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UGA Regional Coverage With Interviews and Highlights: Georgia Explodes with 20 Runs vs. Binghamton

No. 7 Georgia defeated Binghamton, 20-4, in the first game of the NCAA Athens Regional in front of a sold-out Foley Field crowd on Friday afternoon.

Fast Facts:

• Friday’s game marked the first time that Tre Phelps, Ryland Zaborowski and Robbie Burnett have all been in the starting lineup for the Bulldogs since April 26th when the Bulldogs hosted Oklahoma.
• Leighton Finley (3-2) got the start on the mound for Georgia, his 14th of the season. His 6.2 and seven-strikeout performance earned him the win. Binghamton’s Brady Bouchard (3-5) suffered the loss after giving up eight runs on six hits in 2.1 innings.
• Tre Phelps (4-5, 5 RBI, 2 HR) extended his hit streak to 12 games, with a two-run homer to left in the first. Phelps also added to his home run total with a solo blast in the sixth, his 10th of the year.
• Daniel Jackson (2-3, 6 RBI, 2 HR, 2 BB) batted in six runs in the win, a new career high for the sophomore. Friday’s game marked the third time this season that Jackson hit two home runs in a game, both three-run knocks coming in the first and third innings. 
• Kolby Branch (4-4, 2 RBI) knocked in his 40th and 41st runs of the year, with an RBI double in the fourth and an RBI single in the fifth. 
• Graduate Nolan McCarthy (2-5, 3 RBI, HR) added to the home run parade, with a solo blast in the eighth.

Video Highlights

Key Quotes:

Head Baseball Coach Wes Johnson

On the win today…

“I thought Leighton [Finley] came out today and really set the tone in the first. He was attacking the strike zone. When guys can set the tone like that, it calms down everyone in the dugout. Then it never hurts to put up five runs in the first. It starts with a couple of good swings. Obviously, Daniel [Jackson] had a really good day. I don’t want it to be overshadowed. Tre [Phelps] had four hits, and Kolby [Branch] had four hits. I think the tone was set by Leighton right there in the first inning.”

Box Score

Up Next: Georgia (43-15) will take on the winner of game two of the Athens Regional between Oklahoma State and Duke on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+ and the Georgia Bulldogs Sports Network. Binghamton (29-25) will take on the loser of game two in an elimination game on Saturday at noon.

Georgia’s Inside Linebackers in 2025: Talented but Inexperienced Unit Poised to Rise

As the Georgia Bulldogs enter the 2025 season, their inside linebacker corps is under the microscope. With standout veterans like Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson gone to the NFL, the new generation of linebackers is expected to carry the mantle of one of college football’s most demanding defensive positions. Though the group lacks extensive experience, the collective talent and athleticism could keep Georgia’s standard of elite linebacker play intact.

Leading the unit is CJ Allen, a sophomore who saw significant action as a true freshman. Allen started 12 games in 2024 and finished second on the team with 76 tackles, adding four pass breakups. His maturity, athleticism, and instincts make him the centerpiece of this unit. Allen’s ability to diagnose plays quickly, and his sideline-to-sideline range provides a foundation for stability amid an otherwise youthful depth chart.

Next in line is Raylen Wilson, another sophomore and former 5-star recruit. Wilson played in all 14 games last year and earned a start against Tennessee, posting 47 tackles and 1.5 sacks. While he had fewer starts than Allen, Wilson’s explosiveness and coverage ability give Georgia a second dynamic option in the middle. His development into a consistent run-stopper and communicator will be critical in high-stakes SEC matchups.

Chris Cole, a sophomore, rounds out the trio of second-year contributors. He made an impact on special teams and in rotational snaps during 2024, collecting 16 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries. His selection to the SEC All-Freshman Team hints at his upside. Though he’s still refining his game, Cole’s background as a former safety gives him unique versatility in pass coverage.

Beyond the trio of sophomores, Georgia’s depth features some of the most talented young players in the country, albeit with no college experience. Justin Williams, a 5-star recruit from Texas, was the No. 1 linebacker in the 2024 class. He appeared in 12 games last season but primarily on special teams. His combination of strength and agility makes him a likely candidate to crack the rotation, especially if injuries strike or if Georgia plays with three linebackers.

True freshmen Zayden Walker and AJ Kruah will join the squad in 2025. Walker, another 5-star prospect, was the nation’s top linebacker in the 2025 cycle and brings immense potential as a future starter. Kruah, a late flip from North Carolina, was a productive high school player known for his motor and physicality. While both are likely to start on special teams, they are expected to challenge for reps as the season progresses.

Ultimately, Georgia’s inside linebacker group is long on potential but short on proven experience. The top-line duo of Allen and Wilson provides a strong foundation, and Cole’s emergence adds valuable depth. While there may be growing pains early in the season, the talent level across the room is elite. With Georgia’s elite defensive coaching and a deep defensive line in front of them, this young unit could grow into a strength by season’s end.

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