Georgia Guard Jeremiah Wilkinson Thriving in New Bench Role

Sophomore guard's strong play off the bench has helped Bulldogs win two big SEC games

Feb. 23, 2026 at 2:36pm

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Georgia sophomore guard Jeremiah Wilkinson has flourished in a new role coming off the bench, averaging 19 points in the Bulldogs' recent wins over Kentucky and Texas. Wilkinson's efficient scoring and playmaking have helped Georgia re-establish itself in the NCAA Tournament picture after a recent slump.

Why it matters

Wilkinson's ability to provide a scoring punch off the bench has been a key factor in Georgia's recent turnaround. The Bulldogs struggled without Wilkinson in the lineup, but his return has coincided with two important SEC victories that have boosted their postseason hopes.

The details

Wilkinson came off the bench in the wins over Kentucky and Texas, averaging 26 minutes and shooting nearly 43% from the field. He scored 19 points in each game, including hitting key shots to help the Bulldogs build and maintain leads. Wilkinson's presence has also opened up opportunities for other Georgia guards like Blue Cain and Smurf Millender to thrive.

  • Wilkinson returned to action last Tuesday after missing two games.
  • In the wins over Kentucky and Texas, Wilkinson came off the bench and played around 26 minutes per game.

The players

Jeremiah Wilkinson

A sophomore guard for the Georgia Bulldogs who has flourished in a new role coming off the bench, averaging 19 points in the team's recent wins over Kentucky and Texas.

Mike White

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, who praised Wilkinson's impact and said the team is different when he is on the floor.

Blue Cain

A Georgia guard who took Wilkinson's starting spot but has also benefited from Wilkinson's strong play off the bench.

Smurf Millender

The Georgia point guard who has also thrived alongside Wilkinson in the Bulldogs' new-look lineup.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, my job is to play basketball. When I get on the court, that's my only goal. Whenever I get in the game, I'm trying to go hoop.”

— Jeremiah Wilkinson, Georgia Guard

“If you've got a couple good scorers out there on the floor but then you had two more and you got four, you double your opportunities and your potential output.”

— Mike White, Georgia Head Coach

“It means a lot, helping us have a chance to, you know, go to another tournament run and have another run. You know, just me trying to do my job and help complete the team.”

— Jeremiah Wilkinson, Georgia Guard

What’s next

Georgia will look to continue its momentum when it hosts Florida on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Wilkinson's willingness to embrace a new role off the bench has paid dividends for Georgia, as his scoring punch and playmaking have helped the Bulldogs regain their footing in the SEC and strengthen their NCAA Tournament hopes.