Happy Springtime, Bulldog Nation … I’m happy to report the getting is certainly good for those who bleed red and black.

    Kirby Smart, his diligent staff and the 2025 Dawgs wrap up spring drills this week, which thankfully will culminate with the playing of the annual G-Day game on Saturday. And even better, our head coach isn’t acquiescing to the signs of the time that the transfer portal, NIL, etc. have brought to collegiate athletics.

    Coach Smart is standing on his principles that championship football programs consist of retention, stability and being built to last. Those attributes are only possible with players who are committed to doing the duty that lies nearest and also are amenable to stern coaching.

    Yes, it is very sad that today’s culture has collegiate coaches across America having to consider whether they are being too demanding on their collegiate student-athletes. Thankfully, like I’ve already said, that isn’t and will not happen with a football program run by Kirby Smart.

    This spring, Coach Smart’s main message to his players and the media was his desire to find the players on the 2025 roster who vigorously practice and play the game of football with FIRE, PASSION and ENERGY.

    Throughout our Sports section (page 11), our BI editorial team scores a touchdown delving into the fire, passion and energy occurring with the 2025 Georgia football program. You will certainly know some of the names, while undoubtedly learning some new ones. Enjoy the awesome content that awaits you.

    For this issue’s cover, Hamilton (Hammy) Culpepper and I wanted to be sure to remind our readers that the FIRE, PASSION and ENERGY that Coach Smart desires does not only apply to the Georgia football program. The Bulldog Nation remains the best fan base in the country, so it was awesome to include some fun fan shots from last season.

    And since this is Masters week and Brian Harman just won the PGA Tour’s Valero Open in San Antonio, we decided to make some last minute tweaks to our cover last night. However, this was challenging because Harman’s win is one of four by UGA golfers since January. This isn’t a misprint. Out of 15 tournaments since 2025 began, the winner’s trophy has been hoisted by four Dawgs. How’s that for FIRE, PASSION and ENERGY? Thankfully, Hammy worked his magic, so Sepp Straka, Harris English and Russell Henley (along with Harman) could also be included on the cover. Keith Mitchell is also included as we are confident he will be victorious this season.

    Sticking with Dawgs golf, be sure to checkout Hammy’s What’s the Word column (page 42) with current UGA men’s golfer, George Langham. He and teammates recently won the Linger Longer Invitational at Reynolds Lake Oconee and the SECs (at Sea Island Golf Course) are just a few weeks away. Langham also gives his insight to which Pro Dawgs (a total of seven are in the field) may make some noise this week in Augusta. Thanks George for your participation and here’s hoping you and your teammates finish this season strong.

    While I’m running out of time and space, it would be remiss for me not to give a big tip of the hat to Mike White and his Hoop Dawgs, who got back to the NCAA Tournament this season. Hooray to them and to the Hoop Dawgs fan base, who have made The Steg such an imposing arena for opposing teams. On page 43, we wrap-up the very successful 2024/25 UGA basketball program’s season.

    Jeff Dantzler just got back from Austin, Texas and while the Diamond Dawgs were swept, their season thus far has been tremendous. In his column (page 8), JD talks about what is making Wes Johnson’s squad so competitive this season. Do yourself a favor and get to Foley Field in the coming weeks. Our fellas on the diamond are really good.

    Finally relating to sports, don’t miss Greg Poole’s NIL story that starts our More Sports section on page 39. Greg does an excellent job of explaining what’s coming next. Unfortunately, there really doesn’t appear to be a magic solution. That is why I so applaud Coach Smart for not changing his standards. Come to Georgia because you want to be here and know the path will require a commitment to excellence.

    That is going to do it for me. However, be sure to check out our Social section beginning on page 21. There are lots of fun fan photos and I know you will enjoy our Proust Q&A with Brad Koontz. Brad and I were actually classmates in a Drama class during our UGA college days. Aaah, the bliss of those days gone by!

    Enjoy the issue. We will be back in print with more FIRE, PASSION and ENERGY with our Season Preview issue that will be hitting the streets just before the Fourth of July. Until then, Go Dawgs!!