Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia football team, is expected to address several key questions as the Bulldogs begin their spring practice. With a history of championship-winning seasons, Smart’s leadership and strategic decisions during spring practice will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and stakeholders of the Georgia football program. Here’s an in-depth look at the major questions that could define Georgia’s spring practices, the program’s direction, and Smart’s approach to 2025.
1. Who Will Replace Stetson Bennett at Quarterback?
One of the most significant storylines surrounding Georgia football heading into the 2025 season is the search for a new starting quarterback. Stetson Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, has moved on, leaving behind a void at the game’s most important position.
Kirby Smart will be looking to identify which quarterback can take the reins. Carson Beck, who has been a backup for the past few seasons, is widely seen as the frontrunner. However, Smart has also recruited a group of highly talented quarterbacks, including Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton, both of whom have immense potential. Spring practices will provide Smart with a close look at their abilities in a live setting. Smart will need to determine who can operate his system efficiently, manage the pressure of leading a team full of future NFL talent, and perform under the bright lights of major SEC games.
Key questions here include:
- How will Beck, Vandagriff, and Stockton handle the pressure of competing for the starting role?
- Who can develop the chemistry with Georgia’s top receivers and the offensive line?
2. How Will the Wide Receiver Corps Emerge?
Georgia’s offense has been marked by a run-first mentality in recent years, but with the quarterback position in flux and a stable of talented receivers, Smart will likely emphasize the development of his receiving corps in the spring. The Bulldogs have had some key players leave, including star tight end Brock Bowers, who was a favorite target for Bennett. However, with the return of players like Ladd McConkey, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, and Arian Smith, the receiver group remains a strength.
Smart will need to answer critical questions regarding:
- Who will step up as the primary deep threat and the reliable possession receiver?
- How will younger players, including promising freshmen and sophomores, integrate into the receiving game?
3. Replacing Key Defenders in the Secondary
While Georgia’s defense has been a powerhouse in recent years, 2025 will see some turnover on that side of the ball. Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann will need to replace several key players, particularly in the secondary, where standout talents like Kelee Ringo and Christopher Smith have moved on to the NFL.
The Bulldogs’ defense has been defined by depth, talent, and a relentless pass rush. In spring, Smart will need to identify which players can step into key roles in the secondary. Players like Javon Bullard, who was a standout safety last season, will likely play an essential role in that transition.
Key questions to address include:
- Who will emerge as the next star cornerback or safety to replace Ringo and Smith?
- How can Georgia continue to dominate on defense without losing its edge?
4. How Will the Offensive Line Respond to Departures?
While the Bulldogs return several key players on the offensive line, there are still notable departures that Smart must address during spring practice. The loss of standout tackles like Broderick Jones, who went early in the NFL draft, leaves a gap at a critical position. The offensive line has been a hallmark of Georgia’s physical style of play, and any instability in the trenches could affect the team’s ability to implement its powerful ground game.
Smart will be watching the offensive line closely to determine:
- Who will step up at tackle, especially on the left side?
- Can the Bulldogs maintain their dominance in the trenches with the new rotation?
5. How Will the Running Back Group Evolve?
Georgia’s running game has been central to its offensive success, with star players like Zamir White and Kenny McIntosh leading the way in recent seasons. While Smart has a reputation for developing talented running backs, there are questions heading into 2025. The Bulldogs have a few key players returning, including Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, but it’s unclear who will be the primary back to take over the full workload.
Smart will want to see:
- Which running backs emerge as the team’s lead rusher?
- How can Georgia maintain its reputation as a dominant rushing team with an evolving backfield?
6. Defensive Line and Front Seven: Can Georgia Stay Fearsome?
Georgia’s defense has been known for its ability to generate a fierce pass rush, and a huge part of that has been the dominance of the front seven. With the loss of several key contributors from last season’s defensive line, including Jalen Carter, Smart will have to fill some big shoes. However, Georgia has depth and talent in this area, and spring practice will allow coaches to experiment with different rotations.
Important questions regarding the defensive front include:
- Who will step up to replace the production of Jalen Carter and other key pieces?
- Will the defensive line continue to disrupt opposing offenses with its strength and size?
7. Will Kirby Smart Adjust His Coaching Philosophy for 2025?
As Georgia has become a dominant force in college football under Smart, the team’s identity has been shaped by its defense, physicality, and a power-based offense. However, as the Bulldogs move into 2025, there’s speculation about whether Smart will evolve his approach to suit his evolving roster. With an experienced quarterback and dynamic receiving corps, Smart may lean more on the passing game than in previous seasons.
Key coaching philosophy questions include:
- Will Georgia become a more balanced team with a greater emphasis on the passing game?
- How will Smart adjust his strategy against high-powered offenses in the SEC?
8. Special Teams: Stability or Change?
Special teams can often go unnoticed in a team’s preparation, but they play a critical role in close games. Kirby Smart and his staff will have to find the right solutions for both punting and place-kicking. With key departures at both kicker and punter, Smart’s spring practices will focus on making sure these positions are solidified heading into the season.
Critical areas to monitor will include:
- Who will emerge as the team’s starting placekicker and punter?
- How can Smart ensure that the special teams unit continues to be an asset rather than a liability?
The Importance of Spring Practice for Georgia’s 2025 Season
As Kirby Smart leads the Georgia Bulldogs into spring practice, there are numerous questions to address. Whether it’s replacing key players, solidifying positions, or adjusting the team’s philosophy, the spring session will be crucial for determining how Georgia positions itself for another potential national title run. The development of both established and younger players will be critical, and Smart’s ability to find solutions to these major questions will ultimately define the Bulldogs’ 2025 season.
The level of competition and talent on the roster is undeniable, but the questions Smart faces in spring practice are a reminder of how much remains to be decided. Georgia fans can expect the coming months to be filled with anticipation as the program looks to build on its championship pedigree.
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