The upcoming 2025 season has a lot of star power headlining the NCAA world. From the Manning family legacy continuing to freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith looking to come back stronger than before, college football is filled with highly talented players. So, what about for Georgia?
The Georgia Bulldogs have always had an identity of having a team of tough, gritty players. Nothing has changed going into 2025. Specifically, three players have the chance to make history for the Bulldogs this upcoming season by playing a key role in the team's success.
Nate Frazier: Top Dawg in the backfield
It is not a common occurrence for a true freshman to get meaningful reps at the running back position, nevertheless, start in a game for Georgia. Nate Frazier however did that in 2024.
Not only did he do that, but he also turned heads with his electric abilities and athleticism. The true freshman running back drew comparisons to UGA legends Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb all season long. That just does not happen in Athens. Frazier ran for over 600 yards and eight touchdowns in a season where he had to split carries with veteran Trevor Etienne once he returned from injury.
Now that Etienne is gone to the NFL, the backfield belongs to Frazier. His play in 2025 will greatly impact the trajectory of where Georgia can end up at the end of the season.
Raylen Wilson: Speed at linebacker
This may come as a surprise to some, but linebacker Raylen Wilson has a lot to prove this upcoming season. Paired alongside returning superstar linebacker CJ Allen, Wilson is an athletic linebacker who can almost hit 23 MPH in full pads.
Wilson is an athlete who is hard to come by at the linebacker position. Although his stats weren't eye-popping in 2024, expect that to change this upcoming season. Everyone knows the talent he possesses, and with the departure of Jalon Walker, he could slide into that role perfectly. Watch out for Wilson, because he could very well be the next Butkus Award-winning linebacker for Georgia.
Zachariah Branch: Isaiah McKenzie Clone
A more obvious prediction than Wilson, wide receiver Zachariah Branch has the whole country watching him in Athens.
Branch transferred to Georgia this offseason alongside his brother and safety Zion Branch. Branch was a highly talented wide receiver at USC who made a big splash the moment he stepped onto the field for the Trojans. Paired alongside his skillset to make plays on offense, Branch displayed the ability to return kicks with a 75-yard punt return touchdown in his freshman season.
Branch's level of play can easily be compared to Isaiah "Human Joystick" McKenzie in his time at UGA. An explosive wide receiver that knows how to make plays when the football is in his hands. In an offense that led the nation in drops last season, Branch is expected to come in and completely transform this passing offense. As compared to anyone else on this football team, Branch arguably has the most to prove than any of them, maybe even in the country.