2026 Preview: Georgetown Bulldogs

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions through July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe">Simply head to our subscription page</a> and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.   Georgetown linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2250638' first='Jadyn' last='James'] is embracing his leadership role not just on defense, but the entire team as they look to right the wrongs from a winless 2025 campaign, and look ahead to a turnaround in 2026.   “We're all different but at the end of the day, it's not about you, it's about this team. Let's just get the ball rolling. Once we get it rolling, let's keep pushing," James told us at the Prep Redzone Media Day at Philip Simmons in mid July. "Let's not put our heads down. It's one bad play, that's all it is. Get out your head, let's keep pushing forward. Let's worry about the next play. Let's go do it."   The offense returns three starters from a year ago, including [player_tooltip player_id='1817769' first='Kendal' last='Boyd'] at receiver. Sean Lucas and Andre Reed will anchor the other receiver spots. Landon Sanchez is expected to start at center while Pierce Shelley will plug in at right guard and Royce Walton will start at right tackle.    Keamon Gillard is one of the expected starters on the defensive line and he told us that things feel more like a brotherhood heading into 2026. The defense returns four starters including [player_tooltip player_id='1816431' first='Damajah' last='Smith'] at nose tackle. Davion Linnen is expected to start at defensive end while Amarius Tucker will anchor the corner spot along with Boyd, who will play both on offense and defense.   Georgetown defensive line coach Cameron McGuire is excited about what the defense will bring to the table in 2026.   “We're going to be fast. We're going to play the ball. We're going to go everywhere,” McGuire said.   STARS SET TO SHINE   Keamon Gilliard DL, 2028 – Gilliard was active from his defensive tackle spot as he got his hands on the ball and impacted the game. He had a blocked punt and a pick six off a deflection last year and told us at the Prep Redzone Media Day at Philip Simmons in early July that he wants to continue to improve in all areas of his game, and of course, help the team get back in the win column in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='2163618' first='Nashaun' last='Kinder'] DB, 2027 – Kinder will be one of the leaders for the Bulldogs' defense in 2026 from his safety position. He excels at coming down hill and making tackles against the run game. He takes good angles to the ball and recognizes plays well and has a motor that is always running to the football. He even blocked a punt last year, showing off his quickness and athleticism in the process.   Garrison James LB, 2028 – James (pictured above) is expected to get the start at linebacker in 2026. Reading the offensive line and then making a move to get into the backfield is something that he feels he does well as well as watching film. He's been focusing in the offseason on improving his open field tackling and defeating blocks better as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1816431' first='Damajah' last='Smith'] DL, 2028 – Smith suffered an injury during the 2025 season but is back in 2026 fully healthy. He is a sure tackler on the defensive line next to Gilliard. He's strong against the run. He has a good first step off the ball and can overpower opposing offensive linemen easily as we saw from some of his film against Kingstree last year.    FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1817769' first='Kendal' last='Boyd'] ATH, 2028 – Boyd is aggressive at the point of attack and doesn't allow receivers to create separation. In fact, there was at least one time on film that we saw him bat the ball in the air. He is excellent in man coverage and can get his hands on them. He can come up against the run quickly and defeat blocks and make tackles. Another year to develop will be fun to watch for Boyd.    BIGGEST LOSS   [player_tooltip player_id='1825017' first='Trent' last='Singleton'] WR/DB – Singleton transferred out of the program recently to Carvers Bay and the Cougars will now be tasked with replacing his production at corner and wide receiver.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Mike Johnson III QB, 2028 – Johnson is expected to get the start at quarterback. Johnson is a two-sport athlete who plays baseball, and we'll be interested to watch the spin on his throws and if he can be a dual threat with his ability to run on the baseball diamond.   Brooks O'Donnell RB, 2029 – O'Donnell made his impact at the quarterback position as a freshman in 2025, and made some nice throws and was able to lead his receivers to the open space. He's not afraid to put his head down and get some extra yards by taking off. We'll be interested to see how the transition to running back goes for him in 2026.    James is expected to get the start at linebacker and has been working at safety during the summer workout period. He told us at the Prep Redzone Media Day at Philip Simmons that one of his strengths is trusting his gut and when he recognizes something coming defensively, he can react quickly to it and get guys in the right spot. He also loves being able to be versatile all over the field.

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions through July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. Simply head to our subscription page and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.