Georgia Bulldogs completely wasted incredible performances from multiple players in Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss Rebels
Gunner Stockton, Zachariah Branch, and Daylen Everette did everything they could, but Georgia Bulldogs and Kirby Smart fell short against Ole Miss
The Georgia Bulldogs are officially one-and-done in the College Football Playoff for the second year in a row. Kirby Smart had his players fighting hard, but the Ole Miss Rebels and the ridiculously talented quarterback Trinidad Chambliss proved too much.
A handful of Georgia Bulldogs stars balled out, playing some of the best football in their entire careers, but unfortunately those efforts were ultimately wasted. Yes, Georgia won their second consecutive SEC Championship. But where do the Bulldogs go now? How do they get back to the top?
Gunner Stockton gives his all, but it isn’t enough
Gunner Stockton was just figuring things out in his first real start this time last year when Georgia was eliminated from the College Football Playoff. This time around, Gunner Stockton was the main reason Georgia had any chance against Ole Miss. He tallied three total touchdowns, completed passes of 15+ yards to seven different players, and battled through a beating at times to keep Georgia afloat — and almost pulled of the win.
His heroic performance may have been wasted in the 39-34 loss, but Stockton’s growth this season, his leadership, and tenacious playing style to push through anything should give Georgia fans plenty to look forward to in 2026.
Zachariah Branch sets Georgia Bulldogs single season record
Zachariah Branch may have had a bit of a slow patch with Georgia early on in the season, but he’s quietly put together a fantastic season for the Bulldogs. The Ole Miss playoff loss was just the exclamation point on what actually became a record-breaking season for Branch.
Branch already had caught 73 receptions before this week’s game, which was close to the single-season receptions record, but his eight catches for 67 yards and a touchdown pushed him over the top. His incredible yards after catch moves and the beauty of a score (in post below) that brought Georgia back within three points were amazing, but just not quite enough to give the Bulldogs the win.
Daylen Everette should climb NFL Draft boards after his game
Daylen Everette was already considered one of the top cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft class, but he should easily climb much higher on draft boards now. Everette not only ran in a 46-yard scoop and score off of a Chris Cole forced fumble. He also tallied nearly double-digit tackles, and defended two passes (one diving that was nearly a game-winning interception). Everette played his heart out, but it wasn’t enough, and Georgia will have to wait until next year to compete for another shot at the championship now.
All three of these players and many more on this season’s Georgia squad are exactly why Bulldogs fans shouldn’t fret too much about the disappointing loss to Ole Miss for too long. Kirby Smart and his stacked roster will be right back in this mix yet again next season. The team has a young core of players who will be returning. They have their inspiring quarterback leader. The pass rush finally got itself figured out and will do it again. It always hurts to lose a tough game like this one to Ole Miss, but Kirby Smart built a team good enough to win it all this year (it just didn’t quite happen), and he’ll do it again.
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