Georgia Football Spring Practice Preview – What to Expect From the Bulldogs

The University of Georgia Bulldogs, led by head coach Kirby Smart, enter the 2025 spring football practice with a host of questions and expectations. Coming off a remarkable stretch of success, including winning back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022, and being a contender in 2023, the Bulldogs’ program has set a high standard in recent years. However, like any powerhouse program, maintaining excellence and adjusting to a constantly evolving landscape in college football requires constant attention, especially during spring practice.

As the Bulldogs begin their preparations for the upcoming 2025 season, several key storylines and positional battles will define Georgia’s spring practices. These storylines are essential for understanding how Georgia plans to stay on top of the SEC and the college football world. From new faces stepping into prominent roles to established veterans trying to solidify their places, spring practice is a pivotal time for all players. Here’s a detailed preview of what to expect during Georgia’s spring football practices in 2025.

1. The Quarterback Battle

There may be no more important storyline for Georgia in spring practice than the quarterback battle. For the first time in a few years, the Bulldogs will be without a proven, championship-winning quarterback. Carson Beck, who led the team in 2023 after Stetson Bennett’s departure, is gone, leaving the job wide open for several contenders to step up. With a new quarterback under center, Georgia’s offense will look different, but how different will depend on who wins the job.

• Brock Vandagriff: The most experienced option in the competition, Vandagriff has been waiting for his shot to lead the Bulldogs. He’s seen limited action in games, but his arm talent and athleticism make him an intriguing choice. He has the ability to extend plays with his legs, but can he develop the poise and consistency required to lead Georgia’s offense in high-pressure situations? Spring practice will be critical for Vandagriff to show whether he can take command of the offense.
• Gunner Stockton: A former 5-star recruit, Stockton has all the tools to be a star in college football. His strong arm and dual-threat ability have drawn attention, but he’s yet to see significant action at the college level. Spring practice will offer him a chance to show he’s ready to take on a starting role, but can he improve his decision-making and work on his fundamentals in order to compete with Vandagriff for the job?
• The Offensive Line’s Role in Quarterback Development: The Bulldogs’ offensive line, historically one of the best in the country, will have a huge role in the success of whichever quarterback wins the job. The line must provide both pass protection and running lanes to allow the new signal-caller to develop. With some key departures, the Bulldogs will be looking to see if their line can gel quickly to provide stability for a young quarterback.

Georgia’s spring practices will be filled with reps for all the quarterbacks, as Smart will want to evaluate each one in a live setting. Expect to see a lot of experimentation with different offensive schemes to see who can thrive in various situations. Spring ball may not give us a definitive answer on who will start come September, but it will give a lot of insight into which quarterback might have the upper hand entering fall camp.

2. The Defensive Line and Pass Rush

Georgia has long been known for its dominant defense, and one of the cornerstones of that defense is the defensive line. The Bulldogs’ defensive line has been a key factor in their success under Kirby Smart, with NFL-caliber players like Jalen Carter, Travon Walker, and Jordan Davis anchoring the unit in recent years. However, this spring will mark the beginning of a new era as Georgia looks to reload on the defensive front.

• The Development of Young Talent: With a few key departures to the NFL, such as Carter, the defensive line will need to rely on younger players to step up. Players like Jordan Hall, Mikel Williams, and Tyler Clark are expected to take on bigger roles in 2025. These players have shown flashes of brilliance, but can they be consistent enough to maintain Georgia’s dominance in the trenches?
• Depth Chart Battles: The competition for playing time along the defensive line will be fierce. Georgia’s recruiting classes have been loaded with elite talent, and many of these players will be fighting for snaps in the spring. With the potential to rotate multiple players, Smart will be looking for the guys who can consistently get pressure on the quarterback while holding up in the run game.
• Edge Rushers: While the interior of the defensive line is important, the edge rushers will also be a focal point of spring practice. Georgia has been looking for more consistent pass rush from the edge position, and this spring will be a critical time to evaluate players like Darris Smith and Sammy Brown. These players could provide the type of game-changing pressure that has been missing at times.

Expect the defensive line to be one of the most competitive positions on the roster during spring practices, and Smart will be looking to fine-tune the unit before the fall. How well the defensive line can generate pressure on the quarterback and stop the run will go a long way in determining how successful Georgia will be defensively in 2025.

3. Linebacker Play and the Secondary

While the defensive line is important, Georgia’s defense has also been defined by its strong linebacker play and its secondary, both of which are undergoing transitions this spring.

• Linebackers: The linebacker position is always crucial for Georgia’s defense. Losing players like Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon leaves some holes to fill, but there are plenty of talented options ready to step into those roles. Raylen Wilson, a highly regarded recruit, will be one to watch. He has the potential to become an immediate impact player in the middle of Georgia’s defense. Additionally, Jalon Walker will look to cement his role as a starting linebacker. These players, along with Xavian Sorey, will compete for starting spots and prove that the Bulldogs’ linebacker corps can continue its tradition of excellence.
• Secondary: Georgia’s secondary will also look to reload, with key players like Kelee Ringo moving on to the NFL. The good news is that Georgia has a wealth of young talent to choose from. Players like Malaki Starks, Daylen Everette, and Jalyn Haughton will be crucial in ensuring that the Bulldogs maintain their strong pass defense. Spring practice will be vital for these players to gain the necessary experience and develop the chemistry that will be needed to thrive in the SEC.

In addition to individual performance, Georgia’s defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, will be looking to fine-tune the overall communication and structure of the defense. The Bulldogs’ defensive strength comes from their ability to work as a cohesive unit, and spring practice will help iron out any issues before the season begins.

4. Wide Receiver Position

While Georgia’s offense has traditionally been run-heavy under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have slowly developed into a more balanced offensive attack. However, the wide receiver position remains a potential area of concern for Georgia. With several departures to the NFL, including key players like Ladd McConkey, Smart will need to develop his new pass catchers quickly.

• Arian Smith is expected to be one of the focal points in the passing game. His speed and deep-threat ability make him a dangerous weapon, and spring practice will allow him to grow in his route-running and overall receiving skills.
• Dominick Blaylock, who has been hampered by injuries, will need to prove he can stay healthy and make a consistent impact on the field.
• Rara Thomas, a transfer from Mississippi State, is another player to watch. He’s had success at the college level and will look to bring that experience to Georgia’s offense.

One of the big questions for Georgia’s spring practices will be whether these wide receivers can develop enough rapport with the new quarterback(s). If the Bulldogs want to compete at the highest level, they’ll need to have a balanced attack, and that means developing a reliable passing game to complement their elite run game.

5. Special Teams Focus

In addition to the offensive and defensive battles, spring practice is also a time for special teams development. Georgia has had solid special teams play under Smart, but the team will need to address some key positions this spring.

• Kicking Game: With Jack Podlesny graduating, the Bulldogs will need to find a new placekicker. Spring ball will give the new kicker the opportunity to prove he can handle the pressure of kicking in big moments.
• Punt Return and Kickoff Return: The Bulldogs will also look to solidify their return units, which will be key in gaining field position and creating explosive plays.

A Key Spring for Georgia’s Title Hopes

Spring football is always an important time for teams to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and for Georgia, this spring will be no different. With some key personnel changes across the roster, particularly at quarterback, the Bulldogs will have a lot to figure out over the course of their spring practices.

While Georgia is certainly a favorite in the SEC and a contender for the national title in 2025, how they address these key issues in spring ball will go a long way toward determining their success in the fall. Whether it’s finding a new quarterback, developing a dominant defensive line, or establishing the next great group of wide receivers, Georgia will need a productive spring to ensure they stay at the top of the college football hierarchy.

For Kirby Smart, this spring is an opportunity to mold the next generation of Bulldogs into the championship-caliber team that Georgia fans have come to expect. The foundation is already in place, but spring practice will be crucial to building upon that foundation and getting back into championship contention. If Georgia can make the right adjustments and continue to develop their talent, they’ll be a force to reckon with in 2025.