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UGA 2025 Roster Review: Experience, Depth & Development Amid a Shifting College Football Landscape

Georgia is entering the 2025 football season with a roster that has been shaped by player development, transfer management, and the evolving demands of the NIL era. Like all elite programs, the Bulldogs are facing challenges such as NFL departures, transfer losses, and player movement, which have reduced the overall experience of the team. Despite this, UGA remains one of the more structured and battle-tested teams in the country, thanks to strong rotational play and a focus on long-term development.

Game Experience Snapshot: Shallow Veteran Pool, But Strategic Depth

Georgia returns approximately 30 scholarship players who have participated in over 10 FBS games, including several who played significant roles in the SEC during the 2024 season. However, nearly half of the roster consists of players with fewer than five FBS appearances, a result of early NFL departures and the transfer portal dynamics.

Here are some notable returning players with valuable experience:

**LB CJ Allen (So.)** – Played in all 14 games in 2024, starting in 7. He is a key foundational piece in the middle of the defense.

**WR Dillon Bell (Jr.)** – Participated in 28 games over his first two seasons, making him Georgia’s most proven receiver.

**DL Christen Miller (Jr.)** – Has played in 22 career games and will serve as the anchor of the interior defensive line.

**RB Chauncey Bowens (So.)** – Gained experience in 13 games as a true freshman and is expected to be the primary running back, known for his powerful, downhill running style.

**OL Earnest Greene III (R-So.)** – Played in 19 games, mostly as a starter at left tackle.

Strength: Secondary and Defensive Line Return Real Snaps

Georgia’s defensive backfield, although young, has experience. Joenel Aguero brings game-ready athleticism. The return of Daniel Harris and Daylen Everette provide Kirby Smart with options at cornerback.

While the defensive line will miss some key players from the 2024 roster, it does return rotational veterans like Christen Miller and Jordan Hall, both of whom gained valuable experience in SEC games. Though it’s not on the level of Jordan Davis, the talent pool is far from empty.

Weakness: Inexperience on the Offensive Line Interior

The offensive line lacks proven performance as a unit. Last year’s constantly shifting lineup, hindered by injuries, needs to reestablish its identity as a punishing, grinding force that can wear opponents down by the fourth quarter—just like during the glory years.

**Quarterback: Gunner Stockton has appeared in six games, mostly during blowouts, making him the frontrunner for the position, but Ryan Puglisi will also provide a challenge.

**Wide Receiver: With Dillon Bell as the only true veteran in the group, UGA will need its recruits and transfers to develop quickly.

Youth Movement Incoming

More than 35 players on the 2025 roster are freshmen or redshirt freshmen. Georgia is relying on highly-touted recruits to take on significant leadership roles early on. With several five-star recruits in the two-deep depth chart, there is considerable potential; however, there will also be challenges as these young players adjust.

Final Thoughts

Georgia’s 2025 roster showcases the current landscape of college football: it is filled with talent but lacks extensive live-game experience. Compared to most top-25 programs, UGA has a solid base of returning contributors, especially on defense and among the offensive tackles. However, concerns remain about the quarterback position, the interior offensive line, and the edge rushers. These factors will ultimately determine whether the team successfully reloads or simply resets.

In summary, Georgia has the talent to succeed in the new, and constantly shifting environment of this college football era; the staff just need to figure out how to utilize it effectively without experiencing early setbacks.

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