KJ Bolden builds on All-America Georgia career

Georgia junior defensive back KJ Bolden has been named a 2026 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist after adding another productive season to his two-year starting résumé. The Buford, Georgia, native recorded six tackles, four solo, in the Bulldogs’ win over Florida after missing the Auburn game.

Bolden opened the season with one tackle against Tennessee State, then made two stops with 1.5 tackles for loss against Western Kentucky. He followed with four tackles at Arkansas, a 29-yard interception return against Oklahoma and a team-high seven solo tackles against Vanderbilt.

His road performance at Alabama included seven tackles, three solo, a half-sack for five yards and a pass breakup. Bolden also earned a place on the AP Midseason All-America Second Team and joined Ellis Robinson IV on the Pony Express Award Midseason Watchlist.

Bolden’s tackle totals rose across his first two seasons. As a true freshman in 2024, he appeared in all 14 games, with starts against Florida and Tennessee. His 59 tackles ranked fifth on the team, and his postseason honors included the SEC All-Freshman Team, the FWAA Freshman All-America Team and On3’s True Freshman All-America Team.

In 2025, Bolden started all 14 games and ranked second on Georgia’s defense with 76 tackles, including 32 solo stops. He added 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups while earning Coaches All-SEC Second Team recognition and second-team All-America honors from The Athletic and USA Today.

Bolden’s 2025 season included a career-best 10 tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery at Mississippi State. Along with interceptions against Tennessee and Texas, he blocked a punt against Marshall. In the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss, Bolden matched his 10-tackle high.

Why it matters

Bolden has progressed from a 59-tackle true freshman season to 76 tackles and second-team All-SEC recognition in 2025. His 2026 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist selection adds national recognition to his role in Georgia’s defense.