Georgia ‘Top Dawg’ CB Ellis Robinson wins Defensive Freshman of the Year

Ellis Robinson IV (UGA Sports Comm) Georgia defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) during Georgia's game against Alabama in the 2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Conor Dillon/UGAAA) (Conor Dillon/Conor Dillon/UGAAA)

January 16, 2026 at 10:46 a.m. UTC

By Mike Griffith, DawgNation

ATHENS — Ellis Robinson IV was named the FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year after tying for the SEC lead with four interceptions on a Georgia defense that ranked among the best in the nation.

Robinson earned the award past fellow finalists and defensive backs DJ Pickett of LSU and Brandon Finney of Oregon.

Miami receiver Malachi Toney is the FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Year and Colorado’s Quentin Gibson has been named the Freshman Special Teams Player of the Year.