The 2025 Georgia football season is almost here, and there are high expectations for Kirby Smart's crew who are ranked No. 5 in the preseason AP Poll. This has become the norm as the fanbase hopes the Golden Age of Georgia football will continue for at least one more year.
But if Smart and his roster of elite four and five-star recruits are going to make a serious run at a third National Championship in the last five years, these three things have to happen.
The interior DL has to improve
This is not a newsflash for most Dawg fans, as last year's interior defensive line was as porous as it has been since Smart's first year at Georgia in 2016.
Warren Brinson and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins are off to the NFL, which means that there are going to be plenty of 1st and 2nd down reps for several up-and-coming tackles.
Christen Miller has to take the next step and be a run stuffer in the interior of that Dawg front. He flashed last year, but he has to become an alpha leader in 2025.
If he can take promising young freshman Elijah Griffin under his wing, the Bulldogs could be very formidable, along with a rotation of Jordan Hall, Xavier McLeod, and Jordan Thomas.
The offensive skill players have to make Gunner Stockton's job easier
There is no sugar coating that Gunner Stockton is going to be facing a steep learning curve as the new starting quarterback in Athens. Two cupcake games to start the season will help him feel more comfortable calling the signals, but once the SEC slate starts, he will need certain guys to step up and make plays for him.
This means that big time wide receiver transfers Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch will have to be the playmakers they have proven to be at Texas A&M and USC, respectively. Returning Georgia receivers like Dillon Bell, London Humphries, Oscar Delp, and Lawson Luckie will need to provide safety outlets in Mike Bobo's quick hitting passing attack.
It goes without saying that the offensive line will need to get a better push, providing running lanes for Nate Frazier and company while giving Stockton a clean pocket from which to operate.
The Dawgs will have to take advantage of their huge advantage on special teams
It often gets overlooked, but special teams will be a huge factor for the Dawgs this year with two consensus All-Americans in punter Brett Thorson and kicker Peyton Woodring coming back.
Georgia will have the clear edge over everyone they play this season in this area, and they need to take full advantage of their future NFL Dawg special teamers.
With the dynamic Branch set to return punts, a few house calls and field-flipping chunk plays would be a most welcome sight after not getting much from that spot over the last several seasons.