Georgia wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton (0) runs for a touchdown against Western Kentucky at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Georgia won 70-20. (Photo/Evan Frilingos)
Georgia wide receiver Sacovie White-Helton (0) runs for a touchdown against Western Kentucky at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Georgia won 70-20. (Photo/Evan Frilingos)
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White-Helton has taken a larger role in Georgia’s offense after serving primarily as a reserve during his first two seasons. The junior caught eight passes for 70 yards in 2025 but had already surpassed that production by Week 3 this season. White-Helton’s highlight thus far came against Western Kentucky, when he turned a short pass from Gunner Stockton into a 70-yard touchdown. He can also make a difference as a specialist returning punts, so if White-Helton continues being an explosive play waiting to happen, he can carve out an important role on the Georgia offense.
Sherrill has developed into one of Vanderbilt’s most consistent receiving threats. The senior started 11 games in 2025, finishing second on the team in receiving yards with 784 on 54 catches while tying the team lead with seven receiving touchdowns. Sherrill carried that production into 2026, opening his season with 21 receptions, 367 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his first four games. Highlighting his season thus far is his performance against NC State, where he caught two touchdowns, moving him into the top 10 in program history with 15 career receiving touchdowns.
Barnes has quickly become an important part of the Georgia secondary after transferring from Clemson this offseason. In his three seasons with the Tigers, the Athens native recorded 139 tackles and seven interceptions. Barnes has stepped into a major role for the Bulldogs and started against Arkansas, recording four tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup, while also delivering a pass breakup against Oklahoma. The former North Oconee High School standout gives Georgia an experienced presence in a secondary filled with talented players.
Alexander has been a steady part of Vanderbilt’s offense throughout his career. The senior started all 13 games in 2025, rushing for 567 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns while adding 200 receiving yards and four more scores. Alexander entered 2026 as one of Vanderbilt’s most proficient offensive players and crucial returners, having appeared in 38 games with 32 starts. Against Auburn, Alexander was held to 13 yards on 11 carries, but he did have a rushing touchdown. He also has previous experience against Georgia, scoring against the Bulldogs as a freshman in 2023.
Humphreys has an obvious connection to this matchup after beginning his college career at Vanderbilt. As a freshman for the Commodores in 2023, he finished second on the team with 439 receiving yards and four touchdowns, including a 49-yard touchdown against Georgia. Since transferring to Athens, Humphreys has remained part of Georgia’s receiving rotation and caught 18 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns last season. The Nashville, Tennessee native now gets the opportunity to face his former program and hometown team.
Capers has been a dependable presence in Vanderbilt’s defensive front. The graduate edge rusher started all 13 games last season and led the Commodores with 9 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks while adding five quarterback hurries. Capers has continued to create problems in opposing backfields this season. He recorded a career-high four tackles for loss and two sacks in Vanderbilt’s win over Delaware. The 6-foot-4, 249-pound defender gives Vanderbilt a seasoned pass rusher that Georgia’s offensive line will have to account for all game.
No. 2 Georgia football will play its second consecutive home SEC game Saturday, looking to stay undefeated against Vanderbilt, which is playing its second straight road game and needs to right the ship after its 21-15 loss to Auburn.
After not catching a single pass against Tennessee State and recording just one reception for four yards against Western Kentucky, tight end Lawson Luckie finally broke out in Georgia’s SEC opener against Arkansas, finishing with three catches for 59 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season.
Just three years ago, London Humphreys was a Vanderbilt freshman catching a 49-yard touchdown against Georgia.
Now, Humphreys will experience the same matchup from a completely different perspective.
Demello Jones’ biggest play of the season so far began with a ball in the air.
He broke on the pass, secured his first career interception and raced 43 yards down the sideline before being stopped at the 1-yard line against Western Kentucky. The play practically put Georgia in the end zone, leading to another score in a 70-20 win.
Four games into a 2026 season where Georgia has faced a few unfamiliar opponents, the Bulldogs will finally meet a familiar foe between the hedges.
The University of Georgia’s 104th homecoming celebration continues this weekend with a lineup of events across UGA, including the annual homecoming game and homecoming court.
In March 2024, then-high school quarterback Jared Curtis committed to Georgia. Just over a year later, after reopening his recruitment, Curtis pledged his allegiance to Georgia yet again on May 5, 2025.
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