Georgia Bulldogs Set Sights on New Era in 2025 as They Prepare to Replace Core Stars From Last Season’s Dominant Team
The Georgia Bulldogs are no strangers to reloading rather than rebuilding. In recent years, Kirby Smart and his staff have turned Athens into a juggernaut of the college football world, combining elite recruiting with development that’s second to none. However, entering the 2025 season, even a program of Georgia’s stature faces serious questions. The Bulldogs are tasked with replacing several key players who formed the backbone of last year’s squad—a team that flirted with perfection and played at a championship-caliber level throughout the season.
As the 2025 campaign approaches, the Bulldogs must do more than simply refill the depth chart. They must find new leaders, reestablish chemistry, and introduce fresh faces capable of continuing the standard of excellence that has defined the program in the College Football Playoff era. With stalwarts departing on both sides of the ball, Georgia’s ability to integrate young talent while preserving the team’s identity will shape their destiny this fall.
The most glaring departure is at quarterback. Carson Beck, who had a brilliant 2024 season and cemented himself as one of the top passers in the nation, is now off to the NFL. His poise, accuracy, and deep-ball prowess were critical to Georgia’s offensive balance. Without him, the Bulldogs enter uncharted waters. While the quarterback room remains talented, there’s uncertainty about who will emerge as the starter. Gunner Stockton and newcomer Ryan Puglisi headline the list of contenders. Stockton has spent time learning the system, while Puglisi brings a dynamic athletic profile, and both will have to prove they can lead a team with championship expectations.
Replacing Beck isn’t just about talent; it’s about leadership. Beck’s calm demeanor in high-pressure situations helped steady the Bulldogs on several occasions. Whoever takes over under center must quickly gain the trust of teammates and coaches alike while embracing the high standard left behind.
Georgia’s offensive firepower also took a hit at wide receiver and tight end. Dominic Lovett and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint were major contributors in the receiving game, providing reliable hands and veteran savvy. Their departures leave questions about who will become the go-to targets. While Arian Smith and Dillon Bell return with explosive potential, neither has yet proven they can carry the load as a WR1. The Bulldogs are hopeful that 5-star freshman Ny Carr can step in and make an immediate impact. He’s already drawing comparisons to former Georgia greats with his combination of speed, route-running, and work ethic.
Then there’s the tight end position, where Georgia faces the nearly impossible task of replacing Brock Bowers. A generational talent, Bowers transformed the tight end role and was arguably the most complete player on the roster. He could block, break tackles, and stretch defenses vertically. His absence leaves a gaping hole, both schematically and emotionally. Oscar Delp is next in line, and while he’s shown flashes, he now steps into a spotlight few players in college football can handle. Georgia may have to adjust its offensive scheme slightly without a unicorn like Bowers in the lineup.
On the offensive line, the Bulldogs also said goodbye to multiple seasoned veterans who anchored the trenches. Players like Sedrick Van Pran and Amarius Mims brought toughness, experience, and a high football IQ that made Georgia’s protection schemes some of the most effective in the country. Replacing them means relying on younger linemen who must grow up fast. Fortunately, Georgia has recruited at an elite level in the trenches, and players like Earnest Greene III and Monroe Freeling are expected to step up and carry the torch. Continuity and chemistry will be the priority in fall camp, especially with a new quarterback behind them.
Defensively, the Bulldogs face perhaps an even steeper challenge. The 2024 unit was one of the stingiest in the nation, anchored by a front seven that dominated the line of scrimmage and a secondary that consistently smothered opposing passing attacks. Gone are leaders like Smael Mondon Jr. and Kamari Lassiter—two players whose versatility and instincts helped shape Georgia’s identity on defense. Mondon, in particular, was the heartbeat of the linebacker corps. His range, ability to read plays, and leadership were invaluable. Replacing him will require a collective effort.
The good news is that linebacker depth remains a strength. CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson are rising stars with elite athleticism and sideline-to-sideline speed. They’ve flashed in limited snaps and are expected to play major roles this year. Wilson, in particular, has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff for his motor and football IQ. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could be the next in a long line of elite Georgia linebackers.
In the secondary, replacing Lassiter’s leadership and physicality will be a priority. Javon Bullard, another standout from the 2024 season, is also gone, leaving a vacuum in terms of experience. Still, Malaki Starks returns as the potential anchor of the back end. A true difference-maker, Starks has all the tools—instincts, range, and toughness—to become the leader Georgia needs. Alongside him, Daylen Everette and Julian Humphrey will be asked to take on bigger roles at cornerback. Their development throughout the offseason will be key in determining whether Georgia can remain elite in pass defense.
The defensive line is also undergoing transition. While the unit is still stacked with former blue-chip prospects, it’s difficult to overstate the loss of players like Nazir Stackhouse and Mykel Williams. Stackhouse brought brute strength and run-stopping ability, while Williams, a relentless edge rusher, consistently pressured quarterbacks and forced offensive lines to account for his presence. In 2025, players like Christen Miller, Jordan Hall, and incoming freshman Justus Terry will have opportunities to shine. Georgia’s rotation-heavy philosophy up front should help smooth the transition, but leadership must emerge quickly for the group to jell.
Special teams are often overlooked, but they’re vital in close games. Georgia will have to find a new placekicker and punter, as both roles were manned by steady veterans last year. Kicking battles in fall camp could be closer than any position competition on the team. The Bulldogs are evaluating several candidates, including early enrollee Peyton Woodring, whose high school film showed impressive leg strength. In the return game, Georgia is hopeful that explosive athletes like Arian Smith or freshman KJ Bolden can provide a spark and flip field position.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of Georgia’s 2025 journey is the evolution of the coaching staff. While Kirby Smart remains firmly at the helm, the assistants around him will play pivotal roles in this year’s success. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is under pressure to tailor a system that fits the strengths of his new quarterback while preserving Georgia’s explosive capabilities. Defensively, Glenn Schumann and Will Muschamp will need to retool their schemes to fit new personnel, particularly in the front seven.
Leadership will also be a defining factor this season. Every great Georgia team of recent memory has had alphas—players who were vocal in the locker room, relentless on the field, and selfless in pursuit of team goals. From Nakobe Dean to Stetson Bennett to Brock Bowers, those figures elevated their teammates and set the tone. In 2025, the Bulldogs need new voices to step up. Whether it’s Starks on defense, Delp on offense, or a dark horse leader rising from the ranks, someone must seize the mantle.
The Bulldogs don’t get much time to ease into things either. Their early schedule includes several challenges, including a conference-opening road trip that could serve as a litmus test for the new-look roster. The SEC is deeper than ever, and with Texas and Oklahoma officially in the mix, the path to Atlanta is even more treacherous. Georgia’s margin for error will be slim.
Still, if any program is built to handle turnover, it’s Georgia. The recruiting classes are stacked, the culture is unshakable, and the coaching is elite. This isn’t the first time the Bulldogs have had to replace stars—and it won’t be the last. What matters is how quickly the new core can rise, how well they respond to adversity, and whether they can sustain the dynasty that’s been built.
For fans in Athens, there’s cautious optimism. The losses are undeniable, but so is the potential. The 2025 Georgia Bulldogs may look different from last year’s team, but if the past few seasons have taught us anything, it’s this: never bet against Kirby Smart’s Dawgs.
