Saturday, August 30
Athens, Ga.
3:30 p.m.
University of Georgia
vs
Marshall
Georgia Opens 2025 Season Against Marshall
August 25, 2025 | Football
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One of Georgia's main themes during the preseason and now into 2025 will be to play with "FPE." Fifty-four percent of Georgia's roster is made of players in their first or second seasons in Athens, and they have displayed youthful exuberance throughout spring and fall camp.
Georgia is 101-27-3 in season openers including 9-0 in the Kirby Smart era. The Bulldogs have won 11 straight openers. The last defeat came in 2013 at #8 Clemson (38-35 over #5 Georgia).
This will be the second meeting between the two schools. Marshall is under the direction of first-year coach Tony Gibson. He replaced Charles Huff who left for Southern Miss shortly after winning the Sun Belt Conference last year. MU entered bowl season with a 10-3 mark and on a seven-game winning streak, but a significant number of players jumped into the portal following Huff's departure, and Marshall pulled out of the Independence Bowl. Gibson's first recruiting class features 61 new players. In 2025, Marshall will wear green helmets, a first since 2009.
In 2004, Georgia played host to Marshall, and the visitors took an early 3-0 lead on a 33-yard field goal by Ian O'Connor. It was set up by a 57-yard completion from Stan Hill to Emmanuel Spann on the first play from scrimmage. The Bulldog defense would blank the Thundering Herd the rest of the way for a 13-3 win as Marshall managed just 160 yards of offense. David Greene finished 17-for-30 for 209 yards while Thomas Brown gained 81 yards on 18 carries. Michael Cooper scored the lone touchdown while Andy Bailey hit a pair of field goals from 29 and 33 yards.
From 1996-2000, Georgia was led by Jim Donnan who was hired from Marshall. Donnan, a 2009 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, posted a 40-19 record during his Georgia tenure.
Despite posting an 11-3 mark with an SEC title and advancing to another College Football Playoff, Georgia's offensive and defensive statistics were deemed average by the pundits compared to other top teams last year. However, one should consider the Bulldogs played the nation's toughest schedule per ESPN's FPI with regular season road games at No. 1 Texas, No. 4 Alabama, No. 16 Ole Miss, and in the postseason, they faced No. 2 Texas in Atlanta and No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP at the Sugar Bowl. Ultimately, here's where the Bulldogs finished in the national rankings. Scoring Offense: Averaged 31.5 ppg (38th); Scoring Defense: Allowed 20.6 ppg (23rd)
In the Smart era, the Georgia defense has ended the year ranked in the top five nationally in Scoring Defense five times including leading the nation twice (2019 at 12.6 ppg & 2021 at 10.2 ppg). Also, Georgia was ranked in the final top 10 in Scoring Offense from 2021-23. The Bulldogs were the only FBS team to finish the 2023 season nationally ranked in the top five in both Scoring Offense (40.1 ppg/5th) and Scoring Defense (15.6 ppg/5th).
Kirby Smart enters his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater with a 105-19 mark. He is one of only two active coaches (Dabo Swinney, Clemson) with multiple national championships. Georgia is the only team in the CFP-era to win back-to-back national titles, doing it in 2021-2022.
In 2024, the Bulldogs made their fourth straight appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) and seventh overall trip under Smart. After a 22-19 overtime win over then No. 2 Texas, the Bulldogs claimed their 15th SEC title in school history and the No. 2 seed in the CFP.
Georgia owns the nation's longest active bowl streak at 28 seasons. Since 2019, the Bulldogs are 7-1 in their past eight bowl/CFP matchups after a CFP quarterfinal loss to #5 Notre Dame in the 2025 Sugar Bowl.
Georgia is 39-3 against non-conference teams in the Smart era including 22-1 at home. The only losses have been in the 2025 CFP quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl (#5 Notre Dame 23-10), the 2019 Sugar Bowl (Texas 28-21) and in 2016 in Athens (Ga. Tech 28-27).
Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Tiger, Ga., enters the 2025 season as the veteran quarterback with rookies behind him in redshirt freshmen Ryan Puglisi and Colter Ginn plus true freshmen Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender all preparing for their opportunity.
Stockton delivered when called upon to start the second half of the 2024 SECCG against Texas who had the No. 1 rated pass defense (No. 3 total defense). He led the Bulldogs on scoring drives of 75, 61 and 72 yards in three of the first four possessions and then the game-winning TD in OT. He finished 12-for-16 for 71 yards and one INT plus had a career-high eight rushes for 19 yards.
Before the SECCG win over then No. 2 Texas, Stockton was 13-for-16 for 135 yards with two rushing yards on nine attempts last season. He saw action in four games in 2023 and was 12-for-19 for 148 yards and two TDs.
Stockton made his first career start versus No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP Quarterfinal Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2. He was 20-for-32 for 234 yards and a touchdown despite being sacked four times.
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Longest Rush by Georgia: 52-yd by Anthony Evans III (MSU)
Longest Rush by Opp.: 68-yd by Jalen John (UMass)
Longest Completion by Georgia: 67-yd TD (Beck to Bell @ #4 UA); 67-yd (Stockton to Smith)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 75-yd TD (Hairston to Keeney-James, UMass; Milroe to Williams, @ #4 UA)
#3 Nate Frazier, RB 671 yards, 133 att., 5.0 avg., 8 TD, 40 long
#86 Dillon Bell, WR 107 yards, 9 att., 8.2 avg., 1 TD, 33 long
PASSING
#14 Gunner Stockton, QB 45 comp., 64 att., 440 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 67 long
RECEIVING
#86 Dillon Bell, WR 43 rec., 466 yards, 10.8 avg., 4 TD, 67 long
#7 Lawson Luckie, TE 24 rec., 348 yards, 14.5 avg., 3 TD, 37 long
#4 Oscar Delp, TE 21 rec., 248 yards, 11.8 avg., 4 TD, 43 long
#16 London Humphreys, WR 15 rec., 244 yards, 16.3 avg., 2 TD, 40 long
#8 Colbie Young, WR 11 rec., 149 yards, 13.5 avg., 2 TD, 34 long
TACKLES
#3 CJ Allen, ILB 76 total tackles, 49 solo, 27 assists, 1 INT, 3 TFL
#4 KJ Bolden, DB 59 total tackles, 40 solo, 19 assists, 1 INT, 2 TFL
#6 Daylen Everette, DB 58 total tackles, 45 solo, 13 assists, 3 INT, 3 PBU
#5 Raylen Wilson, ILB 47 total tackles, 24 solo, 23 assists, 7 TFL, 1.5 sacks
#52 Christen Miller, DL 27 total tackles, 15 solo, 12 assists, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL
#8 Joenel Aguero, DB 26 total tackles, 17 solo, 9 assists, 1.5 TFL
Georgia's top returning running back is 5-10, 205-pound sophomore Nate Frazier from Compton, Calif. In 2024, he burst on the scene with 84 yards on 13 carries and a TD in the season-opening win over #14 Clemson. He appeared in 13 games with three starts and led the team with 671 yards and eight TDs. He made his first start in the win over #7 Tennessee and provided 68 yards on 19 carries (tied career high) and one TD. He became the first Bulldog freshman tailback to start since 2014 when Nick Chubb and Sony Michel both did it. That year, Chubb started eight games while Michel's first career start came in the Belk Bowl win over #20 Louisville. Frazier ran for a career-high 136 yards (most by a Bulldog in '24) and three scores against UMass. Also, he provided the game-winning conversion in OT to beat Ga. Tech 44-42. He has honored some of the Georgia greats of "RBU" with his TD celebrations from Michel's jazz hands to Todd Gurley's signature bow.
Redshirt freshman Chauncey Bowens, the versatile graduate Cash Jones, Illinois graduate transfer Josh McCray (607 yards and 10 TDs last season), sophomore Dwight Phillips Jr., redshirt sophomore Roderick Robinson and freshman Bo Walker are aiming to make an impact. Also, the Bell brothers, senior wide receiver Dillon Bell (already earned his degree), and his brother Micah, who transferred from Vanderbilt where he played DB, are options too.
Last year, the Bulldogs' top targets were seniors Dominic Lovett (59-for- 607 yards, 6 TDs) and Arian Smith (48-for-817 yards, 4 TDs) and 2025 senior Dillon Bell (43-for-466 yards, 4 TDs). Also, Bell had 107 yards rushing on nine attempts including a 3-yarder for a score at #4 Alabama.
Other targets this season will include: junior USC transfer Zachariah Branch (47 rec., 503 yards, 1 TD in '24) and senior Texas A&M transfer Noah Thomas (39 rec., 574 yards, 8 TDs in '24), senior Colbie Young, who had 149 yards and two touchdowns in only five contests for UGA last year and junior London Humphreys (15 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns). Also, redshirt freshman Sacovie White-Helton, junior Cole Speer and firstyear receivers CJ Wiley, Talyn Taylor and Tyler J. Williams look to be in the mix plus Walter Blanchard, Thomas Blackshear and Landon Roldan.
Georgia was banged up for much of 2024 on the offensive line while facing the nation's toughest schedule per ESPN's FPI. Still, the line helped lead the Bulldogs to another SEC title. This year, the Bulldogs will have a retooled group with All-American Tate Ratledge, OG Dylan Fairchild and C Jared Wilson all getting selected in the 2025 NFL Draft while Xavier Truss (RT) also is in the league after signing as a free agent. Fairchild and Truss were the only ones to start all 14 games last season.
The top candidates in 2025 who made starts last year will be redshirt junior Drew Bobo (C) and Earnest Greene III (T), redshirt senior Micah Morris (G) and junior Monroe Freeling (T). The longest starting streak among offensive players belongs to Freeling at five games. The rotation up front may include redshirt freshman Daniel Calhoun (G/T) freshman Juan Gaston Jr. (G/T), Bo Hughley (T/G), sophomore Jahzare Jackson (T), redshirt sophomore Jamal Meriweather (G), freshmen Cortez Smith (C/G) and Dontrell Glover and redshirt freshman Michael Uini.
The only true freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener in the Smart era is Andrew Thomas (RT) in 2017.
Drew Bobo's dad is the Bulldogs' Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Mike Bobo. He was a groomsman at Smart's wedding while Drew was a ringbearer.
Tight ends always have played a significant role in the Bulldog offense with seven currently in the NFL, and the 2025 group should be no different. Junior Lawson Luckie and senior Oscar Delp are expected to play the lead roles and redshirt freshmen Jaden Reddell and Colton Heinrich ready too.
Luckie was the team's fifth-leading receiver last year with 24 catches for 348 yards and three touchdowns while making seven starts. In the SECCG win over #2 Texas, Luckie provided a highlight on his lone catch and had a key TD-saving tackle following an interception that could've been a game-ending pick-six. Meanwhile, Delp started 10 games and completed 2024 with 21 receptions for 248 yards and four scores.
Luckie is a second generation Bulldog as his father Mike (LB) was part of Bulldog triplets from 1996-98 with uncles Dustin (LB) and Miles (OL).
Highly-touted freshmen Ethan Barbour (6-3, 235) and Elyiss Williams (6- 7, 255) will be hard to keep off the field whether it's on special teams or with the offense.
Georgia has had 55 players drafted over the past five seasons, including 30 on defense and 11 of those defenders have gone in the first round.
The 2024 unit ranked 23rd nationally in Scoring Defense (20.6 ppg).
Did not allow a TD until the fourth game of the year and forced at least one turnover in 12 of 14 games.
Posted first half shutouts versus #14 Clemson, Tennessee Tech and at #1 Texas and a second half shutout of #7 Tennessee
Held #16 Ole Miss to 28 points, including five field goals, as they came in averaging 42.1 ppg.
One of the hallmarks of an elite defense is stopping the run, and that starts up front. In 2025, Georgia is replacing a host of seasoned veterans now playing in the NFL like Mykel Williams, Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. The time is now for redshirt junior Christen Miller and junior Jordan Hall to set the tone. Miller started 10 games last year. Hall battled leg injuries, limiting him to six games and has admitted that rehabbing the mental side more than the physical has been the toughest part.
Along with Miller and Hall, look for redshirt freshmen Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Nasir Johnson, Nnamdi Ogboko, and Jordan Thomas, redshirt sophomore transfer Josh Horton (Miami) and freshmen Elijah Griffin and JJ Hanne to be in the rotation.
Junior CJ Allen ranked second in tackles behind Malaki Starks (1st round pick of Baltimore) with 76 while fellow junior Raylen Wilson posted 47 stops with seven tackles for loss. Freshmen All-SEC selections Chris Cole and Justin Williams stepped up last year when 2024 senior Smael Mondon was hurt, and that duo should be even better in 2025. The highlights for this group include:
Allen made a career-high 10 stops versus Ga. Tech. He had a team-high eight stops and his first career interception against UF. Allen made six stops in the road win over #1 Texas and then seven in the SEC Championship Game.
Wilson posted a career-high seven tackles against the Gators. Wilson had five tackles, a forced fumble and sack for a loss of 28 yards that led to a change of possession and Georgia's first score in the road win over UK. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
Cole and Williams started to make a noticeable impact as the year continued. Cole has elite speed and flexibility to help him cover along with great length. He scooped up a fumble and returned it 28 yards for a TD against UMass. It marked the first scoop and score by a Bulldog since 2020 when ILB Monty Rice did it against #14 Tennessee.
Junior transfer Elo Modozie (Army) is predicted to play an immediate role for Georgia's defense after tallying 34 stops, including eight tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, last year.
One of the most veteran linebackers, junior Gabe Harris Jr., will anchor another group including redshirt junior Terrell Foster, sophomore Quintavius Johnson, RFr. Kris Jones and freshmen Darren Ikinnagbon, Isaiah Gibson, Chase Linton, Zayden Walker and Anthony Kruah.
Despite losing All-American safety Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia returns a talented corps in the defensive backfield.
Senior Daylen Everette, the MVP of the SEC Championship Game, emerged last season with a team-high three INTs plus ranked sixth with 58 tackles. He enters 2025 with a team-best 28 consecutive starts.
KJ Bolden, who made the 2024 Freshman All-American, ranked fifth on the squad with 59 stops. He was part of the 2024 FAB14 for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
With 33 career games and three starts under his belt, senior JaCorey Thomas has provided a steady veteran presence for the newcomers in the secondary.
Junior DB Daniel Harris started the final four games of last season and coupled with transfers Zion Branch (USC), Jaden Harris (Miami) and Adrian Maddox (UAB) and redshirt freshman Ellis Robinson IV, this group aims to be among the first to see action with Everette, Bolden Thomas and Harris.
Also, Kyron Jones, Demello Jones and Ondre Evans will complement first-year DBs Todd Robinson, Rasean Dinkins, Jontae Gilbert, Dominick Kelly and Daniel Okonkwo in the room.
In 2024, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that had its punter (Brett Thorson), placekicker (Peyton Woodring) and snapper (Beau Gardner) named a semifinalist for a national award at their position, and all three are back! Thorson and Gardner were named finalists for the Ray Guy Award and Patrick Mannelly Award, while Woodring was up for the Groza Award.
In the Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have a 63% success rate on 4th Down (81-for-129) with 14 TDs. In 2024, Georgia led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in 4th Down Conversions at 67% (18-for-27 with 4 TDs).
With elite distance, hang time, placement and a strong coverage unit, All-America punter Brett Thorson and the Bulldogs ranked 5th nationally in Net Punting (43.5) in 2024. However in the SEC Championship Game, Thorson's season ended due to a knee injury during a return after a punt. He finished with four punts for a 53.5 average in the game including a 60-yarder.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson was a 2024 finalist for the Ray Guy Award. Thorson won the fan vote but Eddie Czaplicki (USC) claimed the trophy. USC led the nation in Net Punting at 45.4. In 2024, Thorson averaged 47.6 yards on 42 punts, the second best mark in school history. His average would've ranked 3rd nationally in 2024, but the NCAA's minimum for leaders is 3.6 punts a game (Min. 47 punts in 13 games).
Thorson's career average of 45.6 ranks 2nd best in school history, trailing only Jake Camarda's record mark of 45.8 set from 2018-21.
Thorson is known for his comedic slant about his lack of playing time because the Bulldogs punted a record low 32 times in 2023 after just 36 punts in 2022 (15 games), the two lowest totals dating to at least 1948.
Thanks in part to Thorson's punts and the entire punt coverage team including gunners Arian Smith, Dominic Lovett and Cole Speer, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that did not allow a punt return in 2023, the first school to do that since 2020 when COVID limited the amount of games teams played. Along with Speer, possible gunners in 2025 include KJ Bolden, London Humphreys, Daniel Harris, Jeremy Bell and Daylen Everette.
Georgia had its streak of not allowing a positive yard on a punt return end at #16 Ole Miss last year, a span of 28 games. Prior to a two-yard return by Rebel Micah Davis, the last one came in a 45-19 road win over Miss. State on Nov. 12, 2022 when Zavion Thomas took one 63 yards for a score.
Georgia allowed its first significant punt return since 2022 when Boo Carter (Tennessee) posted a 26-yarder last year and was promptly tackled to save a TD by Thorson. Opponents tallied 57 yards on 11 PR last year.
With Thorson out for the CFP last year, Georgia turned to then true freshman Drew Miller in the Sugar Bowl. In his debut, he had four punts for a 39.8 average with a long of 48.
Points: 15 (UK23)
PATs: 9 (vs. FSU23, Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
FGA: 3 (6x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
FGM: 3 3 (5x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
LG: LG: 55 (vs. CU24)
Redshirt senior Liam Badger and freshman Connor Ferguson are options in the kicking game too.
Punts: 6 (UK24)
#Avg.: 54.0 on four (@ #1 Texas 2024) with minus 5 PR yards
Long: 75 (UT22)
#at least two punts
Georgia ranks 3rd in NCAA history for consecutive games scoring and among schools with active streaks:
Florida 462 games (1988-present)
TCU 407 games (1991-present)
Georgia 387 games (1995-present)
Home: 2-2; Away: 4-2; Neutral: 4-3
Bowl Game/CFP: 3-2 *SEC Games: 4-4
Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
The Bulldogs are 3-2 in overtime games under Kirby Smart. Georgia's complete overtime history can be found on page 110 of the media guide.
Jan. 1, 2018: #3 Georgia beat #2 Oklahoma 54-48 (2-OT) in Pasadena, Calif. (CFP Semifinal: Rose Bowl Game)
Jan. 8. 2018: #4 Alabama beat #3 Georgia 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. (CFP National Championship, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Oct. 12, 2019: South Carolina beat #3 Georgia 20-17 (2-OT) in Athens, Ga.
Nov. 29, 2024: #7 Georgia beat Ga. Tech 44-42 (8-OT, SEC Record) in Athens, Ga.
Dec. 7, 2024: #2 Georgia beat #5 Texas 22-19 in Atlanta, Ga. (SEC Championship, Mercedez-Benz Stadium)
CJ Allen, ILB
SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council; *SEC Football Leadership Council Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Butkus and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Dillon Bell, WR
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300; Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Drew Bobo, OL
Preseason Watch List: Rimington Trophy
KJ Bolden, DB
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Coaches, SEC Media Second Team; Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Maxwell and Jim Thorpe Awards, Nagurski Trophy
Zachariah Branch, WR / KR
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media (KR/PR), SEC Coaches (All Purpose); Third Team – Athlon (KR/PR); Preseason Watch Lists: Jet Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Chris Cole, ILB
Preseason Watch List: Butkus Award
Oscar Delp, TE
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches, Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award
Daylen Everette, DB
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Jim Thorpe Award, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Senior Bowl Top 300, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Nagurski Trophy
Nate Frazier, RB
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – Athlon; Third Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award
Monroe Freeling, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Beau Gardner, SN
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Patrick Mannelly Award
Earnest Greene, III, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lombardi Award
Elijah Griffin, DL
Preseason Watch List: Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
Jordan Hall, DL
Preseason Watch List: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Cash Jones, RB
Preseason Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Lawson Luckie, TE
Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Josh McCray, RB
Preseason Watch List: Doak Walker Award
Christen Miller, DL
Preseason All-America: Second Team – ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Second Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Outland Trophy, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Gunner Stockton, QB
Preseason Watch List: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Noah Thomas, WR
Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Brett Thorson, P
Preseason All-America: First Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Ray Guy Award, College Football Comeback Player of the Year, Senior Bowl Top 300
Raylen Wilson, ILB
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Peyton Woodring, PK
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Sporting News, AP Third Team – Athlon; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media (PK/KS), SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lou Groza Award
Colbie Young, WR
Preseason Watch List: Senior Bowl Top 300
Georgia was -1 in Turnover Margin.
Georgia had 76 points off 19 turnovers.
Opponents had 57 points off 20 turnovers.
vs. #14 CU: UGA 7 pts. off 1; UGA had none
TT: UGA 7 pts. off 1; UGA had none
@UK: UGA got 3 pts off 1; UGA had none
@ #4 UA: UGA got 0 pts. off 1: UA got 7 off 4
AU: No turnovers by either team
MSU: UGA got 0 pts. off 1; MSU got 10 off 2
@ #1 TX: UGA got 17 pts. off 4; UT got 7 off 3
vs. UF: UGA got 14 pts. off 2; UF got 10 off 3
@ #16 OM: UGA got 7 pts. off 1; OM got 6 off 3
#7 UT: UGA got 0 pts. off 1; UGA had none
UMass: UGA got 14 pts. off 2; UGA had none
GT: UGA got 7 pts. off 1; GT got 7 of 1
SECCG (#2 TX): UGA got 0 pts. off 1; UT got 3 off 2
Sugar Bowl (#5 ND): ND had no TO; ND got 7 off 2
Georgia had 8 INTs in 2024: (Daylen Everette-3, Dan Jackson-2, CJ Allen, KJ Bolden & Malaki Starks);
Opponents had 13.
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Georgia had 11 FR in 2024: (Chris Cole-2, Jalon Walker-2, Damon Wilson II-2, Daylen Everette, Dan Jackson, Raylen Wilson, Chaz Chambliss, Dylan Farichild); Opponents had 5.
^on Offense; *on Special Teams
Georgia had 37 sacks in 2024; Opponents had 25.
#14 CU (6): Lawson Luckie (TE), Brandon Robinson (RB), Jared Wilson (C), Julian Humphrey (DB), Christen Miller (DL) and JaCorey Thomas (Star).
TT (6): J. Aguero (Star), T. Etienne (RB), G. Harris (LB), T. Ingram-Dawkins (DE), J. Walker (LB), C. Young (WR)
UK (2): L. Humphreys (WR), D. Wilson (LB)
@ #4 UA (1): M. Morris (RG)
AU: D. Bobo (C), B. Yurosek (TE).
MSU: None;
@ #1 TX: None;
vs. UF (1): KJ Bolden (DB);
@ #16 OM: None;
#7 UT (2): N. Frazier (TB), M. Freeling (LT);
UMass (1): D. Harris (DB);
GT: None;
SECCG (#2 TX): None;
Sugar Bowl (#5 ND): None
TT: C. Jones, X. Truss, C. Chambliss, N. Stackhouse
@UK: T. Etienne, T. Ratledge, S. Mondon, M. Starks
@UA: Beck, Etienne, Starks, Walker
AU: Bell, Greene III, Allen, Jackson
MSU: Jones, Smith, Chambliss, Stackhouse
@ #1 TX: Beck, Etienne, Starks, Walker
vs. UF: Beck, Ratledge, Allen, Chambliss
@ #16 OM: Bell, B. Yurosek, Walker, M. Williams
#7 UT: Allen, Chambliss, Lovett, Ratledge
UMass: Truss, J. Wilson, Jackson, M. Williams
GT: Beck, Ratledge, Chambliss, Mondon
SECCG (#2 TX): Beck, Ratledge, Walker, Williams
CFP Qtr./SUGAR BOWL (#5 ND): Chambliss, Jackson, Ratledge, Starks, Walker
#4-5 (includes 2017-19, '21, '22, '23, '24' SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)
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%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship
Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC in Atlanta (9/3/16);
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK
(11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma in CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards vs. AU (10/8/22); Trevor Etienne @ #1 Texas (10/19/24); Nate Frazier vs. UMass (11/23/24);
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D'Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 459, Carson Beck vs. MSU (10/13/24);
Passing TDs: 5, C. Beck (TT-9/7/24, GT-11/29/24), S. Bennett (UAB-9/11/21);
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton vs. MSU (11/21/20);
Receiving TDs: 2, by nine Bulldogs multiple times;
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers vs. UAB (9/11/21);
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF in Jacksonville (11/7/20);
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16);
Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24);
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20), vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Trenton Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24) & #2 Texas in SECCG (12/7/24);
The Bulldogs are 28-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart.
In 2024, freshman LB Chris Cole returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD; In 2023, freshman DB Kyron Jones returned an INT versus UT Martin 26 yards for a score; redshirt sophomore Mekhi Mews took a punt return 69 yards for a TD against Ball State; and Joenel Aguero blocked a punt for a safety versus Florida.
114 Points: 17 TDs, 6 Safeties
2016: 14 points in 3 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety);
2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.);
2018: 12 points in 2 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.);
2019: 18 points in 3 different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.);
2020: 22 points in 4 different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties);
2021: 28 points in 6 different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties);
2022: none
2023: 8 points in two games (Pick-Six, Safety)
2024: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)
2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR);
2017: none;
2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.);
2019: none;
2020: none;
2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt);
2022: 8 points in 2 games (Safety/Blocked Punt; Blocked FG Ret.).
2023: 8 points in 2 games (PR, Safety)
2024: none;
"Kirby Smart All Access Presented by Piedmont Healthcare" – This half-hour program will air Monday at 7 p.m. during football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.
"Bulldogs Final" – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week's game.
"Bulldogs Now Presented by Hoffman Financial" – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.
Game & Broadcast Info
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- Kickoff: Saturday, August 30 - 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium (93,033) | Athens, Ga.
- 2024 Records: Georgia (11-3, 6-2 SEC), Marshall (10-3, 7-1 SBC)
- 2025 Preseason Rankings: Georgia #5, Marshall NR
- TV: ESPN (Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison & Dawn Davenport)
- Video Stream: ESPN+/SECN+
- Radio: 95.5 FM WSB - Bulldog Network | Affiliates | Scott Howard (PxP), Eric Zeier (Color), DJ Shockley (sideline)
- Audio Stream: georgiadogs.com
- Satellite: SiriusXM (119 or 191)
- Web Stats: georgiadogs.com
- Twitter: #MRSHvsUGA
- SECN ReBroadcast: TBA
- GameCenter: View
- History: Georgia vs. Marshall All-Time Series Results: UGA 1-0
- Last Meeting: UGA won 13-3 in Athens, 9/18/2024
- Tickets: SeatGeek
ESPN All In One Place
On August 21st, 2025, ESPN will release an enhanced ESPN App along with the ability to purchase ESPN directly. Users can select between two plans, the ESPN Select & ESPN Unlimited.
At launch, ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu will run a promo offer for the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle.
Learn more about the ESPN All In One Place plans, promos, and more.
Playing With FPE (Fire, Passion & Energy)
One of Georgia's main themes during the preseason and now into 2025 will be to play with "FPE." Fifty-four percent of Georgia's roster is made of players in their first or second seasons in Athens, and they have displayed youthful exuberance throughout spring and fall camp.
Season-Opening Success
Georgia is 101-27-3 in season openers including 9-0 in the Kirby Smart era. The Bulldogs have won 11 straight openers. The last defeat came in 2013 at #8 Clemson (38-35 over #5 Georgia).
Georgia-Marshall History Features Only 2004 Matchup
This will be the second meeting between the two schools. Marshall is under the direction of first-year coach Tony Gibson. He replaced Charles Huff who left for Southern Miss shortly after winning the Sun Belt Conference last year. MU entered bowl season with a 10-3 mark and on a seven-game winning streak, but a significant number of players jumped into the portal following Huff's departure, and Marshall pulled out of the Independence Bowl. Gibson's first recruiting class features 61 new players. In 2025, Marshall will wear green helmets, a first since 2009.
In 2004, Georgia played host to Marshall, and the visitors took an early 3-0 lead on a 33-yard field goal by Ian O'Connor. It was set up by a 57-yard completion from Stan Hill to Emmanuel Spann on the first play from scrimmage. The Bulldog defense would blank the Thundering Herd the rest of the way for a 13-3 win as Marshall managed just 160 yards of offense. David Greene finished 17-for-30 for 209 yards while Thomas Brown gained 81 yards on 18 carries. Michael Cooper scored the lone touchdown while Andy Bailey hit a pair of field goals from 29 and 33 yards.
From 1996-2000, Georgia was led by Jim Donnan who was hired from Marshall. Donnan, a 2009 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, posted a 40-19 record during his Georgia tenure.
Probability and Statistics
Despite posting an 11-3 mark with an SEC title and advancing to another College Football Playoff, Georgia's offensive and defensive statistics were deemed average by the pundits compared to other top teams last year. However, one should consider the Bulldogs played the nation's toughest schedule per ESPN's FPI with regular season road games at No. 1 Texas, No. 4 Alabama, No. 16 Ole Miss, and in the postseason, they faced No. 2 Texas in Atlanta and No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP at the Sugar Bowl. Ultimately, here's where the Bulldogs finished in the national rankings. Scoring Offense: Averaged 31.5 ppg (38th); Scoring Defense: Allowed 20.6 ppg (23rd)
In the Smart era, the Georgia defense has ended the year ranked in the top five nationally in Scoring Defense five times including leading the nation twice (2019 at 12.6 ppg & 2021 at 10.2 ppg). Also, Georgia was ranked in the final top 10 in Scoring Offense from 2021-23. The Bulldogs were the only FBS team to finish the 2023 season nationally ranked in the top five in both Scoring Offense (40.1 ppg/5th) and Scoring Defense (15.6 ppg/5th).
SMART Football
Kirby Smart enters his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater with a 105-19 mark. He is one of only two active coaches (Dabo Swinney, Clemson) with multiple national championships. Georgia is the only team in the CFP-era to win back-to-back national titles, doing it in 2021-2022.
In 2024, the Bulldogs made their fourth straight appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) and seventh overall trip under Smart. After a 22-19 overtime win over then No. 2 Texas, the Bulldogs claimed their 15th SEC title in school history and the No. 2 seed in the CFP.
Georgia owns the nation's longest active bowl streak at 28 seasons. Since 2019, the Bulldogs are 7-1 in their past eight bowl/CFP matchups after a CFP quarterfinal loss to #5 Notre Dame in the 2025 Sugar Bowl.
Georgia is 39-3 against non-conference teams in the Smart era including 22-1 at home. The only losses have been in the 2025 CFP quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl (#5 Notre Dame 23-10), the 2019 Sugar Bowl (Texas 28-21) and in 2016 in Athens (Ga. Tech 28-27).
Stockton Ranks As The Veteran Signal-Caller
Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Tiger, Ga., enters the 2025 season as the veteran quarterback with rookies behind him in redshirt freshmen Ryan Puglisi and Colter Ginn plus true freshmen Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender all preparing for their opportunity.
Stockton delivered when called upon to start the second half of the 2024 SECCG against Texas who had the No. 1 rated pass defense (No. 3 total defense). He led the Bulldogs on scoring drives of 75, 61 and 72 yards in three of the first four possessions and then the game-winning TD in OT. He finished 12-for-16 for 71 yards and one INT plus had a career-high eight rushes for 19 yards.
Before the SECCG win over then No. 2 Texas, Stockton was 13-for-16 for 135 yards with two rushing yards on nine attempts last season. He saw action in four games in 2023 and was 12-for-19 for 148 yards and two TDs.
Stockton made his first career start versus No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP Quarterfinal Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2. He was 20-for-32 for 234 yards and a touchdown despite being sacked four times.
Stockton's Career Highs
| Passing Yards | 234 vs. #5 ND, '25 |
| Completions | 20 vs. #5 ND |
| Attempts | Attempts: 32 vs. #5 ND,'25 |
| TD Passes | 2 vs. #5 FSU '23 |
| Passing Yards | 439 @ #4 UA, '24 |
| Longest Pass Pass | 67 vs. #5 ND, '25 |
| Longest TD Pass | 32 vs. #5 ND, '25 |
| Long Rush | 46/14 vs. #5 FSU '23 |
| Interceptions | 1 (2x, last vs. #2 TX-2,'24) |
Stockton's Career Passing Statistics
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| Year | G/GS | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | Eff. | LG |
| 2024 | 5/1 | 45 | 64 | 70.3 | 440 | 1 | 1 | 130.1 | 67 ND |
| Total | 9/1 | 57 | 83 | 68.7 | 588 | 2 | 3 | 135.9 | 67 ND |
Stockton's Career Game-By-Game
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| Game | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | SK | EFF | LG |
| 2023 | |||||||||
| UT Martin | 3 | 5 | 60.0 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 108.7 | 20 |
| Ball State | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 133.6 | 4 |
| UAB | 2 | 3 | 66.7 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 53.2 | 15 |
| #4 FSU (Orange) | 6 | 10 | 60.0 | 96 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 206.6 | 31 |
| 2024 | |||||||||
| #14 Clemson | 0 | 0 | 00.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Tenn. Tech | 10 | 12 | 83.3 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 146.3 | 21 |
| UMass | 3 | 4 | 75.0 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 169.5 | 23 |
| #2 Texas (SEC) | 12 | 16 | 75.0 | 71 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 99.8 | 18 |
| #5 ND(CFP Qtr.) | 20 | 32 | 62.5 | 234 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 134.2 | 67 |
| Career Total | 57 | 83 | 68.7 | 588 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 135.3 | 67 |
2024 Explosive Play Review (12-yd Rush, 16-yd Comp.)
| Game | Georgia | Opp. | Final |
| vs. #14 CU | 10 (4R, 6P) | 3 (0R, 3P) | #1 Georgia, 34-3 |
| vs. TT | 7 (3R, 4P) | 2 (2R) | #1 Georgia 48-3 |
| @ UK | 5 (2R, 3P) | 4 (3R, 1P) | #1 Georgia 13-12 |
| @ #4 UA | 9 (1R, 8P) | 11 (4R, 7P) | #4 UA 41-34 |
| AU | 8 (3R, 5P) | 8 (3R, 5P) | #5 Georgia 31-13 |
| MSU | 14 (2R, 12P) | 7 (2R, 5P) | #5 Georgia 41-31 |
| @ #1 Texas | 7 (3R, 4P) | 7 (1R, 6P) | #5 Georgia 30-15 |
| vs. UF | 9 (1R, 8P) | 5 (2R, 3P) | #2 Georgia 34-20 |
| @ #16 OM | 6 (2R, 4P) | 8 (3R, 5P) | #16 OM 28-10 |
| #7 UT | 13 (2R, 11P) | 4 (2R, 2P) | #12 Georgia 31-17 |
| UMass | 10 (3R, 7P) | 6 (5R, 1P) | #10 Georgia 59-21 |
| GT | 7 (2R, 5P) | 12 (5R, 7P) | #7 Georgia 44-42 (8-OT) |
| #2 Texas(SECCG) | 5 (3R, 2P) | 11 (1R, 10P) | #5 Georgia 22-19 (OT) |
| #5 ND(CFP/Sugar) | 6 (4R, 2P) | 1 (1R) | #5 ND 23-10 |
Longest Rush by Georgia: 52-yd by Anthony Evans III (MSU)
Longest Rush by Opp.: 68-yd by Jalen John (UMass)
Longest Completion by Georgia: 67-yd TD (Beck to Bell @ #4 UA); 67-yd (Stockton to Smith)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 75-yd TD (Hairston to Keeney-James, UMass; Milroe to Williams, @ #4 UA)
RETURNING STATISTICAL LEADERS
RUSHING#3 Nate Frazier, RB 671 yards, 133 att., 5.0 avg., 8 TD, 40 long
#86 Dillon Bell, WR 107 yards, 9 att., 8.2 avg., 1 TD, 33 long
PASSING
#14 Gunner Stockton, QB 45 comp., 64 att., 440 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 67 long
RECEIVING
#86 Dillon Bell, WR 43 rec., 466 yards, 10.8 avg., 4 TD, 67 long
#7 Lawson Luckie, TE 24 rec., 348 yards, 14.5 avg., 3 TD, 37 long
#4 Oscar Delp, TE 21 rec., 248 yards, 11.8 avg., 4 TD, 43 long
#16 London Humphreys, WR 15 rec., 244 yards, 16.3 avg., 2 TD, 40 long
#8 Colbie Young, WR 11 rec., 149 yards, 13.5 avg., 2 TD, 34 long
TACKLES
#3 CJ Allen, ILB 76 total tackles, 49 solo, 27 assists, 1 INT, 3 TFL
#4 KJ Bolden, DB 59 total tackles, 40 solo, 19 assists, 1 INT, 2 TFL
#6 Daylen Everette, DB 58 total tackles, 45 solo, 13 assists, 3 INT, 3 PBU
#5 Raylen Wilson, ILB 47 total tackles, 24 solo, 23 assists, 7 TFL, 1.5 sacks
#52 Christen Miller, DL 27 total tackles, 15 solo, 12 assists, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 TFL
#8 Joenel Aguero, DB 26 total tackles, 17 solo, 9 assists, 1.5 TFL
"Nate the Great" Frazier Leads Backfield in Second Year
Georgia's top returning running back is 5-10, 205-pound sophomore Nate Frazier from Compton, Calif. In 2024, he burst on the scene with 84 yards on 13 carries and a TD in the season-opening win over #14 Clemson. He appeared in 13 games with three starts and led the team with 671 yards and eight TDs. He made his first start in the win over #7 Tennessee and provided 68 yards on 19 carries (tied career high) and one TD. He became the first Bulldog freshman tailback to start since 2014 when Nick Chubb and Sony Michel both did it. That year, Chubb started eight games while Michel's first career start came in the Belk Bowl win over #20 Louisville. Frazier ran for a career-high 136 yards (most by a Bulldog in '24) and three scores against UMass. Also, he provided the game-winning conversion in OT to beat Ga. Tech 44-42. He has honored some of the Georgia greats of "RBU" with his TD celebrations from Michel's jazz hands to Todd Gurley's signature bow.
Redshirt freshman Chauncey Bowens, the versatile graduate Cash Jones, Illinois graduate transfer Josh McCray (607 yards and 10 TDs last season), sophomore Dwight Phillips Jr., redshirt sophomore Roderick Robinson and freshman Bo Walker are aiming to make an impact. Also, the Bell brothers, senior wide receiver Dillon Bell (already earned his degree), and his brother Micah, who transferred from Vanderbilt where he played DB, are options too.
Top Targets To Keep An Eye On
Last year, the Bulldogs' top targets were seniors Dominic Lovett (59-for- 607 yards, 6 TDs) and Arian Smith (48-for-817 yards, 4 TDs) and 2025 senior Dillon Bell (43-for-466 yards, 4 TDs). Also, Bell had 107 yards rushing on nine attempts including a 3-yarder for a score at #4 Alabama.
Other targets this season will include: junior USC transfer Zachariah Branch (47 rec., 503 yards, 1 TD in '24) and senior Texas A&M transfer Noah Thomas (39 rec., 574 yards, 8 TDs in '24), senior Colbie Young, who had 149 yards and two touchdowns in only five contests for UGA last year and junior London Humphreys (15 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns). Also, redshirt freshman Sacovie White-Helton, junior Cole Speer and firstyear receivers CJ Wiley, Talyn Taylor and Tyler J. Williams look to be in the mix plus Walter Blanchard, Thomas Blackshear and Landon Roldan.
New Look O-Line
Georgia was banged up for much of 2024 on the offensive line while facing the nation's toughest schedule per ESPN's FPI. Still, the line helped lead the Bulldogs to another SEC title. This year, the Bulldogs will have a retooled group with All-American Tate Ratledge, OG Dylan Fairchild and C Jared Wilson all getting selected in the 2025 NFL Draft while Xavier Truss (RT) also is in the league after signing as a free agent. Fairchild and Truss were the only ones to start all 14 games last season.
The top candidates in 2025 who made starts last year will be redshirt junior Drew Bobo (C) and Earnest Greene III (T), redshirt senior Micah Morris (G) and junior Monroe Freeling (T). The longest starting streak among offensive players belongs to Freeling at five games. The rotation up front may include redshirt freshman Daniel Calhoun (G/T) freshman Juan Gaston Jr. (G/T), Bo Hughley (T/G), sophomore Jahzare Jackson (T), redshirt sophomore Jamal Meriweather (G), freshmen Cortez Smith (C/G) and Dontrell Glover and redshirt freshman Michael Uini.
Did You Know?
The only true freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener in the Smart era is Andrew Thomas (RT) in 2017.
Drew Bobo's dad is the Bulldogs' Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Mike Bobo. He was a groomsman at Smart's wedding while Drew was a ringbearer.
Delp, Luckie Lead Loaded TE Room
Tight ends always have played a significant role in the Bulldog offense with seven currently in the NFL, and the 2025 group should be no different. Junior Lawson Luckie and senior Oscar Delp are expected to play the lead roles and redshirt freshmen Jaden Reddell and Colton Heinrich ready too.
Luckie was the team's fifth-leading receiver last year with 24 catches for 348 yards and three touchdowns while making seven starts. In the SECCG win over #2 Texas, Luckie provided a highlight on his lone catch and had a key TD-saving tackle following an interception that could've been a game-ending pick-six. Meanwhile, Delp started 10 games and completed 2024 with 21 receptions for 248 yards and four scores.
Did You Know?
Luckie is a second generation Bulldog as his father Mike (LB) was part of Bulldog triplets from 1996-98 with uncles Dustin (LB) and Miles (OL).
Highly-touted freshmen Ethan Barbour (6-3, 235) and Elyiss Williams (6- 7, 255) will be hard to keep off the field whether it's on special teams or with the offense.
Defensive Playmakers at Each Level
Georgia has had 55 players drafted over the past five seasons, including 30 on defense and 11 of those defenders have gone in the first round.
The 2024 unit ranked 23rd nationally in Scoring Defense (20.6 ppg).
Did not allow a TD until the fourth game of the year and forced at least one turnover in 12 of 14 games.
Posted first half shutouts versus #14 Clemson, Tennessee Tech and at #1 Texas and a second half shutout of #7 Tennessee
Held #16 Ole Miss to 28 points, including five field goals, as they came in averaging 42.1 ppg.
Setting The Tone Up Front
One of the hallmarks of an elite defense is stopping the run, and that starts up front. In 2025, Georgia is replacing a host of seasoned veterans now playing in the NFL like Mykel Williams, Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. The time is now for redshirt junior Christen Miller and junior Jordan Hall to set the tone. Miller started 10 games last year. Hall battled leg injuries, limiting him to six games and has admitted that rehabbing the mental side more than the physical has been the toughest part.
Along with Miller and Hall, look for redshirt freshmen Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Nasir Johnson, Nnamdi Ogboko, and Jordan Thomas, redshirt sophomore transfer Josh Horton (Miami) and freshmen Elijah Griffin and JJ Hanne to be in the rotation.
Allen Makes Tackles Along with His Fellow 'Backers
Junior CJ Allen ranked second in tackles behind Malaki Starks (1st round pick of Baltimore) with 76 while fellow junior Raylen Wilson posted 47 stops with seven tackles for loss. Freshmen All-SEC selections Chris Cole and Justin Williams stepped up last year when 2024 senior Smael Mondon was hurt, and that duo should be even better in 2025. The highlights for this group include:
Allen made a career-high 10 stops versus Ga. Tech. He had a team-high eight stops and his first career interception against UF. Allen made six stops in the road win over #1 Texas and then seven in the SEC Championship Game.
Wilson posted a career-high seven tackles against the Gators. Wilson had five tackles, a forced fumble and sack for a loss of 28 yards that led to a change of possession and Georgia's first score in the road win over UK. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
Cole and Williams started to make a noticeable impact as the year continued. Cole has elite speed and flexibility to help him cover along with great length. He scooped up a fumble and returned it 28 yards for a TD against UMass. It marked the first scoop and score by a Bulldog since 2020 when ILB Monty Rice did it against #14 Tennessee.
Junior transfer Elo Modozie (Army) is predicted to play an immediate role for Georgia's defense after tallying 34 stops, including eight tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, last year.
One of the most veteran linebackers, junior Gabe Harris Jr., will anchor another group including redshirt junior Terrell Foster, sophomore Quintavius Johnson, RFr. Kris Jones and freshmen Darren Ikinnagbon, Isaiah Gibson, Chase Linton, Zayden Walker and Anthony Kruah.
Talented Corps Returns in Secondary
Despite losing All-American safety Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia returns a talented corps in the defensive backfield.
Senior Daylen Everette, the MVP of the SEC Championship Game, emerged last season with a team-high three INTs plus ranked sixth with 58 tackles. He enters 2025 with a team-best 28 consecutive starts.
KJ Bolden, who made the 2024 Freshman All-American, ranked fifth on the squad with 59 stops. He was part of the 2024 FAB14 for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
With 33 career games and three starts under his belt, senior JaCorey Thomas has provided a steady veteran presence for the newcomers in the secondary.
Junior DB Daniel Harris started the final four games of last season and coupled with transfers Zion Branch (USC), Jaden Harris (Miami) and Adrian Maddox (UAB) and redshirt freshman Ellis Robinson IV, this group aims to be among the first to see action with Everette, Bolden Thomas and Harris.
Also, Kyron Jones, Demello Jones and Ondre Evans will complement first-year DBs Todd Robinson, Rasean Dinkins, Jontae Gilbert, Dominick Kelly and Daniel Okonkwo in the room.
Did You Know This About the Specialists?
In 2024, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that had its punter (Brett Thorson), placekicker (Peyton Woodring) and snapper (Beau Gardner) named a semifinalist for a national award at their position, and all three are back! Thorson and Gardner were named finalists for the Ray Guy Award and Patrick Mannelly Award, while Woodring was up for the Groza Award.
Are We Punting?
In the Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have a 63% success rate on 4th Down (81-for-129) with 14 TDs. In 2024, Georgia led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in 4th Down Conversions at 67% (18-for-27 with 4 TDs).
G'day Mate! Thorson Returns
With elite distance, hang time, placement and a strong coverage unit, All-America punter Brett Thorson and the Bulldogs ranked 5th nationally in Net Punting (43.5) in 2024. However in the SEC Championship Game, Thorson's season ended due to a knee injury during a return after a punt. He finished with four punts for a 53.5 average in the game including a 60-yarder.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson was a 2024 finalist for the Ray Guy Award. Thorson won the fan vote but Eddie Czaplicki (USC) claimed the trophy. USC led the nation in Net Punting at 45.4. In 2024, Thorson averaged 47.6 yards on 42 punts, the second best mark in school history. His average would've ranked 3rd nationally in 2024, but the NCAA's minimum for leaders is 3.6 punts a game (Min. 47 punts in 13 games).
Thorson's career average of 45.6 ranks 2nd best in school history, trailing only Jake Camarda's record mark of 45.8 set from 2018-21.
Thorson is known for his comedic slant about his lack of playing time because the Bulldogs punted a record low 32 times in 2023 after just 36 punts in 2022 (15 games), the two lowest totals dating to at least 1948.
Thanks in part to Thorson's punts and the entire punt coverage team including gunners Arian Smith, Dominic Lovett and Cole Speer, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that did not allow a punt return in 2023, the first school to do that since 2020 when COVID limited the amount of games teams played. Along with Speer, possible gunners in 2025 include KJ Bolden, London Humphreys, Daniel Harris, Jeremy Bell and Daylen Everette.
Georgia had its streak of not allowing a positive yard on a punt return end at #16 Ole Miss last year, a span of 28 games. Prior to a two-yard return by Rebel Micah Davis, the last one came in a 45-19 road win over Miss. State on Nov. 12, 2022 when Zavion Thomas took one 63 yards for a score.
Georgia allowed its first significant punt return since 2022 when Boo Carter (Tennessee) posted a 26-yarder last year and was promptly tackled to save a TD by Thorson. Opponents tallied 57 yards on 11 PR last year.
With Thorson out for the CFP last year, Georgia turned to then true freshman Drew Miller in the Sugar Bowl. In his debut, he had four punts for a 39.8 average with a long of 48.
Career Highs For Woodring
Points: 15 (UK23)
PATs: 9 (vs. FSU23, Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
FGA: 3 (6x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
FGM: 3 3 (5x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
LG: LG: 55 (vs. CU24)
Redshirt senior Liam Badger and freshman Connor Ferguson are options in the kicking game too.
Career Highs For Thorson
Punts: 6 (UK24)
#Avg.: 54.0 on four (@ #1 Texas 2024) with minus 5 PR yards
Long: 75 (UT22)
#at least two punts
Putting Points On The Board
Georgia ranks 3rd in NCAA history for consecutive games scoring and among schools with active streaks:
Florida 462 games (1988-present)
TCU 407 games (1991-present)
Georgia 387 games (1995-present)
Georgia's All-Time Overtime Record (10-7)
Home: 2-2; Away: 4-2; Neutral: 4-3
Bowl Game/CFP: 3-2 *SEC Games: 4-4
Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
The Bulldogs are 3-2 in overtime games under Kirby Smart. Georgia's complete overtime history can be found on page 110 of the media guide.
Jan. 1, 2018: #3 Georgia beat #2 Oklahoma 54-48 (2-OT) in Pasadena, Calif. (CFP Semifinal: Rose Bowl Game)
Jan. 8. 2018: #4 Alabama beat #3 Georgia 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. (CFP National Championship, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Oct. 12, 2019: South Carolina beat #3 Georgia 20-17 (2-OT) in Athens, Ga.
Nov. 29, 2024: #7 Georgia beat Ga. Tech 44-42 (8-OT, SEC Record) in Athens, Ga.
Dec. 7, 2024: #2 Georgia beat #5 Texas 22-19 in Atlanta, Ga. (SEC Championship, Mercedez-Benz Stadium)
Bulldog Honor Roll
CJ Allen, ILB
SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council; *SEC Football Leadership Council Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Butkus and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Dillon Bell, WR
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300; Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Drew Bobo, OL
Preseason Watch List: Rimington Trophy
KJ Bolden, DB
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Coaches, SEC Media Second Team; Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Maxwell and Jim Thorpe Awards, Nagurski Trophy
Zachariah Branch, WR / KR
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media (KR/PR), SEC Coaches (All Purpose); Third Team – Athlon (KR/PR); Preseason Watch Lists: Jet Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Chris Cole, ILB
Preseason Watch List: Butkus Award
Oscar Delp, TE
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches, Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award
Daylen Everette, DB
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Jim Thorpe Award, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Senior Bowl Top 300, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Nagurski Trophy
Nate Frazier, RB
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – Athlon; Third Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award
Monroe Freeling, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Beau Gardner, SN
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Patrick Mannelly Award
Earnest Greene, III, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lombardi Award
Elijah Griffin, DL
Preseason Watch List: Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
Jordan Hall, DL
Preseason Watch List: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Cash Jones, RB
Preseason Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Lawson Luckie, TE
Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Josh McCray, RB
Preseason Watch List: Doak Walker Award
Christen Miller, DL
Preseason All-America: Second Team – ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Second Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Outland Trophy, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Gunner Stockton, QB
Preseason Watch List: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Noah Thomas, WR
Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Brett Thorson, P
Preseason All-America: First Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Ray Guy Award, College Football Comeback Player of the Year, Senior Bowl Top 300
Raylen Wilson, ILB
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Peyton Woodring, PK
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Sporting News, AP Third Team – Athlon; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media (PK/KS), SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lou Groza Award
Colbie Young, WR
Preseason Watch List: Senior Bowl Top 300
Points Off Turnovers In 2024
Georgia was -1 in Turnover Margin.
Georgia had 76 points off 19 turnovers.
Opponents had 57 points off 20 turnovers.
vs. #14 CU: UGA 7 pts. off 1; UGA had none
TT: UGA 7 pts. off 1; UGA had none
@UK: UGA got 3 pts off 1; UGA had none
@ #4 UA: UGA got 0 pts. off 1: UA got 7 off 4
AU: No turnovers by either team
MSU: UGA got 0 pts. off 1; MSU got 10 off 2
@ #1 TX: UGA got 17 pts. off 4; UT got 7 off 3
vs. UF: UGA got 14 pts. off 2; UF got 10 off 3
@ #16 OM: UGA got 7 pts. off 1; OM got 6 off 3
#7 UT: UGA got 0 pts. off 1; UGA had none
UMass: UGA got 14 pts. off 2; UGA had none
GT: UGA got 7 pts. off 1; GT got 7 of 1
SECCG (#2 TX): UGA got 0 pts. off 1; UT got 3 off 2
Sugar Bowl (#5 ND): ND had no TO; ND got 7 off 2
Bulldog Career INTs & Pick-Six
Georgia had 8 INTs in 2024: (Daylen Everette-3, Dan Jackson-2, CJ Allen, KJ Bolden & Malaki Starks);
Opponents had 13.
| Bulldog | INT | TD | Last INT |
| Malaki Starks, S | 6 | 0 | vs. #14 CU24 |
| Dan Jackson, S | 4 | 0 | @ #16 OM24 |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 3 | 0 | vs. #2TX SECCG24 |
| CJ Allen, LB | 1 | 0 | vs. UF24 |
| KJ Bolden, S | 1 | 0 | vs. MSU24 |
| Chaz Chambliss, LB | 1 | 0 | vs. BS23 |
| Kyron Jones, Star | 1 | 1 | vs. UTM23 |
| Smael Mondon, Jr., LB | 1 | 0 | vs.#11 LSU22 |
| Nazir Stackhouse, DL | 1 | 0 | vs. #14 MIZ23 |
Bulldog Career Fumble Recoveries
Georgia had 11 FR in 2024: (Chris Cole-2, Jalon Walker-2, Damon Wilson II-2, Daylen Everette, Dan Jackson, Raylen Wilson, Chaz Chambliss, Dylan Farichild); Opponents had 5.
| Bulldog | FR | Last FR |
| Jalon Walker, LB | 2 | vs. UF24 |
| Damon Wilson II, LB | 2 | @ #1 TX24 |
| Chris Cole, LB | 2 | UMass24 |
| Chaz Chambliss, LB | 1 | GT24 |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 1 | @ #1 TX24 |
| Dan Jackson, S | 1 | TT24 |
| Raylen Wilson, LB | 1 | UMass24 |
| Dylan Fairchild, OG | ^1 | vs. #2TX-SECCG24 |
| Cole Speer, WR | *1 | vs. #4 FSU23 |
| Mykel Williams, DE | 1 | vs. #4 FSU23 |
| Warren Brinson, DL | 1 | vs. #11 LSU22 |
| T. Ingram-Dawkins, DE | 1 | #2 Tenn22 |
^on Offense; *on Special Teams
Bulldog Career Sacks
Georgia had 37 sacks in 2024; Opponents had 25.
| Bulldog | '24 | '23 | '22 | '21 | '20 | Total |
| Mykel Williams, DL | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | n/a | n/a | 14 |
| Jalon Walker, LB | 6.5 | 5 | 1 | n/a | n/a | 12.5 |
| Chaz Chambliss, LB | 6.5 | 0 | 2 | 0.5 | n/a | 9 |
| Smael Mondon, Jr., LB | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | n/a | 8 |
| Warren Brinson, DL | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| T. Ingram-Dawkins, DL | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | n/a | 4 |
| Damon Wilson II, LB | 3 | 0.5 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 3.5 |
| Nazir Stackhouse, DL | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Christen Miller, DL | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | n/a | n/a | 2.5 |
| Gabe Harris Jr., LB | 2 | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 |
| Raylen Wilson, LB | 1.5 | 0.5 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 |
| CJ Allen, LB | 0 | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 |
| KJ Bolden, S | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | n/a | n/a | 1 |
| Jordan Thomas, DL | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 |
A Total of 21 First-Time Starters In 2024
The Bulldogs had have 17 first-time starters this year.#14 CU (6): Lawson Luckie (TE), Brandon Robinson (RB), Jared Wilson (C), Julian Humphrey (DB), Christen Miller (DL) and JaCorey Thomas (Star).
TT (6): J. Aguero (Star), T. Etienne (RB), G. Harris (LB), T. Ingram-Dawkins (DE), J. Walker (LB), C. Young (WR)
UK (2): L. Humphreys (WR), D. Wilson (LB)
@ #4 UA (1): M. Morris (RG)
AU: D. Bobo (C), B. Yurosek (TE).
MSU: None;
@ #1 TX: None;
vs. UF (1): KJ Bolden (DB);
@ #16 OM: None;
#7 UT (2): N. Frazier (TB), M. Freeling (LT);
UMass (1): D. Harris (DB);
GT: None;
SECCG (#2 TX): None;
Sugar Bowl (#5 ND): None
The True Freshman Experience
The Bulldogs had 13 true freshmen make their debut in the 2024 season-opening win over #14 Clemson in Atlanta: KJ Bolden (S), Nate Frazier (RB), Ellis Robinson IV (CB), Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (DE), Jordan Thomas (DL), Justin Williams (LB), Chris Cole (LB), Daniel Calhoun (OL), Jahzare Jackson (OT), Jaden Redell (TE), Colton Heinrich (TE), Chauncey Bowens (RB) and Quintavius Johnson (LB). (OT), Jaden Redell (TE), Colton Heinrich (TE) and Chauncey Bowens (RB) and Quintavius Johnson (LB).
The Bulldog Captains In 2024
vs. #14 CU: C. Beck, T. Ratledge, J. Walker & M. WilliamsTT: C. Jones, X. Truss, C. Chambliss, N. Stackhouse
@UK: T. Etienne, T. Ratledge, S. Mondon, M. Starks
@UA: Beck, Etienne, Starks, Walker
AU: Bell, Greene III, Allen, Jackson
MSU: Jones, Smith, Chambliss, Stackhouse
@ #1 TX: Beck, Etienne, Starks, Walker
vs. UF: Beck, Ratledge, Allen, Chambliss
@ #16 OM: Bell, B. Yurosek, Walker, M. Williams
#7 UT: Allen, Chambliss, Lovett, Ratledge
UMass: Truss, J. Wilson, Jackson, M. Williams
GT: Beck, Ratledge, Chambliss, Mondon
SECCG (#2 TX): Beck, Ratledge, Walker, Williams
CFP Qtr./SUGAR BOWL (#5 ND): Chambliss, Jackson, Ratledge, Starks, Walker
HEAD COACH KIRBY SMART QUICK FACTS
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- 10th season as Georgia coach
- Career Record: 105-19 (.847)
- 2021 & 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
- 2017 CFP national runner-up
- One of just two active coaches with multiple national titles (Dabo Swinney-Clemson, '16 & '18)
- T5th fastest coach in NCAA FBS history to win 100 games, doing it in 117; Fastest to do it in SEC history
- Best record & winning percentage (85-15, .850) after his first 100 games of any coach in SEC history
- 2017, 2022 & 2024 SEC Champions
- Georgia has been ranked in the top five nationally in Scoring Defense five times including leading the nation in 2019 & 2021; Been ranked in the top 10 in Scoring Offense three times (2021-23)
- 2017 George Munger award (National Coach of the Year by Maxwell Club)
- Three-Time SEC Coach of the Year, 2017, 2021-22
- Bulldogs have won three Butkus Awards and two Mackey Awards, One Outland Trophy, Bednarik Award, Thorpe Award, Groza Award, Manning Award & Burlsworth Trophy; Two NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards, One Heisman Trophy finalist
- 25 1st-team All-Americans
- 76 NFL Draft Picks
- 20 First Round NFL Draft picks
- 290 players on SEC Academic Honor Rolls, including a high of 48 on the 2024 team
THE KIRBY SMART RECORD
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| Year | W | L | Pct. | SEC | Bowl | AP Rank |
| 2016 | 8 | 5 | .615 | 4-4 | Liberty | NR |
| 2017 | 13 | 2 | .867 | 8-2# | CFP Rose/NCG | 2nd |
| 2018 | 11 | 3 | .786 | 7-2# | Sugar | T7th |
| 2019 | 12 | 2 | .857 | 7-2# | Sugar | 4th |
| 2020 | 8 | 2 | .800 | 7-2 | Chick-fil-A | 7th |
| 2021 | 14 | 1 | .933 | 9-1# | CFP Orange/NCG | 1st |
| 2022 | 15 | 0 | 1.000 | 9-0# | CFP Peach/NCG | 1st |
| 2023 | 13 | 1 | .929 | 8-0 | Orange | 4th |
| 2024 | 11 | 3 | .786 | 7-2 * | CFP Sugar (Qtr.) | 6th |
| 2025 | ||||||
| Total | 105 | 19 | .847 | *66-16 |
#4-5 (includes 2017-19, '21, '22, '23, '24' SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)
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16 VICTORIES WHEN TIED OR TRAILING LATE
| SEASON | OPPONENT | START OF 4TH QUARTER OR DEFICIT | FINAL |
| 2016 | % #22 UNC | Trailed 24-23 | 33-24 |
| 2016 | @ Missouri | Trailed 27-21 | 28-27 |
| 2016 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 21-16 | 27-24 |
| 2016 | #8 Auburn | Tied 7-7 | 13-7 |
| 2016 | ^TCU | Trailed Trailed 23-21 | 31-23 |
| 2017 | @ #24 Notre Dame | Trailed 17-16, trailed 19-17 with 10:21 left | 20-19 |
| 2017 | $ #2 Oklahoma | Tied 31-31, trailed 45-38 with 0:55 left | 54-48 2ot |
| 2020 | ~ #8 Cincinnati | Trailed 21-10, trailed 21-19 with :03 left | 24-21 |
| 2022 | ! #1 Alabama | Trailed 18-13 with 10:14 left | 33-18 |
| 2022 | @ Missouri | Trailed 19-12, trailed 22-12 with 14:09 left | 26-22 |
| 2022 | ~ #4 Ohio State (CFP Semi) | Trailed 38-24, trailed 41-35 with 2:43 left | 42-41 |
| 2023 | @ Auburn | Tied 17-17, tied 20-20 with 6:21 left | 27-20 |
| 2024 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 9-6 | 13-12 |
| 2024 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 9-6 | 13-12 |
| 2024 | vs. Florida in Jax. | Tied 20-20 with 7:29 left | 34-20 |
| 2024 | Ga. Tech | Trailed 17-6; then 27-13 with 5:37 left; 40-34 in 2nd OT | 44-42 (8-OT) |
| 2024 | #2 Texas (SECCG) | Trailed 19-16 in OT | 22-19 |
%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship
TOP IND. SINGLE GAME PERFORMANCES UNDER SMART
 Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC in Atlanta (9/3/16);
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK
(11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma in CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards vs. AU (10/8/22); Trevor Etienne @ #1 Texas (10/19/24); Nate Frazier vs. UMass (11/23/24);
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D'Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 459, Carson Beck vs. MSU (10/13/24);
Passing TDs: 5, C. Beck (TT-9/7/24, GT-11/29/24), S. Bennett (UAB-9/11/21);
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton vs. MSU (11/21/20);
Receiving TDs: 2, by nine Bulldogs multiple times;
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers vs. UAB (9/11/21);
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF in Jacksonville (11/7/20);
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16);
Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24);
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20), vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Trenton Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24) & #2 Texas in SECCG (12/7/24);
31 DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS SCORES UNDER SMART
The Bulldogs are 28-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart.
In 2024, freshman LB Chris Cole returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD; In 2023, freshman DB Kyron Jones returned an INT versus UT Martin 26 yards for a score; redshirt sophomore Mekhi Mews took a punt return 69 yards for a TD against Ball State; and Joenel Aguero blocked a punt for a safety versus Florida.
DEFENSIVE SCORING IN THE SMART ERA
 114 Points: 17 TDs, 6 Safeties
2016: 14 points in 3 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety);
2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.);
2018: 12 points in 2 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.);
2019: 18 points in 3 different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.);
2020: 22 points in 4 different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties);
2021: 28 points in 6 different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties);
2022: none
2023: 8 points in two games (Pick-Six, Safety)
2024: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)
48 POINTS ON SPECIAL TEAMS IN THE SMART ERA
 2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR);
2017: none;
2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.);
2019: none;
2020: none;
2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt);
2022: 8 points in 2 games (Safety/Blocked Punt; Blocked FG Ret.).
2023: 8 points in 2 games (PR, Safety)
2024: none;
UGA COVERAGE ON WAGA FOX 5 ATLANTA TO INCLUDE:
 "Kirby Smart All Access Presented by Piedmont Healthcare" – This half-hour program will air Monday at 7 p.m. during football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.
"Bulldogs Final" – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week's game.
"Bulldogs Now Presented by Hoffman Financial" – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.
Players Mentioned
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/ FootballKirby Smart All Access vs Tennessee - 2025
Monday, September 15
Georgia Football - Post Tennessee Player Press Conferences
Sunday, September 14
Georgia Football - Coach Kirby Smart Tennessee Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, September 13
Georgia Football vs. Tennessee - TV Highlights
Saturday, September 13
