‘No One in College Football Can Match Georgia’s Depth at This Critical Position,’ Declares Top CBS Sports Analyst

The Georgia Bulldogs have set a standard in college football few programs can rival, but according to one national analyst, there’s one specific area where the Dawgs aren’t just ahead—they’re in a league of their own. CBS Sports’ Barrett Sallee delivered a bold declaration this week, claiming that no team in the country can match Georgia’s overwhelming depth at the tight end position. And based on the Bulldogs’ track record, personnel, and recruiting pipeline, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

For the last several seasons, Kirby Smart’s Georgia program has been the gold standard for roster management, stockpiling blue-chip talent across both sides of the ball. But when it comes to tight ends, the Bulldogs have elevated that position group to unprecedented levels. From dominant game-changers like Brock Bowers to NFL-bound role players and rising underclassmen, Georgia’s tight end room is the envy of college football.

Sallee emphasized this advantage during a recent CBS Sports segment previewing the upcoming 2025 season. While other programs may boast elite receivers, prolific quarterbacks, or disruptive defensive lines, Georgia’s edge, he argued, comes from their unmatched versatility, athleticism, and depth at tight end.

“The way Georgia recruits and develops tight ends is unlike anything we’ve seen in the modern college football era,” Sallee said. “They’ve taken the position to another level, and the scary part is—they’re just getting started. No one in the country can match Georgia’s depth at tight end.”

The numbers back up that claim. Over the past three seasons, Georgia has produced multiple high-level tight ends capable of making significant impacts as blockers, receivers, and even special teams contributors. Brock Bowers, arguably the most dominant tight end in the nation during his time in Athens, helped redefine the position with his combination of speed, physicality, and route-running prowess.

But Bowers wasn’t alone. Players like Darnell Washington, Oscar Delp, and others have rotated through Georgia’s system, each bringing a unique skill set that opponents struggled to contain. That consistent stream of NFL-caliber talent has made Georgia’s offense both dynamic and unpredictable.

Even with Bowers and Washington now playing on Sundays, the Bulldogs’ tight end room remains loaded heading into 2025. Oscar Delp, once considered the heir apparent to Bowers, has developed into a reliable, high-upside playmaker. Meanwhile, highly touted recruits like Lawson Luckie and Jaden Reddell continue to emerge, ensuring there’s no drop-off in production.

Luckie, in particular, has drawn rave reviews from Georgia’s coaching staff for his combination of size, hands, and football IQ. After flashing potential during the 2024 season, he’s expected to play a much larger role this fall. Reddell, one of the top tight end prospects in the 2024 class, also figures to compete for early reps, showcasing the depth and competition within the group.

That level of talent accumulation didn’t happen by accident. Kirby Smart and tight ends coach Todd Hartley have prioritized the position in recruiting, often securing commitments from the nation’s top prospects year after year. Hartley’s ability to identify, develop, and utilize versatile tight ends has become a cornerstone of Georgia’s success.

“Coach Hartley deserves as much credit as anyone,” Sallee added. “He’s turned Georgia’s tight end room into an NFL factory. The combination of recruiting, development, and creative usage makes them nearly impossible to defend.”

Indeed, Georgia’s offensive system under Mike Bobo capitalizes on the unique skill sets of their tight ends. The Bulldogs routinely deploy multiple tight end sets, using their size to create mismatches in the passing game and bolster the run game. That versatility allows Georgia to dictate tempo, control the line of scrimmage, and exploit defensive vulnerabilities.

It’s no surprise that the NFL has taken notice. In recent years, Georgia’s tight end pipeline has become one of the most respected in the country, with players like Washington and Bowers both earning first-round consideration and immediate roles at the next level. NFL scouts rave about Georgia’s tight ends, praising their readiness, physicality, and advanced understanding of the game.

Looking ahead to 2025, Georgia appears poised to continue that tradition of excellence. Delp enters the season as one of the most experienced and battle-tested tight ends in the SEC. His rapport with the Bulldogs’ quarterbacks, coupled with his ability to stretch the field, makes him a critical component of Georgia’s offensive attack.

Behind him, Luckie and Reddell provide immense upside, while promising young players like Colton Heinrich and Pearce Spurlin add even more depth and competition. The result is a tight end group that can adapt to any situation, whether it’s short-yardage power formations or spreading the field with athletic pass-catchers.

Opposing defenses will once again face the unenviable task of game-planning for Georgia’s tight ends. With their ability to block, catch, and create mismatches, they present constant headaches for linebackers, safeties, and defensive coordinators alike.

“It’s not just that Georgia has one great tight end—they have a room full of them,” Sallee concluded. “It’s an embarrassment of riches, and it gives them an edge no other team can replicate. Whether they’re in a goal-line package or a four-wide set, those tight ends make Georgia one of the most complete, dangerous teams in the country.”

The Bulldogs will need that depth as they chase yet another College Football Playoff berth and national title. The SEC remains as competitive as ever, with teams like Alabama, LSU, and Texas all reloading with elite talent. But Georgia’s consistency at tight end provides a unique advantage, one that could be the difference in close games and postseason battles.

For Kirby Smart, the emphasis on tight ends reflects his broader philosophy of building from the inside out. Physicality, depth, and versatility remain pillars of Georgia’s roster construction, and few position groups embody that approach better than the tight ends.

Recruiting analysts also point to Georgia’s 2025 and 2026 classes as evidence that the pipeline isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The Bulldogs remain in the mix for several top-tier tight end prospects, ensuring the tradition of dominance continues for years to come.

Ultimately, while stars may emerge at quarterback, wide receiver, or on defense, Georgia’s unparalleled depth at tight end might be the quiet key to their ongoing success. With an NFL-ready group capable of impacting games in myriad ways, the Bulldogs have weaponized the position unlike any program in the country.

As CBS Sports’ Barrett Sallee emphasized, that’s not a luxury every contender possesses—it’s a decisive advantage. And for Georgia, it’s yet another reason they remain firmly entrenched atop the college football mountain heading into the 2025 season.