ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia football program faces significant roster turnover heading into the 2026 season, as star wide receiver Zachariah Branch and standout linebacker CJ Allen both declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Monday. The announcements, made via social media, come at a pivotal time for the Bulldogs, who finished the 2025 campaign ranked No. 3 nationally and are now tasked with replacing their leading receiver and top tackler.
Branch, a dynamic playmaker who transferred to Georgia from USC after two seasons with the Trojans, had a breakout year in Athens. According to ESPN stats, he led the Southeastern Conference with 81 receptions, accumulating 811 receiving yards and scoring six touchdowns. His speed and route-running ability made him a focal point of Georgia's passing attack, drawing comparisons to elite NFL prospects early in the season.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has high praise for Branch, ranking him as the No. 22 overall prospect in the 2026 draft class and the No. 4 wide receiver available. "Branch's explosiveness after the catch is special," Kiper noted in his latest rankings update. The 20-year-old's decision to forgo his remaining eligibility underscores the talent pipeline at Georgia under head coach Kirby Smart.
In his declaration post on social media, Branch expressed gratitude to the program that elevated his game. "You have allowed me to grow within this program and I appreciate the standard of excellence you demanded from me each and every day," he wrote, addressing Smart directly. "My experience as a DAWG was nothing short of amazing." Branch's one-year stint at Georgia followed a transfer portal move that was widely anticipated after USC's struggles in the post-Lincoln Riley era.
Meanwhile, Allen's departure leaves a void in the Bulldogs' linebacker corps. The junior from Barnesville, Georgia — about 70 miles south of Athens — anchored the defense with 88 tackles, 3½ sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery during the 2025 season, per official SEC records. His relentless pursuit and coverage skills earned him a spot as a finalist for the Butkus Award, recognizing the nation's top linebacker.
Kiper ranks Allen as the No. 3 off-ball linebacker in the upcoming draft, highlighting his instincts and productivity. "Allen's tape shows a player who's always around the ball," the analyst said. Coming off a season where Georgia's defense ranked among the top 10 nationally in points allowed, Allen's stats were a cornerstone of that success.
Allen's social media announcement reflected on his personal growth during his time in Athens. "This experience has played a major role in shaping me, not only as a player, but as a man, and has prepared me for the next step ahead," he posted. "With faith and purpose, and as this chapter comes to a close, I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL draft." As a Georgia native, Allen's journey from high school standout at Pike County High to a projected early-round pick adds a local flavor to the Bulldogs' NFL exodus.
The timing of these declarations follows closely on the heels of another key departure. On Saturday, Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller announced his entry into the draft, becoming the latest Bulldog to opt for professional opportunities. Kiper slots Miller as the No. 6 defensive tackle eligible for 2026, praising his power and quickness off the edge.
Miller's decision, reported by multiple outlets including ESPN, caps a whirlwind week for Georgia's roster planning. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman from Mississippi had a solid junior year, contributing to a defensive front that pressured quarterbacks into 38 sacks — second in the SEC. His exit, combined with Branch and Allen, signals a potential youth movement for Smart's squad in 2026.
Georgia's coaching staff now turns its attention to the offensive line, where uncertainty lingers regarding starting tackles Monroe Freeling and Earnest Greene III. Neither has publicly declared their intentions, leaving fans and analysts speculating. Freeling, a redshirt sophomore from California, started all 13 games at left tackle in 2025, allowing just two sacks according to Pro Football Focus data. Greene, a junior from Georgia, anchored the right side with his run-blocking prowess, earning All-SEC honorable mention honors.
According to sources close to the program, both linemen are weighing options between returning for a senior season or entering the draft, where they could be mid-round selections. Kiper has preliminarily ranked Greene as a top-15 offensive tackle prospect, while Freeling's stock depends on his performance in upcoming all-star games. The Bulldogs' offensive line coach, Stacy Searels, has emphasized the importance of continuity, but no official word has come from Athens on their futures.
These departures come amid a broader trend in college football, where the transfer portal and NIL deals have accelerated player movement. Branch's transfer from USC last offseason exemplifies this, as he sought a championship-caliber environment after the Trojans missed the playoffs. Georgia, fresh off a 12-2 record and an Orange Bowl victory, continues to attract top talent but must now rebuild key positions.
Coach Smart addressed the media briefly after Monday's practice, acknowledging the announcements without specifics. "We're proud of our guys and the decisions they make," Smart said, per a university release. "The NFL is the goal for many, and we've prepared them well." The Bulldogs' 2026 recruiting class, ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports, includes several blue-chip prospects at receiver and linebacker, offering hope for a seamless transition.
Looking ahead, Georgia's 2026 schedule features challenging SEC matchups, including a home-and-home with Texas and a trip to Alabama. Replacing Branch's production will test the depth at wideout, where sophomore Dillon Bell and incoming freshman Elijah Sarratt are expected to step up. On defense, Allen's tackling leadership will be missed, but rising juniors like Smael Mondon Jr. could fill the gap.
As the draft process unfolds, Branch, Allen, and Miller are likely to participate in the NFL Combine in February 2026, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Their performances there could solidify first-round projections, boosting Georgia's reputation as an NFL factory — the program has produced 15 first-round picks since Smart's arrival in 2016. For now, the focus in Athens shifts to spring practice, where the next wave of Bulldogs aims to keep the program's championship aspirations alive.