ESPN names overlooked Georgia football player

ESPN has named Georgia Bulldogs tight end Ethan Barbour as an under the radar player for the 2026 campaign. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Barbour will look to bounce back this season following a brutal ankle injury just three games into his freshman year. 

Barbour is an athletic tight end that could play a big role on the Dawgs’ offense next year. Georgia lost a plethora of playmakers to both the NFL draft and transfer portal this offseason, as Barbour now finds himself in prime position for an increased workload in 2026. The tight end flashed his potential on numerous occasions in his freshman campaign in 2025, but Barbour suffered a broken ankle just three games into the season causing him to miss the rest of the year. Barbour is a good blocker and actually earned a start before getting injured.

Barbour was ranked as the No. 9 tight end and the No. 169 recruit from the class of 2025, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was ranked as the No. 21 player in Georgia.

Barbour is expected enter 2026 fully healthy and has the talent to shine in Athens next season. Barbour is an elite blocker in addition to his pass catching abilities, and the former four-star recruit will look to make a name for himself this season following an unfortunate start in 2025. 

Barbour did return for Georgia's Sugar Bowl last season and has been healthy this spring. He saw a lot of targets in the spring game, but will have to compete with a stacked tight end group for playing time.

Georgia will enter the 2026 campaign with one of the deepest tight end rooms in college football. The Dawgs currently have Lawson Luckie, Jaden Reddell and Elyiss Williams at the position in addition to Barbour, as each player could dominate in the Bulldogs’ offense next year. 

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: ESPN names tight end as overlooked Georgia football player