Georgia
USAID cuts send pro-US opposition in country of Georgia into crisis
The Trump administration’s decision to gut the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and axe foreign aid has sent the anti-government opposition in the south Caucasus country of Georgia into crisis. American funding has long played a central role in sustaining the large network of non-profit and civil society organizations seeking to drive out the current ruling authorities for failing to adopt a decisively anti-Russian line.
For months, forces opposed to the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party have been protesting in the country’s capital city, Tbilisi. Their central demand has been the nullification of last October’s parliamentary elections, which delivered a majority to GD. Insisting that the vote was rigged, a claim for which no proof has been provided, they demand that the parliamentary vote be re-run so as to get the outcome they wish. These demonstrations followed on the heels of last spring’s anti-government protests, which centered around the GD government’s passage of a “foreign agents law.”
In the various waves of demonstrations, virulently anti-Russian, pro-EU, pro-US and pro-Ukrainian slogans have predominated. Crude banners directed against Putin have come alongside calls for “democracy,” “human rights” and the “European way”—the stock in trade of right-wing forces hoping to ingratiate themselves with the imperialist powers and vacuum up a few bits, however measly, from what falls off the table of the big players in the capitalist system.
The EU’s and Washington’s full backing for Israel’s war of extermination against the Palestinians has not caused Georgia’s opposition to skip a beat. And social and economic issues that impact the vast majority of the population have never found a place in this allegedly popular movement. In recent weeks, hundreds of Georgian miners have been staging protests in the capital against layoffs and unpaid wages. They have not, however, rallied behind the anti-government opposition.
The Trump administration’s attack on the post-war order is unmooring the pro-US and pro-EU layers in Georgia and across the post-Soviet sphere. Regardless of whether or not the White House successfully cuts a deal with the Putin government over the Ukraine war, Trump’s willingness to abandon Kiev and pursue such an agreement over the opposition of the EU powers signals the torching of the US’ longstanding alliance with Europe and the foreign policy that had long-cemented these ties—a ferociously anti-Russian line covered over with hollow babble about “defending freedom.”
For decades, the US has been meddling in Georgia and all the former Soviet countries with the express purpose of bringing to power governments that are avowedly hostile to Moscow. An entire social layer has been cultivated on this basis, and it is now at sea.
The axing of American imperialism’s soft power money through the shutting down of USAID has “left many of Georgia’s civil society actors reeling,” notes a March 10 article on the website Civil.ge, a pro-opposition news outlet. “Most programs that supported civil society engagement with governance are now shuttered,” it adds, resulting in the loss of about 2,000 jobs.
In an admission of the close relationship between Western funding and those on Georgia’s streets demanding that the government give up power, the author laments that “the fines they get almost daily from the police for closing traffic will feel much more painful to them.”
The volumes of money in question are not small, particularly for a country with a population of just 3.7 million and an annual GDP only slightly over $30 billion. According to a March 8 article on the website GEOPolitics titled, “As USAID Dies, Many of Georgia’s ‘Vibrant’ CSOs Face Extinction,” the size of US expenditures relative to the number of people in the country is so large that Georgia “has been one of the largest per capita recipients of US Assistance.” Between 2012 and 2023 American overseas development money spent on the tiny south Caucasus nation amounted to $1.92 billion.
USAID, next to the US State Department, is the primary administrator of these monies, according to the official website ForeignAssistance.gov. Not a single dime is spent on poverty or human welfare.
Of all the money delivered in 2023—$149,075,515—just two grants totaling $22,161 are identified as having to do with “Health,” and the explicit purpose of one of them is listed as “redacted.” A few hundred thousand dollars are dedicated to supporting things like English classes, teacher training and environmental protection. There was, however, $4500 allotted to something having to do with the racialist, gender-obsessed post modernist sociologist bell hooks (who for some reason also rejects basic English grammar and does not capitalize the first letter of either of her names). One program having to do with to “gender-based violence” had a balance of -$50.
The top recipient of US State Department money is the “Foreign Military Financing Program,” which got $35,000, followed by USAID’s “Promoting Rule of Law in Georgia.” It received $8,990,900. What then comes is a laundry list of imperialist “soft power” operations dressed up with words like “self governance,” “information integrity” and “civic education.” For instance, the USAID Civic Education Program, which received $2,700,000 in 2023, is described as follows: “The purpose of the USAID Civic Education Program is to use civic education to prepare the next generation of Georgians to be civically engaged and know and exercise their democratic rights and responsibilities.” Translated into plain speak, this means funding anti-government movement.
The Georgian website GEOPolitics, which is run by the Gnomon Wise Research Institute (another outfit funded by US and European sources), explains that even when US money has been allotted to initiatives to be undertaken by the Georgian government itself, the non-governmental “civil society” community is at the center of these efforts. Washington uses employees from USAID-sponsored Georgian NGOs to implement the policies dictated to the Georgian government.
The halt of the flood of foreign aid money has left the country’s opposition demoralized. “After a hundred days of nonstop street protest, the winter of Georgian discontent fails to bear fruit,” observed Jaba Devdariani on the news outlet Civil.ge early last month. According to him, activists are walking away from the protests and even, it seems, leaving Georgia, a fact that reveals something about the socio-economic position of layers within the core of the anti-government opposition, as the vast majority of people do not have the money to decamp from their native land because they are politically depressed.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has praised the cuts to USAID and Trump’s attacks on the “deep state.” It is moving forward with attempts to tighten the political screws and further consolidate power by passing legislation banning opposition parties, placing further limits on the media, increasing fines and detention times for protesters and introducing treason into the country’s criminal code.
The government has also revised its “foreign agents law” to make it identical to the US’ 1938 Foreign Agents Registration Act. The closeness of the two laws has created something of a problem for the opposition because it reveals the fact that the anti-democratic measures of the Georgian government are entirely in keeping with the policies of the American state. They have dealt with the issue by claiming that Georgia’s version is much worse than the US’.
Politically, the central issue is that Trump’s policies, domestic and foreign, have caused the mask to fall off. The “American way”—the peace, prosperity, and human rights promised to the former Soviet masses after the Stalinist bureaucrats dissolved the USSR and restored capitalism—has come to naught.
It is, and will become ever-more, difficult to appeal to popular frustrations over the Georgian government’s policies on the basis of the claim that there is some sort of global, democratic spirit floating in the ether, calling out for the Georgian people. The world’s oldest democracy is crushing dissent, kidnapping and detaining critics and deporting immigrants guilty of no crime to El Salvador’s most brutal prison. All of this is rubber-stamped by the Supreme Court and unopposed by the Democrats.
Despite the blow that it has experienced, Georgia’s opposition is not done seeking the support of their American benefactor. The country’s leading oppositionist, former Georgian president and top French diplomat Salome Zurabishvili, was invited to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. On the sidelines of the event, she met with now Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Zurabishvili was overcome with praise for the would-be dictator in the White House at an event sponsored by the Atlantic Council on January 21, the same day that Trump was issuing decrees gutting civil rights and preparing the mass firing of federal workers.
“I think that the America that he [Donald Trump] is describing, and the foreign policy of America that he is describing as of a strong America… America that is effective and active in action—that is the America that Georgia certainly needs,” Zurabishvili said.
In Washington, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, just approved the MEGOBARI Act with bipartisan support. The bill asserts American support for “democracy” in Georgia and targets the current government in Tbilisi.
Speaking on March 10 to Civil.ge, Tamara Chergoleishvili of the newly-formed Federalists, a “staunchly pro-US party” according to Civil.ge, berated oppositionists for “panicking” and counseled patience in the search for a new arrangement with the White House.
Politically, there is nothing holding back the Georgian opposition from allying itself with Donald Trump. Their commitment to democratic principles runs none too deep. Writing on March 24 in Civil.ge, Nina Gabritchidze opined that it was time for the opposition to give up its demand for the re-running of the last parliamentary elections, as it should not be under any obligation to recognize the result should it go against them.
“So, does the call for a new election imply that a vote—fair or not—can legitimize oppression? Should it be decided by a simple majority whether one still deserves to be treated as a human being? Should you quietly accept it if 51% of the voters decide—willingly or under pressure—to sacrifice your entire existence for a vague populist agenda?”
In short, based on the a priori assertion that voters’ will cannot find reflection in the balloting, there is no need for elections at all.
The immediate fate of the south Caucasus country, and the region as whole, in the present, rapidly shifting geopolitical situation remains to be seen. Will the Georgian opposition be completely cast aside by the White House as part of its scheming? Will the European powers pick up those who have been tossed overboard? Will Washington, having disciplined its Georgian subordinates, pivot and place them once again on the dole? Or will it simply mow them down in the drive to war against China and everyone else?
For all the talk on both sides of the political equation in Georgia about securing the country’s “freedom,” “interests” and “independence,” no such thing is possible in the world imperialist order, much less under the present circumstances. The dissolution of the USSR, of which Georgia was a part, by the Stalinists in 1991 opened up this country and the entire post-Soviet sphere to the predations of the leading capitalist powers. Georgia has been preyed upon ever since, an endless objection of machinations and scheming by the US and Europe.
Only a united struggle of the global working class against capitalism will resolve on a progressive basis the fate of Georgia and the planet.
ATHENS, Ga — Behold, in all the usual glory, the Georgia football team: elite of the elite, two-time defending SEC champion, expected to contend for a national title. And behold the attention on this same team: not much, to the point of being overlooked, including by many of its fans.
Georgia held its spring game Saturday, and official attendance was 31,012, the lowest-attended spring game of Kirby Smart’s tenure, other than the pandemic-restricted game five years ago. The two upper sections of Sanford Stadium, full a decade ago for Smart’s first G-Day, were empty Saturday.
Part of it was outside factors: The hot weather. The devaluing of spring games throughout college football. Other things to do in Athens, including the annual Twilight bike race. Maybe the middle school Science Olympiad state competition on campus drew some away.
But part of it is the state of things for this Georgia team: No drama. No quarterback competition. No new coordinators. No worries about the program slipping. The drama, it’s assumed, won’t come until December and will revolve around whether this team can break a three-year drought of at least reaching the national semifinals.
But right now? Eh.
“I don’t like drama, so that’s a good thing,” quarterback Gunner Stockton said, smiling.
The best comparison for the current Georgia program might be from another sport but the same state: the Bobby Cox-era Atlanta Braves.
It was just a given that the Braves would be good, and they normally would be, with 11 straight division titles at one point. There would be offseasons when rivals would make more noise, and then spring training would roll around, and Cox would tell reporters (like me): “I like this team.” And sure enough, the Braves would go win the NL East by 10 games.
Then they’d flame out in the postseason, which, to be fair, was a crapshoot, as the expanded College Football Playoff is developing into, to Georgia’s chagrin. But no program has been to the CFP as many times (four) as Georgia in the past five years. And this year’s team is easily preseason top 10.
This can make for a boring spring. The most interesting thing to happen was probably Stockton’s passing being called “dog doo” by former NFL receiver Steve Smith, and Smart shooting back, “Do your homework.” Even that was mild enough that neither was asked about it Saturday, at least specific to Smith. The subject of Stockton airing it out hangs over this team. But it’s a relatively minor issue within a team that seems to have plenty else going for it.
Georgia’s defense, which has been hit or miss the past couple of years, should be back to being very good. There’s the usual array of talent but now also plenty of experience. It won’t be as great as the 2021 version — none will be in this era — but it can be dominant.
Georgia’s offense should at minimum be efficient: Stockton enters his second full season as the starter, has two game-changing tailbacks in Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens, an experienced offensive line and some good pieces at receiver and tight end.
The questions that would take this team from good to great …
Explosive passing
There are two issues here:
1. Georgia lost six of its top seven players in receiving yards and didn’t add a star transfer like it did last year with Zachariah Branch, who set the school record with 81 catches.
2. Stockton was inconsistent throwing downfield. He was fantastic at Tennessee and in the first Ole Miss game. He seemed afraid to air it out in other games, though, including the second Ole Miss game.
Returning starter Gunner Stockton said he’s working to improve his pocket presence and footwork. (Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)
On the receiver front, Georgia did add Isiah Canion from Georgia Tech to be an outside, possession-type receiver. Otherwise, Georgia spent its money retaining young receivers — sophomores Talyn Taylor, CJ Wiley, Sacovie White-Helton and Thomas Blackshear — and hoping they pop this year.
Between them, senior receiver London Humphreys and tight ends Lawson Luckie, Elyiss Williams and Jaden Reddell, there might not be a Branch or Brock Bowers, but there are plenty of options.
“They’ve got to grow up,” Smart said. “We’ve got guys that can make plays if given the opportunity. Gunner can get the ball to them.”
Stockton showed he could do that last year — but not every week. He needs to not be tentative or over-reliant on his scrambling ability. To that end, Stockton said he’s working on his pocket presence and footwork. But he also cautioned it’s not just about slinging it downfield all the time.
“Every explosive play isn’t a 50-yard bomb downfield; it’s just getting the ball to your playmakers,” he said. “And I think we’ve got the playmakers to do that.”
It is a deep group. But unless one emerges as a clear No. 1, the way Branch and Bowers were, it will be on Stockton to find the right ones on the right plays. That might make it hard to be explosive every week, even though Stockton said that’s the goal.
“It’s hard to do that,” he said. “But it’s what we’re here for.”
Pass rush
Does everyone remember Trinidad Chambliss scrambling free and hitting game-changing plays in the Sugar Bowl? That wasn’t a one-off. Georgia had the fewest sacks — 20 — in the SEC last year. Sacks might not be the best measure of a pass rush, but that number is still bad and reflected the defense’s weakness.
Will that turn around? One positive is that Gabe Harris Jr. is healthy; Harris was coming on last year as a factor before being hurt in December and could have helped keep Chambliss in check. But spring brought some bad news with an ACL injury to edge rusher Amaris Williams, an Auburn transfer who had a chance to get major snaps. Still, there are options, such as junior Que Johnson, and the secondary could be good enough to buy time for the pass rush.
Smart seems optimistic.
“Pass rush is something that’s done as a group, not just one person,” he said, mentioning linebacker Chris Cole stepping up and defensive linemen doing better at getting a push. “That’s something you always want to get better at, but I’m very pleased at where we are.”
Smart didn’t exactly invoke Cox’s “I like this team.” But he essentially said it. Normally fairly critical, he said there was only one practice this spring, out of 12, that he didn’t like. Otherwise, he loved the team’s approach.
“They enjoy it; they compete,” Smart said.
Left tackle Earnest Greene III is one of the few remaining pieces from the national championship teams. He was a true freshman in 2022. Though not exactly comparing it to that team, Greene sees something about this 2026 version.
“The competitive nature of this team seems a little bit different,” Greene said. “It goes back to the first (spring) scrimmage. Usually, the first scrimmage is more one-sided; the next time, the other side shows up. This year, both scrimmages have been going neck-and-neck at each other. So I can just tell from that we have a real competitive squad.”
So the vibe of this team, Greene was asked, is no drama, but in a good way?
“Yeah, definitely,” Greene said. “You try to have your team be like that every year.”
So far, this Georgia team is pulling it off. But there’s a long way until September.
And then December.
ATHENS — Georgia will hold its annual spring game on Saturday, April 18. Below you can find live updates, the score and rosters for the 2026 G-Day game.
Georgia will have the red team, featuring the first team offense and second team defense, taking on the black team, which will be the first team offense and second team defense.
Georgia football live updates, highlights, roster for 2026 G-Day game
Seventh Drive Black- Red 17, Black 7
Hezekiah Millender completes a short pass to Jeremy Bell for 2 yards. Millender goes back to Bell for a gain of 10 yards. Then, Jae Lamar rushes to the left for 4 yards. Millender is sacked by Khamari Brooks for a loss of 7 yards. On 3rd & 13, Millender passes to Brayden Fogle for 32 yards. Jae Lamar picks up 5 yards on the ground. Team Black picks up the first down on a 7 yard reception by Will Taylor. Then, Bo Walker carries for a 2 yard gain. On the 10 yard line, Jae Lamar picks up 9 yards to put his team on the 1 yard line. Millender keeps for a TD.
Third Quarter
Sixth Drive Black- Red 17, Black 0
Hezekiah Millender completes a short pass to Bo Walker for 4 yards. Then Millender completes another pass to Ethan Barbour for 20 yards. After back to back it to back incomplete passes, Harran Zuriekat in brought in to kick a 48 yard FG which he narrowly misses.
Sixth Drive Red- Red 17, Black 0
Gunner Stockton completes a short pass to Craig Dandridge complete for 8 yards. Stockton attempts to get it to Dandridge again but it is incomplete. Josh Horton receives an offsides penalty which gives team Red the first down. Back to back incomplete passes by Gunner Stockton ends the drive for the Red Team.
Fifth Drive Black- Red 17, Black O
Todd Robinson picks off Ryan Montgomery’s pass intended for Ethan Barbour
Fifth Drive Red- Red 17, Black O
10 Plays 65 Yards, 5:10
The drive begins with a Ryan Puglisi incomplete pass intended for Elyiss Williams and the next play sees another incomplete pass intended for CJ Wiley. Team red picks up the first down thanks to Puglisi’s 32 yards pass to Talyn Taylor. Dwight Phillips Jr see back to back carries for a totaly gain of 3 yards. On 3rd & 7, Chauncey Bowens rushes to the left for 10 yards. On the 20 yard line, Puglisi completes a short pass to Elyiss Williams for 2 yards. Then Ryan Pugli’s pass to Jaden Reddell is good for 16 yards and a first down to put Team Red at the 4. Dwight Phillips Jr rushes up the middle for 3 yards. On 2nd & 1, Dwight Phillips Jr finds the endzone.
Fourth Drive Black- Red 10, Black 0
Ryan Montgomery’s pass intended for Ethan Barbour is incomplete. Dante Dowdell rushes to the left for a gain of 27 yards. Montgomery’s pass to Jeremy Bell is complete for 4 yards. On 2nd & 6, Bo Walker carries up the middle for a gain of 4 yards followed by another Walker carry for no gain. The drive ends after an incomplete pass intended for Talyn Taylor.
Fourth Drive Red- Red 10, Black 0
Chauncey Bowens rushes up the middle for a gain of 4 yards. Ryan Puglisi scrambles to pick up 1 yard. On 3rd & 5, Puglisi’s passed is tipped by Justin Greene.
Third Drive Black- Red 10, Black 0
On the first play, Jeremy Bell rushes for 35 yards but Lincoln Keyes draws a holding penalty. Then, Bell rushes again but there is no gain. On 3rd down, Montgomery’s pass intended for Ethan Barbour is incomplete.
Third Drive Red- Red 10, Black 0
8 Plays, 67 Yards, 4:32
Gunner Stockton’s pas intended for Craig Dandridge is incomplete. Chauncey Bowens breaks loose for an 18 yard rush. After an imcomplete pass intended for Talyn Taylor, Stockton completes a pass to Dwight Phillips Jr for 19 yards. Bowens takes a tackle for loss that brings the Red team back to the 32. Jaden Reddell gets involved with a 23 yard carry. On 1st & 9, Chauncey Bowens rushes up the middle for a gain of 2 yards. The Red Team scores on a 7 yard reception by Jaden Reddell.
2nd Quarter
Second Drive Black- Red 3, Black 0
Ryan Montgomery completes a pass to Kaiden Prothro for 2 yards followed by another pass to Prothro for 7 yards. On 3rd & 1, Bo Walker fumbles.
Second Drive Red- Red 3, Black 0
8 Plays, 67 Yards, 4:40
Stockton completes a pass to Isiah Canion followed by Dwight Phillips Jr carries for a 2 yard gain. Dwight Phillips Jr breaks loose for an explosive run of 15 yards. Then, Stockton completes a pass to Craig Dandridge for 33 yards. On the 16 yard line, Chauncey Bowens picks up 4 yards. Bowens gets the ball on the next play but there is no gain. On 3rd down, Stockton keeps but is short of the 4th down so Peyton Woodring is brought in to kick a 26 yard field goal which he makes.
First Drive Black- Black 0, Red 0
The first play sees an incomplete pass by Ryan Puglisi, intended for Ethan Barbour. Then, Nnmadi Ogboko gets the sack against Puglisi for a loss of 4 yards. On 3rd down Puglisi completes a pass to Jeremy Bell but it is short of the first down.
First Drive Red- Red 0, Black 0
The first play for the red team sees Nate Frazier rush for 5 yards. Then, Gunner Stockton pass to Chauncey Bowens is complete for yards. After an incomplete pass intended for Isiah Canion, Dwight Phillips Jr rushes for 7 yards. On 3rd down, Gunner Stockton keeps but is short of the first down.
1st Quarter
12:45 p.m. ET update: Couple of Bulldogs look like they won’t play today. As Georgia compeltes pregame warmups, wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton, linebacker Raylen Wilson and cornerback Demello Jones were not seen going through warmups. Cornerback Gentry Williams is in a white non-contact jersey, as is linebacker Zayden Walker. Both were dealing with shoulder injuries coming into today.
On the offensive line, Zykie Helton was working as the first-string right guard, with Juan Gaston at right tackle. Jah Jackson is also expected to play with the first-team offensive tackle.
11:30 p.m. ET: Georgia has released the rosters for the 2026 G-Day game. You can see them below.
RED TEAM
0 — Sacovie White-Helton
1 — Talyn Taylor
3 — Nate Frazier
4 — CJ Wiley
5 — Chauncey Bowens
6 — Isiah Canion
7 — Lawson Luckie
8 — Landon Roldan
10 — Zayden Walker
10 — Elyiss Williams
11 — Darren Ikinnagbon
12 — Ja’Marley Riddle
12 — Ryan Puglisi
13 — AJ Kruah
13 — Tyler J. Williams
14 — Gunner Stockton
15 — Khamari Brooks
15 — Ryan Montgomery
16 — London Humphreys
18 — Caden Harris
20 — Dwight Phillips Jr.
22 — Todd Robinson
23 — Tyriq Green
23 — Jaden Reddell
27 — Balke Stewart
28 — Walter Blanchard
28 — Jordan Smith
29 — Isaiah Gibson
32 — Jaylan Morgan
33 — PJ Dean
35 — Elijah Littlejohn
36 — Daniel Okonkwo
38 — AJ Lonon
39 — Will Snellings
41 — Carter Luckie
42 — Nick Abrams II
45 — Terrence Penick
48 — Duncan Carpenter
50 — Cortez Smith
52 — Valdin Sone
55 — Zykie Helton
55 — London Seymour
63 — Dontrell Glover
64 — Jahzare Jackson
71 — Earnest Greene
73 — Juan Gaston
74 — Drew Bobo
82 — Craig Dandridge
82 — Colton Heinrich
91 — Peyton Woodring
92 — Preston Carey
94 — Henry Bates
95 — Nnamdi Ogboko
96 — JJ Hanne
97 — Wade Register
BLACK TEAM
0 — Gabe Harris
1 — Ellis Robinson IV
2 — Thomas Blackshear
2 — Zion Branch
3 — Quintavius Johnson
4 — KJ Bolden
5 — Raylen Wilson
7 — Khalil Barnes
8 — Demello Jones
9 — Ethan Barbour
9 — Chris Cole
11 — Jeremy Bell
16 — Maurice Hayes
17 — Golter Ginn
17 — Amaris Williams
18 — Bryson Beaver
19 — Hezekiah Millender
19 — Justin Williams
20 — Zech Fort
22 — Donte Dowdell
24 — Braylon Conley
24 — Bo Walker
25 — Jake Bobo
25 — Jontae Gilbert
26 — Micah Bell
26 — Gentry Williams
27 — Rasean Dinkins
27 — Jae Lamar
30 — Terrell Foster
31 — Kyron Jones
31 — Wade Penn
36 — Jackson St. Clair
37 — Ben McElreath
41 — David Lalaian
44 — Jordan Hall
45 — Eli Barrow
46 — Danny Curan
47 — Will Taylor
51 — Malachi Toliver
52 — Michael Uini
53 — Zach Lewis
54 — Waltclaire Flynn
60 — Henry Peagler
65 — Dennis Uzochukwu
66 — Tyreek Jemison
67 — Clinton Barlow
69 — Graham Houston
70 — Daniel Calhoun
72 — Ekene Ogboko
75 — Mason Short
76 — Marcus Harrison
78 — Tate Helms
79 — TyQuez Richardson
80 — Kaiden Prothro
81 — Josh Horton
83 — Brady Holbert
84 — Dallas Dickerson
85 — Chase Linton
85 — Ryan Mosley
87 — Lincoln Keyes
88 — Brayden Fogle
88 — Nasir Johnson
90 — Elijah Griffin
90 — Drew Miller
91 — Justin Greene
94 — Xzavier McLeod
98 — Connor Ferguson
99 — Joseph Jonah-Ajonye
99 — Harran Zuriekat
Georgia will be without a few key players on Saturday, as outside linebacker Amaris Williams and cornerback Ellis Robinson are not expected to play due to injury.
Georgia spring game: How to watch 2026 G-Day online
This game will not be streamed over traditional cable. You can still watch the game if you have a cable subscription to ESPN. Visit the WatchESPN tab on ESPN’s homepage and find the game on either ESPN+ or SECNetwork+. Click here to watch the game.
Below is a video walking through how to watch the game.
Georgia spring game game time for 2026 G-Day
The Georgia spring game starts at 1 p.m. ET.
Georgia spring game TV Network for 2026 G-Day
The Georgia spring game will be broadcast on SECNetwork+/ESPN+.
Georgia spring game radio options for 2026 G-Day
The G-Day scrimmage can be heard loclally on WNGC 106.1, 95.5 WSB and WXKT 103.7. G-Day will also be distributed to all network affiliates and the game will be available on the Georgia Bulldogs app.
Georgia spring game rosters for 2026 G-Day
*These have not been released by UGA yet. This section will be updated as soon as the rosters are available.
WR Ted Hurst
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 206 lbs
- Class: Senior
- School: Georgia State
- Hands: 9 ¾”
- Arm length: 32 ⅝”
- 40-yard dash: 4.42s
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55s
- Vertical Jump: 36 ½”
- Broad Jump: 11’3”
- STATS
An unranked recruit out of Johnson High School in Savannah, Georgia, where he enrolled at Valdosta State and played two years at the small school before transferring to Georgia State in 2024.
He was a three star recruit in the transfer portal; the 211th wide receiver, and the 1,624th player. Hurst was raised in a military family and his brother, Darrell Myers Jr. was a wide receiver for Valdosta State when they won the 2018 Division II National Championship.
Hurst dominated the smaller level of competition and caught 61.1% of his contested catches during his two years at Georgia State. He dropped 14 passes (drop rate of 9.7%) and his average yards per reception was 15.4-yards with an 14.8-yard aDot and a 2.18 yards per route run number.
Hurst had an excellent 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and has quietly been a “sleeper” during the draft process.
Strengths
- Elite size + fluidity combination
- Solid thickness + muscle definition + excellent AA
- Excellent size/speed/fluidity combination
- Long strider with IMPRESSIVE acceleration and stop/start
- Has an explosive second gear
- Above-average change of direction + excellent explosiveness on in-breaking routes
- Swift transitions on the vertical plane
- Quickly gets his numbers back to the QB on curls/comeback
- Excellent ability to gear down on the vertical plane
- Very good ball skills – tracks and secures deep balls well
- Concentration is great – can pluck away from his frame
- Has acrobatic catch ability
- Wide catch radius with above-average hands
- Solid YAC ability
Weaknesses
- Limited route tree
- Route nuance and pacing could improve
- Solid YAC ability, but won’t consistently make NFL defenders miss
- Not much special teams in his past
- Was not used much as a run blocker
Summary
Ted Hurst possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and fluidity. He has an elite ability to smoothly transition/break on routes within the vertical plane (comeback/curl); he has great hip bend and explodes out of his breaks with above-average suddenness.
Hurst has traits that any WR coach would love to develop + his ball-skills are great. He’s a developmental option with a high ceiling, but his route running, timing, and ability to consistently beat NFL athletes must be refined and/or proven. He’s a high upside traits pick that may find his way into Day 2.
GRADE: 6.22
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