Georgia football news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Georgia opens season vs Tennessee State Saturday with 45.5-point spread. Defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod left team, saying he's done with football.
Background
Georgia football is entering the 2026 season as the back-to-back defending SEC champion but has fallen short in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals in consecutive seasons. The team returns veteran defenders and adds transfers, aiming to prove itself. The season opener against Tennessee State is a chance for new players to step up, but the departure of starting defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod adds uncertainty.
How it unfolded
- Aug 31, 2026Reports emerge that starting defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod is no longer with the team; he later says he is 'done with football' and 'retired.'
- Sep 1, 2026Coach Kirby Smart does not address McLeod's departure at his press conference but later confirms McLeod will graduate this fall.
- Sep 5, 2026Georgia is scheduled to open the season against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium, with a 3 p.m. ET kickoff.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Georgia spokesperson confirms McLeod is no longer with the program; coach Kirby Smart says he feels good about the defensive line room.
- Analysts
- Georgia is a massive 45.5-point favorite, indicating expectations of a dominant performance despite the roster change.
Still unverified
Xzavier McLeod's statement that he is 'done with football' and 'retired' comes from a report by Dawgs247, not directly confirmed by McLeod or the team.