The Georgia Bulldogs’ 23-10 loss in the 2025 Sugar Bowl to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reveal that the Bulldogs have some serious flaws. Georgia needs to address numerous needs this offseason.
What is out early UGA offseason checklist?
Finding a true identity on offense
The offense had an identity crisis in 2024. Slow starts were a killer. UGA scored less than seven points in the first half of eight games this season.
Leading the nation in drops with 38 drops needs to be assessed this offseason. Add on the offensive tackle struggles and UGA has quite a few offensive needs.
In the Sugar Bowl, the run game was nonexistent. The team gained only 62 yards on a disappointing 2.1 yards a carry. Georgia’s new identity should start with quarterback Gunner Stockton and running back Nate Frazier.
Replacements for Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams
Butkus Award winner Jalon Walker and potential high first round pick Mykel Willams were nightmares for opposing offenses in 2024. They are both expected to enter the 2025 NFL draft, so UGA needs someone to step in the pass rushing department. With next season facin peremier talent at the quarterback position next year pass rush will be extremely needed.Sophomore linebacker Damon Wilson comes to mind as a name that can step up into a game wrecker.
New Secondary
Safety Dan Jackson and future first round draft pick Malaki Starks are both likely headed into the NFL draft. Junior corner Daylen Everette could also leave for the NFL.
With two starters gone from the secondary, there are going to be some players that need to develop into a starter this offseason. Freshman KJ Bolden will seamlessly slide into a starting role as he played in every game this year and showed potential to be a future first round pick himself. Also, if Everette leaves, then look for blue chip recruit Ellis Robinson IV to compete for a starting role.
A commitment in the transfer portal
The Bulldogs have been very active in the transfer portal, but UGA still needs to secure a commitment. Georgia is the only SEC school to not to receive a commitment from a player in the transfer portal. If Georgia wants to find more quality players to help retain the SEC title and make another College Football Playoff appearance, then getting top players out of the transfer portal is a must.