Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from Georgia After Bowl Game
Georgia's aim to win a third national championship in four seasons ended quickly in the College Football Playoff.
During the quarterfinal round at the Sugar Bowl, the Bulldogs lost to Notre Dame 23-10. And so, the offseason begins for the SEC champions after a fascinating 11-3 season.
On one hand, it was disappointing. Kirby Smart has built a powerhouse that expects to contend for a national title every season, and the Dawgs fell short of that target in the expanded CFP format. They had a championship-caliber roster and didn't get there.
But, again, that feeling as a product of the program's success. Winning an SEC title is always a good thing.
The expectations in Athens won't change this offseason as Smart and UGA retool a talented team.
Who's Staying
1 of 3
The Next Starting QB
Called into action after a season-ending elbow injury to Carson Beck, Gunner Stockton helped the Dawgs navigate Texas in the SEC Championship Game and started the Sugar Bowl. Stockton heads into winter workouts with a tentative grasp on the QB1 spot, although Jaden Rashada and others will be competing for that job.
High-Upside Backfield, Maybe
We know, barring a transfer, Nate Frazier will return in 2025. Through the SEC Championship Game, he'd rushed for a team-high 634 yards with eight touchdowns. And if UGA can keep Trevor Etienne, the backfield would be loaded with potential. Etienne may want to stick around and rehab his NFL draft stock following an injury-affected year.
Several All-SEC Players
Both the offense and defense must replace at least a handful of top contributors. However, the Dawgs return a few players who have already made a significant impact in a strong conference. That includes first-team All-SEC kicker Peyton Woodring, second-team center Jared Wilson and third-team punter Brett Thorson. Sure, those aren't the most glamorous position, but they matter.
Who's Leaving
2 of 3
Key Offensive Players
In several ways, the 2024 season didn't go as planned for Carson Beck. Still, he's a quality QB who started the last two years and helped the Dawgs win an SEC title. Beck is headed to the 2025 draft alongside All-American guards Dylan Fairchild and Tate Ratledge. Top receiver Arian Smith is probably gone, while wideout Dominic Lovett and right tackle Xavier Truss have exhausted their eligibility.
Most of the Defense
Georgia has repeatedly revamped the unit, but it needs to happen again. Defensive tackles Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, edge-rusher Chaz Chambliss, linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. and safety Dan Jackson are out of eligibility. Additionally, edge-rusher Mykel Williams and safety Malaki Starks are expected to enter the 2025 NFL draft with linebacker Jalon Walker and cornerback Daylen Everette also real possibilities to join them.
Outgoing Transfers
To date, nine UGA players have entered the portal. The most notable is cornerback Julian Humphrey, whose snap share decreased noticeably in November after holding a significant role early in 2024. Most of the other transfers, such as edge-rusher Sam M'Pemba, are more recognizable for their recruiting billing than production at UGA.
Who's on the Way
3 of 3
Transfers... Right?
Georgia currently has zero commitments from transfers, which is probably going to change sometime soon. The coaching staff has regularly used the portal to satisfy immediate needs and/or land a young, high-potential player. Expect the Dawgs to land a few marquee names.
Couple of 5-Star Recruits
Ho-hum, another class loaded with elite talent for Smart and his staff. The impressive haul features two players with the coveted 5-star billing: defensive lineman Elijah Griffin (fifth overall) and edge-rusher Isaiah Gibson (ninth), both of whom are in-state prospects.
Top-3 Recruiting Class
In addition to that duo, 20 more 4-stars have signed with the Dawgs. Georgia's other top prospects in the nation's No. 3 recruiting class are linebacker Zayden Walker (25th), wide receiver Talyn Taylor (32nd) and tight end Elyiss Williams (36th).
.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")
.png?w=600 "New NBA Mock Draft 📝")
.jpg?w=600 "Ranking Every Team's Farm System 📊")