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Key Georgia Storylines Entering the 2025 Season
- Can Gunner Stockton Fill Carson Beck’s Shoes?
With Carson Beck transferring to Miami after leading the SEC in passing yards in 2024 (3,485 yards, 28 TDs), redshirt junior Gunner Stockton steps into the spotlight as QB1. Stockton showed promise in limited 2024 action, including a start in the College Football Playoff against Notre Dame. His dual-threat ability and full offseason as the starter give Georgia hope, but his inexperience against elite SEC defenses raises questions. - Navigating a Brutal SEC Schedule
Georgia faces a daunting 2025 slate, including road games at Tennessee, Auburn, and Mississippi State, plus home clashes with Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas. With seven games against teams with winning records in 2024, including five against teams with nine or more wins, Kirby Smart’s squad must avoid the midseason stumbles that cost them in 2024. - Rebuilding the Defense After NFL Draft Losses
Georgia lost 13 players to the 2025 NFL Draft, including stars Mykel Williams (49ers, 11th overall), Jalon Walker (Falcons, 15th overall), and Malaki Starks (Ravens, 27th overall). A top-five recruiting class led by Elijah Griffin and Isaiah Gibson, combined with transfers like Zachariah and Zion Branch from USC, aims to reload the defense. Can young talent and portal additions maintain Georgia’s defensive dominance? - Emerging Wide Receiver Corps
The departure of top receivers Dominic Lovett and Arian Smith leaves gaps, but Georgia’s WR room is loaded with talent. Transfers Noah Thomas (Texas A&M) and Zachariah Branch (USC), alongside returners Dillon Bell, Colbie Young, and Nitro Tuggle, create a dynamic group with size, speed, and versatility. This unit could elevate Georgia’s passing game to new heights.
Key Players to Watch
- QB Gunner Stockton (Redshirt Junior): Stockton’s ability to manage games and utilize his mobility will be crucial. His 2024 playoff start showed poise, but consistency against SEC defenses is the next step.
- WR Dillon Bell (Senior): With 43 receptions, 466 yards, and 4 TDs in 2024, Bell is the veteran leader of a revamped receiving corps. His versatility to play multiple roles will stretch defenses.
- RB Nate Frazier (Sophomore): Frazier’s 671 rushing yards and 8 TDs in 2024 make him the lead back with Trevor Etienne’s future uncertain. His explosiveness is key to balancing the offense.
- LB C.J. Allen (Junior): With 76 tackles and an interception in 2024, Allen anchors a linebacker unit replacing Jalon Walker. His leadership will stabilize a young defense.
- CB Daylen Everette (Senior): Everette’s 9 pass deflections and 4 interceptions in 2024 make him the cornerstone of the secondary. His ability to lock down top receivers is vital.
Projected Depth Chart (as of July 2025)
Note: Depth chart projections are based on spring practice reports, returning players, and transfer additions. Subject to change during fall camp.
Offense
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Gunner Stockton | Jaden Rashada (Transfer) |
| RB | Nate Frazier | Chauncey Bowens |
| WR-X | Noah Thomas (Transfer) | Colbie Young |
| WR-Z | Zachariah Branch (Transfer) | Sacovie White |
| WR-Slot | Dillon Bell | Nitro Tuggle |
| TE | Oscar Delp | Elyiss Williams |
| LT | Earnest Greene | Monroe Freeling |
| LG | Dylan Fairchild | Micah Morris |
| C | Jared Wilson | Drew Bobo |
| RG | Xavier Truss | Daniel Calhoun |
| RT | Bo Hughley | Marques Easley |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| DE | Elijah Griffin (Freshman) | Gabriel Harris |
| DT | Christen Miller | Jordan Thomas |
| DE | Isaiah Gibson (Freshman) | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins |
| ILB | C.J. Allen | Raylen Wilson |
| ILB | Smael Mondon | Terrell Foster |
| STAR | Zion Branch (Transfer) | Joenel Aguero |
| CB | Daylen Everette | Daniel Harris |
| CB | Ellis Robinson IV | Demello Jones |
| S | Jake Pope | David Daniel-Sisavanh |
| S | KJ Bolden | Zion Branch (Transfer) |
Special Teams
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| K | Peyton Woodring | Charlie Ham |
| P | Brett Thorson | Noah Jones |
| KR | Zachariah Branch | Dillon Bell |
| PR | Zachariah Branch | Anthony Evans III |
2025 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule
Based on official releases from the SEC and Georgia Athletics, the 2025 schedule features seven home games and a challenging SEC slate.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Marshall | Athens, GA |
| Sept. 6 | Austin Peay | Athens, GA |
| Sept. 13 | at Tennessee | Knoxville, TN |
| Sept. 20 | Bye | – |
| Sept. 27 | Alabama | Athens, GA |
| Oct. 4 | Kentucky | Athens, GA |
| Oct. 11 | at Auburn | Auburn, AL |
| Oct. 18 | Ole Miss | Athens, GA |
| Oct. 25 | Bye | – |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Florida | Jacksonville, FL (Neutral) |
| Nov. 8 | at Mississippi State | Starkville, MS |
| Nov. 15 | Texas | Athens, GA |
| Nov. 22 | Charlotte | Athens, GA |
| Nov. 29 | at Georgia Tech | Atlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) |
Key Games Preview
- at Tennessee (Sept. 13)
- Why It Matters: Georgia opens SEC play with a road test against a Tennessee team that made the 2024 College Football Playoff. The Volunteers, led by transfer QB Joey Aguilar, will test Georgia’s young defense early. This game sets the tone for the SEC slate and could spark an “existential crisis” if Georgia falters, as noted by ESPN.
- Key Matchup: Georgia’s secondary (Everette, Robinson IV) vs. Tennessee’s receivers. Tennessee’s fast-paced offense will challenge Georgia’s new-look secondary, especially without Malaki Starks.
- Prediction: Georgia’s talent and coaching edge prevail in a close one, 27-24.
- vs. Alabama (Sept. 27)
- Why It Matters: Alabama’s first trip to Athens since 2015 is a marquee matchup. Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide, coming off a 9-4 season, will lean on QB Jalen Milroe and star safety Caleb Downs. Georgia’s home-field advantage and revenge factor (after losing to Alabama in the 2024 SEC Championship) make this a playoff eliminator.
- Key Matchup: Georgia’s offensive line vs. Alabama’s pass rush. Georgia’s retooled line must protect Stockton against a disruptive Alabama front.
- Prediction: Georgia’s depth and home crowd lead to a 31-28 victory.
- vs. Texas (Nov. 15)
- Why It Matters: Texas visits Athens for the first time ever, following two Georgia wins over the Longhorns in 2024 (regular season and SEC Championship). With Arch Manning at QB for Texas, this game could be a preview of a potential SEC title rematch. A win keeps Georgia in the driver’s seat for the CFP.
- Key Matchup: Georgia’s WRs (Bell, Thomas, Branch) vs. Texas’ secondary. Georgia’s new receiving corps must exploit Texas’ defensive backfield to open up the run game.
- Prediction: Georgia’s physicality and home advantage secure a 34-30 win.
Season Outlook
Georgia enters 2025 with championship expectations despite significant roster turnover. Kirby Smart’s ability to reload through recruiting and the transfer portal keeps the Bulldogs among the nation’s elite. Stockton’s development, a dynamic receiving corps, and a defense bolstered by freshmen and transfers will determine if Georgia can reclaim the SEC crown and make a deep CFP run. The schedule is brutal, but with two bye weeks and seven home games, the Bulldogs are positioned for 10-2 or 11-1, with losses likely on the road at Tennessee or Auburn. A third national title under Smart remains within reach if the young roster gels quickly.
