The Unexpected Contender: How West Georgia Is Poised to Shake Up the FCS in 2026

It isn’t just new players, though, that will help the Wolves in 2026. The team was able to hold onto a handful of their stars from last year, the most significant being defensive back Chancellor Bryant who broke up five passes and made 25 tackles from his safety spot last year. Also coming back is return specialist Jovanni McGee. McGee ran back three punts for 51 yards a season ago.

West Georgia is in line to have a really talented team around them again and if all the new names can gel sooner rather than later, they should be able to make some noise again. The UAC will undoubtedly be headlined once more by the likes of recent playoff representatives Tarleton State and Abilene Christian. Austin Peay, too, is expected to steal a lot of the spotlight this year. But West Georgia is right there behind that top group and might have just the makings to make things interesting for one or several of them. While they still cannot qualify for the playoffs this year, the Wolves can influence the conference race.

Last season was a coming out party for fans in Carrollton but this doesn’t quite feel like a flash in the pan. There has been a concentrated effort made to improve the football team at West Georgia and year three of FCS ball is shaping up to be a really special one.

West Georgia will begin its 2026 season at home against Chattanooga on August 27.