looking for more depth and talent at the position. If Wood can continue to develop and make plays in spring practice, he could find himself competing for a starting spot in the linebacker rotation as a true freshman.
5. Marquise Wilson – Cornerback
A fifth and final five-star freshman making noise before spring practice is cornerback Marquise Wilson, a shutdown defender from Florida. Wilson is known for his impressive agility, ball skills, and ability to read opposing quarterbacks. Standing 6-feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Wilson has the ideal frame for a cornerback and the speed to cover a wide range of receivers.
Wilson’s Immediate Role
In spring practices, Wilson has shown the ability to cover wide receivers in both man-to-man and zone coverage, often showing a level of maturity beyond his years. His fluid footwork and ability to adjust to the receiver’s movements have allowed him to excel in one-on-one situations. Additionally, his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and react quickly has helped him generate turnovers and break up passes during scrimmages.
Wilson’s early success is a sign of his potential to contribute immediately in Georgia’s secondary. With the Bulldogs losing some key players in the defensive backfield, Wilson’s development could be key for a team that prides itself on having one of the best pass defenses in the country.
Conclusion: A Group of Freshmen Ready to Contribute
The 2026 recruiting class for Georgia has brought in an incredibly talented group of players, and while Elijah Griffin has grabbed headlines, there are several other five-star freshmen who are already making their mark before spring practice even begins. From quarterback Zion Rashada to defensive players like Dante Allen and Ethan Wood, these young athletes are primed to make an immediate impact on the Bulldogs’ roster.
With a combination of raw talent, high football IQ, and the opportunity to play for one of the top programs in the country, these five-star freshmen are ready to help Georgia continue its quest for SEC dominance and national championships. As spring practice approaches, it’s clear that Georgia’s future is in good hands with this incredibly talented crop of incoming freshmen.