Georgia football enters the 2026 season with a special teams unit built around veteran experience and emerging younger players. Senior kicker Peyton Woodring anchors the group as he begins his fourth year in Athens.
According to a preview from Yahoo Sports, Woodring converted 17 of 19 field goal attempts last season, an 89 percent success rate, with a long of 53 yards. He is also expected to handle kickoff duties this fall. Woodring is considered one of the top kickers in the SEC heading into the season.
At punter, redshirt sophomore Drew Miller steps into the starting role. Miller is replacing Brett Thorson, who earned All-American honors. Miller has appeared in just two games during his career at Georgia, but he averaged 48 yards per punt in 2025 on six attempts. His total output that season was 288 yards. The 2026 season will be his first as a full-time starter.
Sophomore wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton is projected to serve as the punt returner. White-Helton recorded five punt returns for 57 yards in 2025 and is expected to take over the role previously held by Zachariah Branch. His receiving totals last season were 70 yards on eight catches. He is described as having elite speed, quickness, and athleticism.
Redshirt freshman Talyn Taylor is projected as the starting kickoff returner. Taylor had a pair of kick returns during Georgia's spring game and is described as having major big play potential based on his size and speed. Running back Dwight Phillips is expected to compete with Taylor for the role.
Long snapper William Snellings, a redshirt junior, will take over the starting job after the departure of Beau Gardner, who earned All-SEC recognition. Snellings made two total appearances in 2025. He will be counted on to maintain what Yahoo Sports described as Georgia's streak of excellent long snapper play.
Georgia is coming off a season in which it established itself as a top special teams unit in the SEC. The returning pieces and incoming starters are expected to keep that standing intact as the Bulldogs head toward their season opener in August.
