The Georgia Bulldogs have lost a key defensive lineman ahead of the 2026 season.
Dawgs247 has learned that defensive tackle Xzavier McLeod is no longer with the team as the Bulldogs prepare for their Week 1 matchup with Tennessee State. McLeod addressed his situation briefly on a social media video last week and described himself as “done with football” and “retired.”
“Had some issues not with coaching just thought it was time ! [sic] to move away from college football” McLeod shared on social media.
McLeod was gearing up for his third season in Athens. He appeared in 14 games for the Bulldogs last fall, which included 6 starts. He recorded 17 tackles, 6 quarterback pressures, and 2 pass break-ups. One of his most productive games came against Ole Miss, when he had 2 tackles and a key pass break-up in the Bulldogs’ 43-35 victory.
McLeod was expected to play a key role on the defensive line this season at nose tackle along with fellow veteran Jordan Hall. Other options at the position include Nnamdi Ogboko, Valdin Sone, and Nasir Johnson.
“He’s just a big athlete, functional movement, man,” Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott said on Aug. 12. “We love him. Looking forward to seeing what happens. So it’s hard to find big guys that can move, as you guys know that.”
McLeod flashed during his first season as a Bulldog in 2024. He played in 11 games that fall and recorded 13 tackles in that time, including 2 for loss. Nearly one quarter of his tackles that season (3) came in the Bulldogs’ eight-overtime victory over Georgia Tech.
McLeod was a four-star prospect when he signed with South Carolina in the 2023 class, but his stay in Columbia ultimately proved short. He played in four games as a true freshman last fall and ended the year with 1 tackle and 1 interception.