Tag: uga

Georgia football safety accepts Senior Bowl Invitation

Georgia football safety Dan Jackson accepts Senior Bowl invitation

Georgia Bulldogs standout safety Dan Jackson plans to play in the 2025 Senior Bowl. Jackson is the seventh Georgia player (second-most of any college football program behind Oregon) to accept an invitation to the Senior Bowl, which will be played in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 1, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Jackson, who is from Gainesville, Georgia, began his Georgia career in 2019. He is out of eligibility and is declaring for the 2025 NFL draft.

Jackson has been in a special teams and reserve role in past years. This year,  he started and made a major impact. Jackson’s sure tackling, ability to force turnovers and hit power made a difference for the Georgia defense. Georgia’s development is on full display with a product like Jackson going from walk-on to NFL draft prospect.

Jackson was a starter on the Georgia defense this past season. He recorded 64 total tackles and forced three turnovers. He is a two-time national champion.

The Senior Bowl is a predraft scrimmage that is held annually. Tons of NFL draft scouts and executives attend the event.

Georgia freshman safety receives All-American honors

Georgia football’s KJ Bolden receives All-American honors for his outstanding freshman season

Georgia Bulldogs safety KJ Bolden made an immediate impact for UGA and quickly earned playing time as a true freshman. The standout defender played a pivotal role in the 2024 Georgia defense, drawing national attention from sportswriters.

On Tuesday, the Football Writers Association of America honored Bolden by naming him a Freshman All-American. This recognition followed an impressive debut season where Bolden tallied 59 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, one sack, and one forced fumble.

Bolden was regarded as a major recruiting victory for Georgia in the 2024 recruiting cycle and he wasted no time proving he was worth the accolades. He made an impression early at Georgia, and by the start of fall camp, it was evident that he would play a key role in the Bulldogs’ secondary.

From the opening game against Clemson, Bolden received significant playing time and supported veteran Malaki Starks as Starks alternated between the safety and STAR roles. Bolden appeared in all 14 games during his freshman season, earning starts against Florida and Tennessee. He logged at least five tackles in eight contests, including a career-high eight tackles during Georgia’s home victory over Tennessee.

Bolden projects as one of the SEC’s top safeties in 2025.

Georgia football DB Dan Jackson enters the NFL draft

Georgia Bulldogs DB Dan Jackson, two-time national champion, makes 2025 NFL draft decision

Safety Dan Jackson, a pivotal player on Georgia’s defense, has declared for the 2025 NFL draft. Jackson announced his decision via social, marking the end of a remarkable career in Athens.

Starting as a walk-on, who wasn’t recruited out of high school, Jackson amassed 140 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and four interceptions during his UGA career from 2019-2024. Jackson became a key component of the Bulldogs’ defense.

Jackson was apart both national championship teams in 2021 and 2022. Jackson recorded 40 tackles for the UGA defense in 2021 before battling an injury in 2022. Memorably, he delivered a block during Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo’s interception return for a touchdown in the 2021 national championship against Alabama. The Bulldogs secured their first national title since 1980.

Jackson continued to contribute in 2023. In 2024, he earned the starting safety role alongside Malaki Starks. This season, Jackson provided some unforgettable moments this season, including a dominant performance against Alabama with 10 tackles and an interception. The senior forced a crucial fumble against Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King that helped spark Georgia’s a thrilling eight-overtime victory.

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Georgia RB Trevor Etienne makes surprising NFL draft decision

Georgia Bulldogs standout RB Trevor Etienne makes surprising NFL draft decision that contradicts initial reports

The Georgia Bulldogs’ 2025 offense will have a different look without star running back Trevor Etienne. After a single season with the Bulldogs, the junior running back has declared for the 2025 NFL draft. Initial reports indicated that Etienne would return to school, but in a change of heart he’s headed to the NFL.

Etienne joined Georgia as a transfer after spending the first two seasons of his college football career with Florida. Etienne led the team in rushing yards per game (60.9), totaling 609 yards on 122 carries and scoring a team-high nine rushing touchdowns. The Florida transfer missed significant time in November due to injury and being suspended for the Dawgs’ Week 1 game against Clemson.

Trevor Etienne saved his best performances for the Texas Longhorns. In two matchups, the Jennings, Louisiana, native totaled five touchdowns and over 200 all-purpose yards. This included a 110-yard, three-touchdown performance in the initial meeting against Texas. Etienne also had a dominant SEC championship game where he rushed for a season-high 94 yards, recorded 28 receiving yards, and scored both of his team’s touchdowns, including the game-winner.

Etienne’s 2024 campaign earned him a spot on the All-SEC third team.

With Etienne’s departure, expect freshman running back Nate Frazier to take over the majority of the carries in his sophomore campaign along with Cash Jones returning for his senior season.

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It is hard to blame Etienne for leaving. Georgia’s offensive line lost four starters after struggling in 2024.

Georgia basketball faces toughest week of season

Georgia basketball faces their most challenging week with games against a pair of top-six opponents

The newly ranked No. 23 Georgia Bulldogs have found their groove early in SEC play with wins over No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats and Oklahoma. Both teams came into Stegeman Coliseum and the Bulldogs pulled away with the 10,000 plus fans behind them.

Georgia has a record of 14-2 overall including a 2-1 record in SEC play. This week it will be a big test for UGA with the Dawgs traveling to Knoxville to face the No. 6 ranked Tennessee Volunteers and playing No. 1 Auburn Tigers in Athens.

Tennessee poses a challenge with their backcourt with their experienced backcourt. Tennessee senior transfer guard Chaz Lanier averages 19 points and shoots over 40 % from three. Vols senior guard Zakai Zeigler who averages 11 points, 7 assists, and almost two steals a game. Both guards are very dynamic and will cause the backcourt for Georgia to raise their level of play.

Auburn just lost National Player of the Year favorite Johni Broome to an ankle injury indefinitely on Saturday in their close 66-63 win against South Carolina. The Tigers will now lean on their backcourt with Chad Baker-Mazara,  Denver Jones, Miles Kelly, Tahaad Pettiford all four average over 10 points a game and three of them shoot over 40 percent from three-point territory. 

This week gives Georgia a chance to show everyone how good the Bulldogs are.

The Bulldogs play at No. 6 Tennessee on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network. Georgia then hosts No. 1 Auburn on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Georgia basketball ranked for first time since 2011

Georgia basketball is finally in the Coaches Poll ahead of a big week against two top-10 opponents

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team (14-2, 2-1) is finally ranked. The No. 23 ranked Bulldogs earned a pair of ranked wins over the past week. UGA beat Oklahoma, who is no longer ranked, and Kentucky, who is now ranked No. 9.

UGA has a pair of good nonconference wins over St. John’s (one spot away from being ranked) and Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs’ two losses of the season came to No. 7 Marquette and No. 21 Ole Miss. Georgia is one of nine SEC teams ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Georgia has a big week game coming up. The Bulldogs plays at No. 6 Tennessee on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network. Tennessee has an 84.9% chance to win according to ESPN.

Georgia then hosts No. 1 Auburn on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network. The Bulldogs could end the week ranked in the top 10 if they pull off both upsets, but if Georgia loses both games, then their NCAA Tournament hopes would take a hit with the Dawgs having to play a pair of road games the following week.

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Georgia freshman star Asa Newell, a projected NBA first-round draft pick, leads UGA in scoring at 15.4 points per game. Georgia is rated as the No. 26 team in the country per the NCAA’s NET rankings. UGA is also ranked No. 23 in the AP Poll.

USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll on Jan. 13

Rank School Record Points
1 Auburn 15-1 768 (25)
2 Iowa State 14-1 739 (5)
3 Duke 14-2 705
4 Florida 15-1 649
5 Alabama 12-1 648
6 Tennessee 15-1 626
7 Marquette 14-2 587
8 Houston 12-3 522
9 Kentucky 13-3 514
10 Kansas 12-3 460
11 Texas A&M 13-3 425
12 Michigan State 14-2 424
13 UConn 13-4 345
14 Oregon 15-2 343
15 Purdue 13-4 294
16 Gonzaga 14-4 285
17 Memphis 13-3 272
18 Mississippi State 14-2 267
19 Michigan 13-3 231
20 Illinois 12-4 223
21 Ole Miss 14-2 195
22 Utah State 16-1 143
23 Georgia 14-2 80
24 Baylor 11-4 72
25 West Virginia 12-3 69

Schools Dropped Out

No. 16 Oklahoma; No. 21 UCLA;

Others Receiving Votes

St. John’s 52; Wisconsin 29; Arizona 29; New Mexico 19; Oklahoma 14; UCLA 12; Maryland 8; Texas Tech 6; Clemson 5; Saint Mary’s 4; Louisville 3; Indiana 3; San Diego State 2; Missouri 2; UC Irvine 1;

Former Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship has new football home

Former Georgia Bulldogs star kicker Rodrigo Blankenship has found a new pro football home

Former Georgia Bulldogs kicker Rodrigo Blankenship has signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). The Battlehawks’ first game is on March 28. Blankenship was hoping to sign with an NFL team, but he was unable to land a job before the postseason started.

Blankenship tried out for UFL teams in December and evidently impressed enough to be signed.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the last NFL team to sign Blankenship in 2023. However, Blankenship, who is known as “Hot Rod,” lost the kicking competition and was cut before the regular season started.

The former Georgia star has connected on 83.9% of his career NFL field goal attempts. He has a career long field goal of 53 yards and has made 54 of 58 career extra points. Blankenship’s last NFL field goal attempt came in 2022.

Blankenship made four out of five field goals during the 2022 NFL season. He played for both the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts in 2022. The Colts, who originally signed Blankenship as an undrafted free agent, cut Blankenship after he missed a potential game-winning field goal in Week 1 of 2022.

Blankenship made 80 of 97 career field goals during his time with Georgia from 2016-2019. He holds the all-time Rose Bowl record for longest made field goal at 55 yards.

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Georgia football among top contenders for 5-star OL

Georgia football is a top contender for 5-star class of 2026 OL recruit

One of the Georgia Bulldogs’ top recruiting targets is Immanuel Iheanacho, a five-star offensive tackle out of Baltimore’s Georgetown Prep. Iheanacho is the No. 2 prospect in the nation.

Georgia and Oregon are at the top of his list so far in his recruiting process.

In his highlight tape, his size immediately pops out on the screen. The 6-foot-6 lineman is always looking to finish his blocks. Iheanacho is an offensive tackle prospect in the 2026 recruiting class that is a must-get.

In this race, Oregon is a program to keep an eye on. The Ducks have the nation’s No. 1 class in the 2026 team recruiting rankings. There’s still a very long way to go for the Ducks, but they are off to a good start.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning, a former Georgia defensive coordinator, continues to make waves on the recruiting trail.

Georgia LB, No. 5 player in transfer portal visits with SEC rival

Georgia transfer outside linebacker visiting Missouri football

Georgia Bulldogs sophomore pass rusher Damon Wilson is the top-ranked available player in the transfer portal according to 247Sports.Wilson recently visited the Missouri Tigers.

Wilson could join former Georgia edge rusher Darris Smith at Missouri. Smith missed the 2024 season after suffering a knee injury.

The talented linebacker is coming off a career-best season. Georgia has had a number of elite front seven players enter the 2025 NFL draft, so Wilson’s likely departure is a tough loss for UGA.

Wilson is projected to commit to the Ohio State Buckeyes, per On3. The former five-star recruit saw significant playing time in 2024 behind Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker (who are both headed to the NFL). In 2024, Wilson recorded 22 tackles, three sacks, and forced two fumbles.

Georgia’s pass rush will look far different in 2025. The Bulldogs are likely to dip in the transfer portal for an edge rusher and/or a defensive lineman. Yes, UGA signed a pair of five-stars, defensive end Elijah Griffin and outside linebacker Isaiah Gibson, but Georgia is losing seven rotation edge rushers or defensive linemen to the NFL draft.

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Fourteen Georgia Bulldogs, including quarterback Carson Beck, have entered the transfer portal since it opened in early December.

It’s time to rank Georgia basketball

The UGA basketball team deserves to be ranked after earning a second straight ranked win

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team needs to be ranked. Georgia is 14-2 and secured a pair of top-20 wins during the week.

On Saturday, Georgia defeated the No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners, 72-62, in the Bulldogs’ latest ranked win. Georgia beat No. 6 Kentucky in the week.

UGA basketball has not had back-to-back wins against ranked opponents since 2006-2007. Georgia is looking like an NCAA Tournament team so far. Through games of Jan. 10, Georgia had the 28 NET ranking. That figures to go up after it beat Oklahoma (13-3). The Sooners are 0-3 in SEC play after starting the year 13-0.

“Our detail was good. Our mental toughness was very good,” said Georgia basketball coach Mike White after the win. “We were locked in the other day (against Kentucky). So again, it was the response for a young team after beating number six. It was pretty good; it needs to be great. Coming into this week, it’s got to be great.”

Georgia’s next game is on Wednesday (Jan. 15) against No. 1 Tennessee. The SEC is in the middle of a very strong year and it will not get any easier for Georgia.

“If that were to happen (being ranked), I’d be happy for our fans. I don’t really care. I want to reach our potential and reach our ceiling and continue to get better and prepare well for this next one. If it happens or it doesn’t happen, we’re still going to talk about how we handle today’s success,” said White.

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Entering the Oklahoma game, Georgia was a No. 9 seed in ESPN’s latest bracketology, so UGA is no lock for the NCAA Tournament. The Dawgs need to win half their games in SEC play to feel confident about making March Madness.