As the 2025 college football season approaches, Georgia finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The Bulldogs, fresh off another highly competitive season, are once again poised to contend for a national championship. However, their path to the top is layered with uncertainty—especially at the quarterback position.
Following the departure of Carson Beck to the NFL and then, surprisingly, to the Miami Hurricanes via the transfer portal, Georgia must identify and develop a new starting quarterback. The competition has centered around redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton, who impressed during spring practices, particularly during the annual spring game. Stockton showcased his deep ball accuracy and poise under pressure, giving fans and coaches alike a glimpse of his potential to lead the offense.
Yet, Stockton is not alone. Georgia’s quarterback room remains stacked, featuring former five-star recruit Brock Vandagriff and highly touted freshman Ryan Puglisi. Each brings a unique skill set to the table, and head coach Kirby Smart will have to make a calculated decision on who gives the team the best chance to win—not just early in the season, but in a potential College Football Playoff run.
Beyond the quarterback position, the Bulldogs face the task of reloading after losing a significant portion of their roster to the NFL Draft and transfer portal. Multiple starters on both sides of the ball have moved on, leaving gaps that will need to be filled quickly if Georgia hopes to maintain its elite status. Fortunately, the program’s depth remains among the strongest in the nation. A top-ranked recruiting class and a culture of “next man up” resilience should help mitigate some of these losses.
One particularly tantalizing stat that could power Georgia through adversity: under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have ranked in the top five nationally in total defense in five of the last six seasons. Even as the personnel changes, the defensive system remains intact, spearheaded by coordinator Glenn Schumann. This consistency provides a strong foundation as the offense recalibrates.
On the futures front, Georgia remains among the betting favorites to win the national title, though not as overwhelmingly as in years past. Their projected win total hovers around 10.5, reflecting both their talent and the uncertainties facing the program. Meanwhile, Heisman Trophy speculation has been quieter in Athens compared to recent years. However, if Stockton or any of the other quarterback contenders breaks out early, they could quickly climb the odds board.
Elsewhere in the SEC, all eyes are also on Texas’s Arch Manning, who is expected to take the reins in Austin and could shake up the Heisman race and CFP dynamics. With Alabama retooling, LSU trending upward, and the expanded playoff format debuting this season, Georgia’s margin for error is narrower than ever.
Still, history suggests doubting Georgia under Kirby Smart is a risky proposition. If the Bulldogs can solidify their quarterback play and continue their defensive dominance, another deep postseason run is well within reach.
