Georgia Sophomore Receiver Talyn Taylor Enters Rivalry With 13 Catches, 2 Touchdowns

Talyn Taylor will line up against Florida on Saturday for the first time in the rivalry.

The 190-pound sophomore wide receiver from Johns Creek did not play in the 2025 meeting between the teams, a 24-20 Georgia loss to Jacksonville State on Sept. 25, 2025. He watched that game on television. Taylor missed eight games last season after breaking his collarbone and returned to the field this year. He has caught 13 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

Georgia offensive coordinator Bobo said questions about Taylor's route running have been answered by his production. Taylor has recorded a catch in four straight games, including a 12-yard touchdown reception against Oklahoma on Sept. 13. He also caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of that game. Against Tennessee, he was held without a catch. Georgia won that game 41-10 on Nov. 16, 2024.

Sampson said Taylor's first-round draft confidence has been challenged at practice, where he lines up against defenders who outweigh him. Sampson said Taylor's weight and height do not affect his ability to handle defensive backs. Taylor said he cannot make the throw if he feels pressure before the snap. He said he likes knowing when the route will open before the play begins.

Barnes, a 6-foot All-American, has been matched against players who outweigh him on every defensive snap. The linebacker said Taylor's weight and height do not affect his ability to handle defensive backs. Taylor's response to that challenge has been to make the catch. He recorded a catch in four straight games, including a 12-yard touchdown pass against Oklahoma on Sept. 13. He also caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of that game. Against Tennessee, he was held without a catch. Georgia won that game 41-10 on Nov. 16, 2024.

Georgia has not played Florida in the rivalry since the 2025 season. The teams meet Saturday in Jacksonville. Taylor said he did not grow up watching the game. He said he knows about the tradition now. "Definitely knew a little bit about this rivalry, not a lot," Taylor said. "But I know a lot about it now, it's a blessing to be a part of it, and a blessing to be a part of the tradition of playing in it."

Georgia's receiving group lost six of its top seven pass catchers from last year. Taylor returned from the broken collarbone to record 13 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns.