Georgia has proven it is a championship program with back-to-back national championships. Can it be a three-peat? We are taking a way-too-early, hazardous look at potential starters for the 2023 team. Yes, we know the confetti has barely settled on the ground, but kickoff against UT Martin is only 34 Saturdays away.

Some of the players listed below will leave. Whether going pro or transferring out, this list will be different in many ways by the summer. Other new players will arrive. New information will emerge about all the players listed below. Consider this a best guess that will evolve and change with time.

Returnees: Mykel Williams, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Newcomers: Samuel M’Pemba

Dayne’s analysis: Tray Scott gave Radi Nabulsi a wry smile when talking about the unit he returns along the defensive line in 2023. He feels good about this group It all starts with Mykel Williams

Best guess at starter: Mykel Williams will enter his sophomore season as Georgia’s best pass rusher.

Returnees: Zion Logue, Nazir Stackhouse, Bear Alexander, Jonathan Jefferson

Newcomers: Jamaal Jarrett

Dayne’s analysis: It takes a village at this spot, and it is one where Georgia likes to rotate and shift around players. Expect all four returnees to see the field.

Best guess at starter: With a full season behind him, I expect Bear Alexander to become the next great Georgia defensive lineman. Nazir Stackhouse holds this spot early but shares it more as the season progresses.

Returnees: Warren Brinson, Christen Miller, Shone Washington

Newcomers:

Dayne’s analysis: “He’s finally beginning to realize his potential.” That’s what one source told me about Warren Brinson’s effort earlier this season. I think he becomes a team leader for Georgia. His work in training is catching up with his infectious personality.

Best guess at starter: Warren Brinson

Returnees: MJ Sherman, Marvin Jones, Darris Smith, Chaz Chambliss, C.J. Madden, C.J. Washington

Newcomers: Gabriel Harris, Damon Wilson

Dayne’s analysis: Chaz Chambliss has been next man up in this group as depth was depleted in 2022. He’ll still play, but I don’t know how Georgia keeps Darris Smith off the field. Perhaps they find other spots, but he and Marvin Jones give Georgia all kinds of athleticism.

Best guess at starters: Marvin Jones Jr. and Darris Smith

Returnees: Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Smael Mondon, Jalon Walker, Xavian Sorey, Trezman Marshall, Rian Davis, E.J. Lightsey

Newcomers: Troy Bowles, Raylen Wilson, CJ Allen

Dayne’s analysis: Check out this position group! If Glenn Schumann is a head coach soon, it’s because of this room coming together so quickly after losing Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Channing Tindall.

Best guess at starter: Dumas-Johnson and Mondon with Jalon Walker playing a lot.

Returnees: Kamari Lassiter, Nyland Green, Jaheim Singletary, Daylen Everette, Julian Humphrey, Marcus Washington Jr.

Newcomers: Daniel Harris, Chris Peal, AJ Harris, Justyn Rhett, Kyron Jones

Dayne’s analysis: There is plenty of opportunity for playing time here as an active competition will take place behind Kamari Lassiter.

Best guess at starters: Kamari Lassiter and Daylen Everette

Returnees: Javon Bullard, Tykee Smith

Newcomers:

Dayne’s analysis: There are other guys on the roster who could get looks at playing time here. I doubt it is necessary considering how Javon Bullard has helped the defense in tackling.

Best guess at starter: Javon Bullard

Returnees: Malaki Starks, David Daniel-Sisavanh, Dan Jackson, Jacorey Thomas

Newcomers: Joenel Aguero

Dayne’s analysis: Starks was a day one starter as a freshman. He becomes a defensive leader beginning in 2023. Christopher Smith has been starting here for so long that it will be odd to see the secondary without him.

Best guess at starters: Starks for sure, with a wide open competition on the other side.

Expected Returnees: Jared Zirkel

Newcomers: Peyton Woodring

Dayne’s analysis: This will be a critical spot for Georgia as Jack Podlesny has been great for the Bulldogs.

Best guess at starter: Jared Zirkel

Returnees: Brett Thorson, Noah Jones

Newcomers:

Dayne’s analysis: Brett Thorson hasn’t worked in volume, but he has done well when Georgia needed him to flip the field.

Best guess at starter: Brett Thorson