Navigating the Dawg Path: Ten Burning Questions for Georgia Football’s 2025 National Title Pursuit

With the 2025 college football season a mere 100 days away, anticipation is building in Athens as the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for another championship run. Coming off a dominant era under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs enter the new season with high expectations, but also a healthy dose of intriguing questions that will shape their destiny. From quarterback battles to defensive reload, the landscape of college football has shifted, and Georgia must adapt to maintain its elite status. Here are ten pressing questions that will undoubtedly occupy the minds of the Bulldog faithful as kickoff approaches.

The most immediate and perhaps the most significant question facing Georgia in 2025 revolves around the quarterback position. With Carson Beck having moved on, the competition between Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi for the starting role is paramount. Both are talented, but neither has extensive starting experience at the collegiate level. Stockton, a highly touted recruit, has been in the system longer, offering a presumed understanding of the offense. Puglisi, a strong-armed freshman, brings a different dynamic and could inject fresh energy. How quickly will one of them establish himself as the clear leader, and how will the offense be tailored to their strengths? Their performance, particularly in the early, less challenging games against Marshall and Austin Peay, will set the tone for the entire season. The pressure to live up to the standard set by recent Georgia quarterbacks is immense, and their development will be a key storyline to watch.

Following the quarterback dilemma, the offensive line’s cohesion and dominance are crucial. Georgia has consistently boasted one of the nation’s best offensive lines, a bedrock of their success. However, with the inevitable departures of key players, how quickly will the new unit gel? The Bulldogs have recruited well, bringing in top talent like Juan Gaston and Mason Short, but integrating new faces into a unit that thrives on communication and continuity takes time. Can this group maintain the physicality and pass protection necessary to open up holes for the running backs and provide a clean pocket for a relatively inexperienced quarterback? The success of Georgia’s ground game and the protection of their signal-caller will hinge on the offensive line’s ability to live up to the program’s high standards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the perennial question for Georgia is how they will replenish their talent after losing numerous players to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal. The Bulldogs consistently churn out NFL-ready defenders, but the sheer volume of departures, particularly from the defensive line and edge rush positions, raises concerns. While Kirby Smart and his staff have an uncanny ability to reload, the impact of losing proven sack producers and experienced defensive backs cannot be underestimated. How effectively will new additions from the transfer portal, such as Elo Modozie and Josh Horton, integrate into the defensive scheme, and which young players will step up to fill the void? The defense’s ability to maintain its stifling dominance will be a critical factor in Georgia’s national championship aspirations.

Beyond specific position groups, the overall team chemistry and leadership will be under scrutiny. While Georgia has a strong culture, every season presents new challenges and dynamics. Who will emerge as the vocal leaders on both sides of the ball? How will the team respond to adversity, especially with a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss at home, and road tests at Tennessee and Auburn? The ability of the veteran players to guide the younger talent and maintain focus throughout a grueling SEC schedule will be vital for sustained success.

The burgeoning impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on roster management is another significant question. With college football moving towards a model where players can earn substantial income, how will Georgia navigate this landscape to retain top talent and attract new recruits? Reports suggest Georgia is poised for a significant NIL payroll, but the fluid nature of NIL deals and the competitive market could present unforeseen challenges. Will the Bulldogs be able to secure the commitments of crucial prospects and prevent existing players from seeking opportunities elsewhere through the transfer portal? The long-term effects of NIL on team building and player retention are still being understood across college football, and Georgia’s approach will be closely watched.

Speaking of recruiting, how will Georgia continue to dominate the recruiting trail in the 2025 class and beyond? The Bulldogs have consistently pulled in top-ranked classes, a testament to Kirby Smart’s prowess. However, the competition for elite talent is fiercer than ever, with other programs making significant strides. Can Georgia maintain its pipeline of five-star prospects and ensure that they are developing talent internally to fill future needs? The quality of incoming recruits directly impacts the team’s ability to sustain its high level of play over the long term.

The new 12-team College Football Playoff format introduces a fresh layer of strategy and pressure. How will Kirby Smart and his staff manage the regular season with the expanded playoff in mind? Will there be more emphasis on rest and recovery for key players, or will every game still be treated as a must-win given the heightened stakes? The path to the playoff is now slightly more forgiving, but securing a top seed and home-field advantage remains crucial. Georgia’s approach to the new playoff era will be a fascinating subplot.

The schedule itself presents its own set of questions. While Georgia enjoys home-field advantage against formidable opponents like Alabama and Texas, road games against Tennessee and Auburn are never easy. How will the team handle the pressure of these high-stakes matchups, particularly those within the SEC? The ability to perform consistently against tough competition, both at home and on the road, will be a true test of their championship mettle.

Beyond the field, what, if any, changes will occur within the coaching staff? While Kirby Smart has largely maintained stability, the dynamic nature of college football often leads to movement. The recent additions of Phil Rauscher and John Lilly as offensive assistants, and the promotion of Donte Williams to associate head coach, signal an evolution. How will these changes impact offensive and defensive schemes, and will they contribute positively to player development and game-day performance? The continuity and effectiveness of the coaching staff are vital to a team’s success.

Finally, perhaps the broadest question is whether Georgia can once again stand atop the college football world. After two national championships in recent memory, the target on their back is larger than ever. The SEC, in particular, is an unforgiving gauntlet, and the increased competition in the expanded playoff will demand near perfection. Can the Bulldogs replicate the focus, intensity, and execution required to navigate a challenging schedule and emerge as the last team standing? The journey begins in 100 days, and the answers to these questions will reveal whether the Dawgs are truly built for another dynasty.