Spring Practice Storylines for the 2025 Georgia Bulldogs

As the University of Georgia football team prepares for another promising season, the 2025 spring practice session serves as a critical period for head coach Kirby Smart and his staff to evaluate talent, develop depth, and fine-tune their roster ahead of the fall campaign. With the Bulldogs coming off another successful season, expectations for the program remain high, and spring practices will be the proving ground for several key storylines that could shape Georgia’s path to another potential championship.

From the quarterback competition to the ongoing evolution of the defense, here are the top spring practice storylines for the 2025 Georgia Bulldogs.

1. The Quarterback Battle: Who Will Take the Helm?

Arguably the most captivating and talked-about storyline heading into spring practices is the ongoing quarterback competition. With star quarterback Carson Beck having exhausted his eligibility after leading the Bulldogs to a national championship victory in 2024, Georgia faces a new era under center.

The Bulldogs have a few intriguing candidates vying for the starting job, and spring practices will be critical in determining who emerges as the leader of the offense. The primary contenders are:

• Brock Vandagriff: The highly touted former 5-star recruit and redshirt sophomore brings elite physical tools to the table. Standing at 6’3″ and possessing a rocket arm, Vandagriff has shown flashes of brilliance in limited playing time, but his consistency will be key. He will have to prove he can handle the pressure of leading Georgia’s offense and make quicker decisions in a high-stakes environment.
• Gunner Stockton: The 6’1” sophomore has demonstrated his mobility and playmaking ability, particularly with his legs, during his brief appearances in previous seasons. Stockton’s ability to extend plays and create opportunities with his athleticism will make him an exciting option if he can continue to develop his passing accuracy and consistency.
• Jake Garcia: The Miami transfer brings experience and poise to the quarterback room. Having spent time under center for the Hurricanes, Garcia knows what it takes to play at the Power Five level. His veteran leadership and calm demeanor could give him an edge in the race for the starting job, though it will ultimately come down to how he adjusts to Georgia’s offensive system.

Spring practices will be crucial in allowing these quarterbacks to showcase their skills, and Kirby Smart will undoubtedly look for a signal-caller who can command the offense, lead the team in clutch moments, and protect the football. The competition may extend into the fall, but whichever quarterback earns the starting nod will be expected to continue Georgia’s dominance and uphold the program’s championship aspirations.

2. Replacing Key Contributors on the Offensive Line

Another storyline that will dominate spring practice is the battle to replace several key contributors along the offensive line. Georgia has seen some major talent depart from the trenches, including multi-year starters who anchored the Bulldogs’ powerful running game and pass protection.

With veteran leaders like Warren McClendon, Broderick Jones, and Sedrick Van Pran moving on to the NFL, the Bulldogs are tasked with replacing multiple positions. The offensive line has been one of Georgia’s most consistent units under Kirby Smart, and spring practice will be crucial for finding the right combination of players to keep that tradition intact.

• Xavier Truss: A key returning starter, Truss has experience at both guard and tackle. His versatility will make him a valuable piece as the Bulldogs search for the right balance up front. Truss will likely move into a leadership role as one of the more experienced linemen, and his ability to excel at multiple positions will be a critical asset for the team.
• Earnest Greene II: The sophomore tackle was highly rated coming out of high school and has the size and talent to be a mainstay in Georgia’s starting lineup. With the departure of McClendon and Jones, Greene could be primed to step into a major role, either at tackle or guard.
• Amarius Mims: Another former 5-star recruit, Mims has all the physical tools to become a star on Georgia’s offensive line. Standing at 6’7” and weighing over 330 pounds, Mims possesses an ideal combination of size and athleticism. With Georgia needing to fill in key positions, Mims will likely be a key factor in solidifying the offensive line.

The spring practices will give offensive line coach Stacy Searels the opportunity to experiment with different combinations and build cohesion among the new group of players. The Bulldogs will look for an offensive line that can continue to establish the physicality and dominance in the trenches that has been a hallmark of Georgia football in recent years.

3. Defensive Line Depth and Development

As one of the most dominant defensive programs in college football, Georgia’s defensive line will once again be a focal point heading into the 2025 season. However, the Bulldogs are dealing with the loss of several high-profile players, including Jalen Carter and several other starters who are now in the NFL. While Georgia continues to recruit elite talent, spring practices will be pivotal in determining how deep and effective this unit can be.

• Mikel Williams: One of the most highly regarded defensive linemen in college football, Williams returns as the leader of the defensive line. After a strong freshman season, the 6’5” edge rusher will be expected to take on an even bigger role in 2025. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses will be critical for Georgia’s defensive success.
• Jamon Dumas-Johnson: While Dumas-Johnson plays linebacker, his ability to create havoc in the backfield will be crucial for the overall effectiveness of the defensive line. His experience and leadership will be important as the Bulldogs integrate new faces into the rotation.
• Bear Alexander: The sophomore defensive tackle made waves as a freshman and will be a key player for Georgia’s defensive line in 2025. Known for his size, strength, and ability to clog up running lanes, Alexander will need to continue to develop as a pass rusher to complement Georgia’s edge players.
• Tray Scott’s Young Guns: Coach Tray Scott will have a wealth of young talent to work with this spring. Several freshmen and sophomores will have an opportunity to earn key rotational roles, including promising newcomers like Jordan Hall and Jamal Jarrett, both of whom could provide immediate depth in the trenches.

Spring practice will be vital for finding the right mix of players along the defensive front and establishing the unit’s chemistry. With a deep recruiting class and several underclassmen looking to prove themselves, Georgia’s defensive line could be even stronger in 2025 than in previous years.

4. The Transition of the Secondary

Another crucial storyline is the state of Georgia’s secondary heading into 2025. The Bulldogs are losing some key contributors in the defensive backfield, including NFL-bound players like Kelee Ringo and Christopher Smith, who were instrumental in Georgia’s national championship defense. However, Georgia’s secondary remains well-stocked with talented players, and spring practices will help determine who steps into the leadership roles.

• Malaki Starks: One of the most exciting young talents on Georgia’s roster, Starks is poised to become a centerpiece of the Bulldogs’ defense in 2025. As a freshman, Starks showed incredible range, ball skills, and physicality. Now a sophomore, he is expected to take on a more prominent role and lead the secondary alongside other key contributors.
• Kamari Lassiter: Returning for his junior season, Lassiter has shown promise as a lockdown cornerback. With Ringo off to the NFL, Lassiter will likely be tasked with taking over the No. 1 cornerback spot. His ability to shut down top wide receivers will be a critical component of Georgia’s defense.
• Javon Bullard: Bullard emerged as a key player in Georgia’s secondary over the past few seasons. Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, Bullard will be expected to take on a leadership role, whether at safety or cornerback. His ability to read the quarterback and create turnovers will be vital in Georgia’s efforts to maintain its elite defensive status.
• Youth Movement: Behind the veterans, Georgia has several young, talented players eager to make an impact, including freshmen like AJ Harris and Daylen Everette, both of whom could push for playing time in the fall. Spring practice will be an important period for these young players to prove they are ready to contribute at a high level.

With several positions to fill in the secondary, the Bulldogs’ defensive coaches will need to evaluate their players carefully during the spring to determine the right mix of talent and experience in the back end of the defense.

5. Linebacker Depth: A Strong Core with New Faces

While the linebacker position is in a strong position with veterans like Jamon Dumas-Johnson, there is still plenty of room for growth and development within this unit. The Bulldogs have always prided themselves on having a stout linebacker corps, and 2025 will be no different.

• Smael Mondon: Mondon has been a standout player for Georgia and is one of the top returning linebackers. His sideline-to-sideline speed, intelligence, and ability to read the game make him one of the best in the SEC. Mondon will play a crucial role in maintaining Georgia’s defensive integrity.
• Xavian Sorey: A player who has been waiting for his opportunity to step into a more prominent role, Sorey has the potential to be a star in 2025. His athleticism and instincts make him a prime candidate for an increased role, and spring practices will be his chance to solidify that spot.
• Fresh Faces: The Bulldogs also have several highly regarded freshmen, such as C.J. Allen, who could make an immediate impact at linebacker. The development of these young players will be important in ensuring Georgia has depth at the position heading into the fall.

The Georgia Bulldogs have a wealth of talent and storylines heading into the 2025 spring practices. From the quarterback battle to the development of the offensive and defensive lines, Kirby Smart and his staff have a lot to evaluate as they prepare for another championship run. The 2025 season will likely see new stars emerge and key positions solidified, and spring practices will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s path to success. With high expectations and a loaded roster, Georgia remains one of the top programs in college football, and spring practice will be the starting point for what could be another unforgettable season.