As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for their season opener against Tennessee State, head coach Kirby Smart has provided insights regarding the recent departure of defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod. Smart revealed that the team has been adjusting to McLeod's absence for several weeks, as the player had only participated in a couple of practices during the preseason.
During a press conference on September 2, Smart confirmed that McLeod made the decision to step away from football entirely. "Xzavier hasn’t been with us since the second practice," Smart stated. "All the news of Xzavier, everybody’s acting like it’s something newly released or something. I think he practiced once or twice because he decided to give it up. He just didn’t want to play football anymore. Certainly respect that." This decision comes as McLeod is set to graduate after the current semester, marking a significant transition in his life.
McLeod, a transfer from South Carolina, was in his third season with Georgia and had started the final six games of the previous season. Last year, he recorded 17 tackles, alongside 6 quarterback pressures and 2 pass breakups, showcasing his potential on the defensive line. Despite his contributions, Smart noted that McLeod did not have many practice reps this spring, which may have influenced his decision.
In light of McLeod's departure, Smart expressed confidence in the remaining defensive linemen, emphasizing the depth of the group. "Our kids have been practicing really hard on the defensive line," he said. "We’ve got a really good group that is exciting to watch and have been doing an exceptional job. Tray (Scott) really pushes that group. They’ve been doing a great job in practice. Probably have as much depth as we’ve had there. I don’t know that we have one dominant player but we’ve got a lot of depth at that position." This depth will be crucial as the Bulldogs aim to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Georgia returns three of its top four defensive linemen from last season: Gabe Harris, Elijah Griffin, and Joseph Jonaye-Ajonye, along with Josh Horton, Jordan Hall, and Nnamdi Ogboko. Smart noted that the team has had ample practice time to prepare, with 15 practices in the spring and over 22 in the fall. He expressed optimism about the readiness of his players, stating, "I feel good about that room. All of those guys are going to be ready to play."
As the Bulldogs gear up for their opener, the impact of McLeod's absence will be closely monitored. His departure adds a layer of challenge, but the depth and preparation of the remaining players suggest that Georgia is poised to adapt effectively as they embark on their 2026 campaign.
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