Both the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs have revealed their initial injury reports as they prepare for a top-five showdown on Saturday. With both teams contending with significant injuries, the game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium could test each squad’s depth.
Texas Longhorns Injury Update
The most pressing concern for Texas heading into the week was the availability of wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half of the Longhorns’ 34-3 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. However, head coach Steve Sarkisian provided some encouraging news during the SEC Weekly Teleconference on Wednesday.
“Bond had a pretty good practice today,” Sarkisian said. The injury report reflects his progress, as Bond is currently listed as **questionable**. His presence on the field could be critical for the Longhorns, as his speed and versatility have been instrumental in stretching opposing defenses this season.
The Longhorns are also dealing with the season-ending loss of safety Derek Williams Jr., who suffered a serious injury against Oklahoma. Williams will undergo surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Despite the setback, his teammates say he will remain a crucial presence on the sidelines.
“Prayers for D-Will. What an amazing guy,” said defensive back Michael Taaffe. “His job’s not done this year. He was one of the first guys in the building this morning—how amazing is that? That shows his character. He’s going to be ‘Coach Williams’ now, helping us out, and we’re playing for him.”
Georgia Bulldogs Injury Report
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are dealing with significant losses of their own. The absence of Smael Mondon Jr.—one of Georgia’s key defensive playmakers—was confirmed on Wednesday, marking his third consecutive game missed due to a lingering foot injury. Without Mondon, Georgia’s defense will need others to step up, particularly against Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who boasts one of the strongest arms in the country.
Mondon’s absence is compounded by injuries elsewhere on Georgia’s roster. Running backs Roderick Robinson (toe) and Branson Robinson (MCL), along with right guard Tate Ratledge (ankle), are also out. While backup running back Chauncey Bowens is expected to return, the depleted backfield will still face a stiff challenge against Texas’s formidable front seven.
Impact on the Matchup
This top-five matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 5 Georgia has the potential to be a classic, but both teams will need to overcome adversity to secure a win. Texas will rely heavily on quarterback Quinn Ewers to take advantage of Georgia’s secondary, which has shown vulnerability in recent weeks. On the other side, Georgia’s depth will be tested as the Bulldogs look to compensate for the absence of multiple key starters.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET) on Saturday, with national coverage on ESPN. With injuries reshaping both teams’ game plans, this high-stakes clash will demand not just talent but resilience and leadership from players on both sidelines.
