Happy Summer, Bulldog Nation. My sincere wish is that you are about to read our annual Season Preview issue of Bulldawg Illustrated somewhere near the water, while on vacation (or about to be). Fair warning, you better give yourself ample time because this issue is loaded with tons of incredible content to get you ready for the 2025 Georgia Bulldogs football season … woof, woof, woof!

Before I get rolling, I want to take a moment to dedicate this issue in memoriam to Emily Edwards Dantzler, who lost her courageous battle to cancer on April 28, 2025. Emily was a Damn Good Dawg personified. After all, it was her allegiance to the Bulldog Nation that led to her striking up a conversation (via Twitter messaging) with her soon to be husband, Jeff, almost 10 years ago.

Two years later, Emily and Jeff were married. As you can see in this photo from Jeff’s 50th celebration in August of 2022, their love was so strong. She wholeheartedly adored and supported Jeff in his broadcasting career, while he offered the same often mentoring some of Emily’s students in the Jackson County (Georgia) school system.

I don’t lend this tidbit about their relationship to make you sad. Rather my hope is that folks will read this and put cherishing every moment with loved ones as your No. 1 priority. Emily left us painstakingly too soon. However, her loving and loyal spirit will be with all us forever. No one loved the anticipation of a new Georgia football season beckoning more than Emily, so this issue is for you Em. We love and miss you everyday!

As I mentioned at the top, you are going to have fun with this Season Preview issue of BI. What’s not to like, when our cover is adorn by Georgia punter, extraordinaire, Brett Thorson. Yes, that’s right our cover is graced by a punter. As you will learn after reading JD’s column (page 10) and Hamilton Culpepper story (page 13), there is so much more to this lad, Thorson.

Former Georgia great (All American and Ray Guy award winner) punter, Drew Butler had this to say, “Brettt Thorson embodies the altruistic approach that elite punters prioritize. He put the team first in all situations and consistently wins the field position battle for the Dawgs. Every Saturday, Georgia has an advantage when Brett takes the field.”

Inside our sports section, we continue the Thorson theme “Bringing Thunder From Down Under” with three electric pages that feature 10 outstanding Georgia players in three categories (newcomers, offense and defense). Here’s hoping that all these players shine in 2025.

Also in our sports section are two terrific stories that delve into what needs to happen to make 2025 a special season. Finally the section ends with Greg Poole taking a deep dive (pgs 26, 27) into the Nickel and Dime formations on defense. This one is technical, but Greg completely nailed my challenge to write the story like it was a Nickel and Dime for Dummies book. Great job, Greg!

Moving onto our Social section, enjoy the photos from Manny Diaz’ retirement celebration (pages 29-33) that took place at the Georgia Theatre back in March. Manny’s career is the stuff dreams are made of. Play tennis for the University of Georgia’s legendary tennis coach, Dan Magill only then to serve as his assistant before taking over for him. Oh yeah and don’t forget all the championships that followed. Thanks so much Manny, you are a DGD like none other.

Also in this Social Section, we are back with our Georgia Girls, MIXTAPE and Proust Q&A features. I know you will enjoy getting to know St. Simons residents Lori Blackburn Harden (pages 34, 35) and Al Brown (page 50). Beyond their love of Georgia, their admiration for the man upstairs is so uplifting. And for folks that went to Georgia in the late 80s/early 90s, you are going to love Chris Pittard’s tracks on page 36. Bet you haven’t heard the band Dash Rip Rock in awhile?

Finally, this issue ends with a bang in our More Sports section.

Hamilton Culpepper updates our readers (page 62) on how UGA teams fared this spring. I’m happy to report that championships abound. Congrats to all those Red and Black teams, who brought hardware back to Athens.

And last, but definitely not least … drum roll please … Jeff Dantzler’s annual beasts return in our More Sports section. JD goes Game by Game starting on page 51 and goes Position by Position (starting on page 57). Wow, so much amazing content in those pages! And he gives readers plenty to debate about the remainder of the summer with his Top 12 (page 56). What, Clemson is No. 2 and Georgia is No. 5?

Speaking of JD, I’m happy to report he is doing well despite missing his beloved Emily immensely. He knows that he can carry on her legacy by continuing to give his very best to the Bulldog Nation with his incredible expertise and passion for UGA Athletics.

So there you have it … BI’s 2025 Season Preview issue awaits. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and be ready to Bring the Thunder from Down Under on August 30 against Marshall in Athens. Until then, Go Dawgs!!