CBS sports college football writer Blake Brockermeyer wrote his list of winners and losers after declaration day (where NCAA players declare for the 2025 NFL draft). He wrote the Georgia Bulldogs as one of the biggest losers of declaration day.
“Georgia’s talent-rich roster is again experiencing significant losses. Defensively, the Bulldogs are losing projected first-rounders Malaki Starks, Mykel Williams, and Jalon Walker, along with lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins,” said Brockermeyer.
Georgia has lost more than 70% of its sack production this offseason.
“Offensively, the Dawgs lose interior linemen Tate Ratledge, Jared Wilson, and Dylan Fairchild, as well as wide receiver Arian Smith and running back Trevor Etienne,” continued Brockermeyer. “Quarterback Carson Beck elected to play his final season of college football at Miami.”
Georgia’s offense was not elite in 2024, but it is hard to envision the Dawgs improving after losing so much high-level talent this offseason.
“There’s some good news for Georgia, though. Defensive lineman Christen Miller, wide receiver Dillon Bell, tight end Oscar Delp, and cornerback Daylen Everette are expected to return. Of course the Bulldogs will have talent every year, but this offseason sees its most significant overhaul since well before Kirby Smart started running off national championships,” added Brockermeyer.
The Bulldogs are losing tons of quality starters to the draft, whether it was from highly touted underclassman, seniors with no eligibility left, or surprising announcements. Georgia is also losing a significant amount through the transfer portal with Carson Beck, Julian Humphrey, Damon Wilson II, and Anthony Evans III highlighting UGA’s major transfer exodus.
The major talent drop will allow some prospects and recruits to develop. Christen Miller’s return is huge and highly-touted prospects Ellis Robinson IV, Chris Cole, and Justin Williams will earn more snaps. Georgia did acquire some defensive backs and wide receivers from the transfer portal to stave off losses in those two position groups.
2025 could be a bit of a rebuilding year for UGA.
