Jack Podlesny, nicknamed “Hot Pod,” went from walk-on to one of Georgia’s most accomplished kickers. The St. Simons Island native joined the Bulldogs in 2018 and became the starter in 2020. His 53-yard game-winner against Cincinnati in the 2021 Peach Bowl earned him MVP honors, and he went on to help Georgia win back-to-back national championships. In 2022, Podlesny scored an NCAA-leading 151 points, making 26 field goals and 73 extra points.
When did you realize you had a real opportunity to win the starting job?
When Coach Cochran came in, it was during COVID. I was back on St. Simons living with my parents, working out and not knowing what was going to happen. But I told myself, “When I get back, I’m going to win this job.”
Cochran would switch up the kicking order every day, so no one was a true first, second or third string. Before that, I probably would have been seen as the fourth or fifth guy. But on Tuesday I might be first and Thursday I might be fourth. He gave me that opportunity, and my mindset was to attack each day and make the most of it.
What do you remember about those final seconds before your Peach Bowl kick?
I don’t remember much. It was a period of blackout, which I would say is a good thing.
I remember our long snapper, Payne Walker, slapping me on the butt and saying, “Go get ready. We’re going to do this thing.” That’s when I thought, “Okay, this could actually happen.”
I went through my warm-ups and mental process, and once I got called onto the field, I kind of blacked out. The next thing I remember is pointing my hand in the air, running and celebrating. Those 10 to 15 seconds of taking my steps back and kicking it are a blur.
What made those two national championship teams special?
One thing that set us up for success was Drew Brannon introducing Skull Sessions. We were spending 40-plus hours together, and some of us didn’t even know each other’s last names. We started learning each other’s backstories and, most importantly, each other’s “why.” Understanding each other on a deeper level helped build that bond.
The first championship was almost a stepping stone toward the second. Going into that second season, it wasn’t a matter of if or when; it was, “We’re doing this thing.” If I had to choose, I’d say the first was more special, but doing it back-to-back was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
How has Georgia shaped what you want to do after football?
When I got to Georgia, I was all in on school and thought I wanted to be a doctor. As football got more serious, school didn’t go on the back burner, but it got put on hold a little bit.
The brotherhood kept me at Georgia, and I decided to stay and get my master’s in public health. Even after I signed with the Vikings, I was still finishing my degree—doing papers, research and presentations while trying to become a professional athlete.
Looking ahead, I want to pursue public health opportunities, whether that’s serving on nonprofit boards or helping people in the Atlanta community.
What’s your take on the 2026 Dawgs?
Max, the question is, how long do you have? I’ve got a lot of takes.
As long as Gunner keeps doing what he’s doing, I’m a firm believer he will lead us to another national championship. Nate Frazier is a dog, too, and I think he’s one of the backbones of not only the offense, but the team.
The guys are coming together really nicely, and I don’t think it’s about individual performances. This year is built off a team performance, and I think this is a good year to make a long run at it.
And I didn’t even mention our defense. Our defense is just phenomenal.
