– In a major development that has the college football world buzzing, The Athletic has officially ranked Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen as the No. 1 linebacker prospect for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This comes after a breakout 2024 season and a dominant performance during early 2025 training camps that solidified Allen’s status as a generational defensive talent.
The 6’1”, 235-pound junior out of Barnesville, Georgia, has become a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ defensive unit, drawing comparisons to NFL stars like Roquan Smith and Devin White. In the 2024 season, Allen tallied 118 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions, earning All-SEC First Team honors and leading Georgia to a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance.
In an exclusive feature by The Athletic, NFL scouts praised Allen for his “elite instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and unmatched football IQ.” One unnamed AFC scout said, “He’s got the motor of a veteran, the body of a pro, and the mind of a coach. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be a top-10 pick if he declares next year.”
Allen’s athleticism was on full display during the 2025 spring scrimmage, where he recorded a pick-six and a forced fumble in just two quarters of play. Head Coach Kirby Smart called him “the heart and soul of this defense,” and emphasized that Allen’s leadership off the field is just as important as his production on it.
“I’m humbled by the recognition,” Allen told reporters after hearing the news. “But I’m focused on getting better every day. Our goal is a national championship. The rest will take care of itself.”
With the 2025 season looming, Georgia fans are more excited than ever to see what CJ Allen has in store. NFL scouts from nearly every franchise are expected to attend Georgia’s opener against Clemson, where Allen is projected to wear the captain’s “C” for the first time.
If the early buzz is any indication, CJ Allen isn’t just playing for a title—he’s playing for history.
Stay tuned for more updates on CJ Allen and the Georgia Bulldogs’ march toward another championship season.
