For all of the grief Carson Beck took last year - and let's be clear, a lot of it was merited - some of the blame he shouldered was due to the ineptitude of the Georgia wide receiving corps. The team led the entire country in drops by receivers in 2024, and that led to a lot of stalled drives, missed big plays, and all-around offensive struggles.
Kirby Smart and wide receiver coach James Coley made sure that the wide receiver room was a major focus in the offseason. They brought in some big-name transfers and recruited several blue-chip freshmen to shore up the group as Gunner Stockton takes the helm this year. But one thing is certain, the coaches and players are looking for a vast improvement
Two Georgia transfer wideouts will be counted on early and often
Two wideouts should be on every fan's radar heading into the new season. Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch will be thrown into the fold immediately and asked to get open for Stockton. Both are dynamic playmakers, even if they get it done with different approaches to the position.
Thomas, a 6'6" behemoth from Texas A&M, is one of the most talented transfers at the position in the country. His massive catch radius and sure hands will be targeted often up and down the field. The eight touchdowns he recorded last season are a reflection of how confident the Aggies were in going to Thomas in high-leverage situations near the end zone.
Branch is another prized transfer who is listed at 5'10", 175 pounds, and will no doubt be a featured player in Mike Bobo's quick screen game as he will line up in the slot, wide, and be involved in a lot of pre-snap movement.
While Thomas is more of a "go-up-and-get-it" type of receiver, Branch is the kind of guy Georgia will want to get it in his hands and let him shake and bake his way into a chunk play. Branch has tremendous speed and the wiggle to go with it. Coley and Bobo will want to use Branch as much as they can in 2025.
Don't forget about the return of Colbie Young to the WR room
After a disappointing '24 campaign that saw Colbie Young suspended due to a now dropped legal charge, the big-bodied receiver will look to continue where he left off as a legitimate red zone threat that turns 50/50 balls into 80/20 balls. Stockton will have two big bodies (along with Thomas) out wide that should open up some options close to the goal line.
Other guys that should see considerable action include all-around ground and pound Dillon Bell, who brings valuable knowledge and versatility to the offense, and London Humphreys, who caught several big slants last year, and is taking snaps with the starters early in camp. Sacovie White will also see more reps and look to build on an inconsistent freshman season.
Look out for incoming new Dawgs like C.J. Wiley and Talyn Taylor, who will both be looking to make an immediate impact as highly regarded high school recruits.