The 2026 college football season is in midseason and there have been plenty of playmakers who have made an impact all over the country. Some of the surprises have been the number of freshmen who have contributed heavily to their teams.ESPNranked the top 40 freshmen for this college football season, and two Georgia Bulldogs are featured.
Georgia offensive lineman Zykie Helton and receiver Craig Dandridge both made the top-40 freshmen list. "Things are more stretched than have ever been," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. He believes depth is down across college football and that teams are forced to play freshmen earlier than they used to.
Offensive guardZykie Helton ranked No. 3 on the list. Helton is a former four-star recruit, and he's been a force
on the offensive line this year. His versatility allows him to play at guard or tackle. Helton has been a prominent factor in how great the Bulldogs' rushing attack has been.
What ESPN says about Helton
"Helton has started every game for the No. 2 Bulldogs after becoming just the third true freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener under Kirby Smart. He hasn't allowed a sack through eight games, and the moment doesn't look too big for him. The former four-star has used his rare blend of size, power, and athleticism to wall off defenders, especially in the run game. Helton is physical at the point of attack and has been an important part of a Georgia ground game that is averaging 5.9 yards per carry, the best mark in the SEC and fourth nationally."
Freshman wide receiver Craig Dandridge was ranked 27th. So far this season, Dandridge has 20 catches for 349 yards and a touchdown. One of his better games was against Arkansas in the Bulldogs' third contest of the season, where he had three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Dandridge has big-play capability, and he's shown that throughout the season. He's a receiver that Georgia can lean on throughout the rest of the year.
What ESPN says about Dandridge
"Georgia has completed passes to 20 players, yet Dandridge leads the Bulldogs with 349 receiving yards on only 20 catches. He's averaging 17.4 yards per reception and was a bright spot in a loss to Auburn with a season-high 88 yards. Dandridge has flashed the acceleration and burst that made him an intriguing addition to a receiver room that lost several players during the offseason."
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Two Georgia football freshmen earn ESPN recoginition
