As this issue’s cover simply states … Welcome Back!

The incredibly long wait to see the 2025 Georgia football team is now just down to a few days. The last time our Dawgs teed it up versus another opponent the result on the field (in New Orleans) was disappointing. However, in my opinion, the dejection of that evening in NOla provides the perfect opportunity for this year’s team to come out firing on all cylinders.

Because of the lackluster loss to Notre Dame, the talking season since January wasn’t very kind to Kirby Smart’s Dawgs. Has Coach Smart’s program taken a step back? Is Gunner Stockton good enough at quarterback for Georgia to thrive in 2025? What was wrong with Mike Bobo’s offense last season? And while Georgia’s defense was stout in 2024, it wasn’t elite.

Blah, blah, blah …

I’m sorry Bulldog fans, but personally I absolutely love the narrative that has taken place during the off-season. The reason is simple. Kirby Smart’s determination and drive for his team to be excellent in all phases of football, combined with his ability to create an ‘us against the world’ mentality shapes up well for everyone in Bulldog Nation.

Here we go … time for toe to meet leather … the talking season is over … Welcome Back!

I’m happy to report that everyone at Team BI shined the last few weeks rolling up our sleeves for this kickoff issue. We are so excited for the season ahead of creating weekly issues (over the next four or so months) for our much, appreciated readers.

Shall we begin? Georgia versus Marshall does await, after all.

Jeff Dantzler leads things off (page 10) with a brilliant salute to Jim Donnan. Of course, this is fitting because it was Coach Donnan’s success at Marshall that led to him being hired as Georgia’s next football coach in 1996. As JD points out, the previous years in Athens had turned ugly for our beloved football program. I personally can attest to this because as an undergrad from 1991-95, Georgia’s record versus Tennessee and Florida was 0-9. And then there was the double digit Homecoming loss to Vandy in ‘95. Brutal times. Thankfully Coach Donnan hit the ground running in Athens and the talent level needing to win in the SEC returned to the Georgia program. By 1997, our Dawgs finally beat Florida, the highlight of Coach Donnan’s tenure at Georgia. We so appreciate you Coach Donnan, thank you. You and your staff paved the way for what has been an amazing 25-year run for our Dawgs. Thanks again!

Moving along with what is in this issue, I encourage you not to miss our  ‘From the Interns’ column (page 18). I challenged UGA juniors, Will Hearn and Matthew Herren to write their own ‘talking season’ piece for this issue. I think you will agree what they wrote is both fair and exciting. Yes, the pressure on Coach Bobo is real, but wowsers our receiving corp sure has a ton of talent. Let the fun begin seeing how Bobo and his other staff members spread the football around in the coming months. I just have one request. When our offense gets inside the 20, let’s score lots of touchdowns rather than settling for field goals … Woof, Woof, Woof!

For a deeper dive into Marshall, be sure to turn to page 20 as Jeff Dantzler tracked down longtime Thundering Herd play-by-play announcer Steve Cotton for our ‘A View From’ question and answer session. Thanks so much Steve!

Rounding out our sports coverage in this issue consists of one change from previous years and a new addition.

After over 10 years of photographing games, BI’s Greg Poole has decided that his time on the field has come to an end. That’s not that surprising seeing as the youngster is 77 years old. Thankfully, Greg will continue to manage BI’s website and fan comment thread, while also continuing to write in every issue. Please turn to page 23 to check out Greg’s newly named column, ‘Old & In the Way.’ As always, Greg’s sage thoughts on Georgia football are so appreciated by Cheri and me. And you gotta love his nod to Jerry (Garcia) with the new column name!

Hamilton Culpepper rounds out our sports coverage in this issue with his new franchise called ‘Hammy’s Horseshoes’ (page 24). Each week Hammy will be selecting his picks where the smart money should go. Now, this is where I throw out the company line disclaimer … don’t be mad at BI if you Hunker Down with Hammy’s Horseshoes and they end up being losers. This should be a lot of fun this season. Good job Hammy on your inaugural ‘Hammy’s Horseshoes.’ However, our readers expect nothing but winners.

Switching gears to our Social section in this issue, as always, there are fun fan photos galore starting with the Magill Society Open Practice on page 28. We also empty out our spring pantry with photos from Kudzu Hill and UGA Women’s Tennis. Speaking of … how about those National Champion lady netters, hooray!

On page 44, Loran Smith returns with our ‘Grand Georgia Couples’ franchise. You will love getting to know Christine and Frank Anderson from Augusta. They are Damn Good Dawgs that met when they were in the 7th grade. Great job, Loran and thanks to the Andersons for their participation.

Finally, returning in this issue’s Social section is Georgia Girls (page 34, 35) with Brunswick native, Jessica Jones; Proust Q&A (page 54) with former UGA Tennis player, Alex Hill and MIXTAPE (page 43) with UGA football staffer, Hunter Parker. Great stuff from each of them that I know you will love.

Holy Moly, I’m about to reach 1,000 words, which means I must apologize for being so long-winded. What can I say, I’m excited as hell about the 2025 season that kicks off on Saturday. Welcome Back Georgia fans, Go Dawgs!!