Former Georgia Bulldogs safety Jake Pope appears to have found his groove. Pope, who began his career with the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2022-2023, appeared in four games with Georgia in 2024 in primarily a special teams role.
Prior to last season, Pope transferred to the UNLV Rebels
, where he enjoyed a breakout campaign with UNLV. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety recorded 80 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks and an interception for the Rebels.Ahead of the 2026 season, Pope has been named to the preseason all-conference team for the Mountain West Conference. Pope is one of four defensive backs on the first-team.
In 2025, Pope and UNLV lost to Boise State in the Mountain West Championship. The Rebels were in the mix to get a College Football Playoff bid as the best
Group of Five team before their loss to Boise State. UNLV, who is coached by former Florida Gators coach Dan Mullen, lost to Ohio in the Frisco Bowl.
Pope is one of several Georgia transfers to earn preseason all-conference honors. Miami pass rusher Damon Wilson and Syracuse defensive back Chris Peal both earned All-ACC recognition. Oregon defensive tackle Bear Alexander was named honorable mention all-Big Ten.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia transfer makes All-Mountain West first-team
