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Elite WR prospect commits to Georgia

Four-star junior wide receiver prospect Vance Spafford commits to Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs have landed a commitment from four-star wide receiver Vance Spafford. Head coach Kirby Smart has been hearing about the lack of recruitment for the wide receiver position in these past recruiting classes. In the past five recruiting classes, Georgia has not had a commitment from a wide receiver inside of the top 100.

Spafford is ranked as the No. 65 recruit in the 2026 cycle, per 247Sports. The four-star is the No. 10 receiver in the nation and the No. 10 recruit in California.

Looking at Spafford’s sophomore year highlight tape, he possess great speed, natural hands, and the run after catch ability to take a 10 yard slant to the house. Spafford smashed all the single-season receiving records for California powerhouse Mission Viejo High School as a sophomore, catching 83 balls for 1,576 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Kirby Smart and company beat out Ole Miss, Oregon, and Nebraska to secure Spafford’s services. Spafford’s development in the next two years will be something to look out for before he steps foot on campus.

In Georgia’s next two recruiting classes, they now have two top-100 wide receiver commits in 2025 commit Tayln Taylor and new 2026 commit Vance Spafford. Spafford is a 5 foot-11, 170 pound prospect who is a four-star recruit across all recruiting services.

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Spafford is Georgia’s third commitment in the class of 2026.

Takeaways from Georgia’s 34-20 win over Florida

Georgia football’s 34-20 win over Florida has several key takeaways.

The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (7-1) came fresh off a bye week to play the extremely undermanned Florida Gators (4-4). While Georgia was able to win 34-20, it was a sloppy game that saw Florida holding a 13-6 lead at the half and actually being favored to win, according to ESPN’s win probability.

If it weren’t for Florida’s second-string quarterback DJ Lagway being carted off the field with an injury, the Gators could’ve pulled off a massive upset, but the Bulldogs locked in during the second half, going on a 28-7 run to win the game.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck threw three interceptions, but salvaged his day with two touchdown passes in the second half. The flaws in Beck’s game are undeniable and it seems like Georgia has won in spite of Beck in recent games. He’ll need to elevate his game, especially if Trevor Etienne misses time with a rib injury.

Fortunately, the defense stepped up. Despite allowing some deep balls, the defense played solidly, arguably even better than the points they allowed. Chaz Chambliss had an amazing game with 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. KJ Bolden was a rock at safety, with an 83.3 PFF grade. Overall, the Georgia Bulldogs only allowed 228 total yards.

Overall, Georgia fans are worrie again. Sure, the Bulldogs now reign atop the SEC after their 30-15 win over Texas, but their offense has rarely reached the level they had last year, which has caused them to play down to competition such as Mississippi State, Kentucky, and now Florida.

On Nov. 9, Georgia will be tested against No. 12 Ole Miss (7-2), a team that just put up 63 points against Arkansas, so they’ll have to bring it offensively.

Here are some takeaways from the Florida-Georgia game

Carson Beck has got to be better

This was the second week in a row where Carson Beck had three interceptions. If we look at the bigger picture, Carson Beck has just 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in the last five games.

Beck has yet to reach the level of play that most expected out of him this year, and it has made it a lot more difficult for Georgia to win games. Sure, Beck was pressured on the first interception, but he has shown massive flaws in ball placement.

The catalyst for Georgia’s success is their front seven

Through thick and thin, the Georgia Bulldogs have had at least one constant unit: the front seven. Outside of a stretch where Mykel Williams was hurt, and they were just good, the pass rush and linebacker core of Georgia has been elite the whole season. They’ve done well in stopping the run these last three games, with their opponent never averaging more than 3.6 yards per carry in that span. Against Florida, Georgia only allowed 115 rushing yards on 38 carries.

They won the special teams battle

Of course, no one can talk about this game without mentioning Florida’s blatant special team mishap. On a field goal try that would’ve given Florida the lead late in the third quarter, the snapper chucked the ball way over the holder’s head, causing a mad dash for the football, which Georgia recovered. Georgia scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive.

Top photos from Georgia’s 34-20 win vs Florida

Best photos, moments from Georgia football’s 34-20 win over Florida

The Georgia Bulldogs moved to 7-1 with a 34-20 victory over the Florida Gators. Georgia needed a pair of late fourth quarter touchdowns to break a 20-20 tie.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck threw three more interceptions as Georgia’s turnover concerns continue to mount. Beck finished the day 25 of 40 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

The game turned when Florida quarterback DJ Lagway left the game in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury. The Gators were forced to play their third-string quarterback in Aidan Warner.

Florida’s offense looked nowhere near as threatening with Warner under center. Georgia’s defense held Florida to just 13 total first downs and limited the Gators to converting just three of 16 third downs.

Next up for Georgia is a road trip to No. 12 Ole Miss. Florida, who dropped to 4-4, has to play at No. 5 Texas.

Here are the best photos from Georgia’s 34-20 win over Florida.

Billy Napier proud after Florida’s 4th straight loss to Georgia

“Proud of our team,” said Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier after the Gators’ fourth straight loss to Georgia

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier remains optimistic despite the Gators’ recent 34-20 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. Florida played a more competitive than expected game against Georgia, but the Gators failed to generate much offense after starting quarterback DJ Lagway left the game with a hamstring injury.

“I’m extremely proud of our team,” said Napier “I think throughout this entire year the character of this group has showed up. I think it’s a tough group and I do think that I’m proud of the way think executed in the game today, the effort in which they played, and the pride in which they took in representing Florida and competing.”

After the loss, Florida fell to 4-4 and 2-3 in the SEC games. The Gators face an uphill battle to bowl eligibility. Florida has three consecutive games against ranked opponents after their loss to Georgia. The Gators will have to do it while starting their third-string quarterback.

“Well, first of all, hats off to Aidan Warner,” said Napier on his third-string quarterback. “We’re talking about a guy who didn’t go through spring practice. Really did a lot of two-spot work in training camp. Won the backup job or won the three job at some point in training camp. Then two weeks ago started taking real reps with the second unit.”

Florida struggled to convert third downs against Georgia and went just three of 16. The Gators had a ton of three and outs.

“I thought third down was a challenge today,” said Napier. “But, yeah, just overall the effort, the physicality, fundamentals at the point of attack, I thought we were in position (to win) for sure.”

Georgia and Florida were tied at 20 in the fourth quarter before UGA pulled away with two late touchdowns. Florida’s defense forced three Carson Beck interceptions, which helped keep the Gators in the game.

“It was exactly the way we wanted it to go,” said Napier on Florida’s defensive performance. “We affected the quarterback. We made it sloppy. Made it ugly. We limited the explosive plays. Made them go the distance. Were able to get some takeaways. We obviously need to capitalize on some of those short fields, but hats off to our defensive staff.”

With the loss, Napier moves to 0-3 in his career against Kirby Smart. Napier is certainly on the hot seat and needs to make a bowl game to boost his chances of returning in 2025.

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“He’s (Aidan Warner) done a great job since he start taking reps a couple weeks ago,” said Napier. “For him to do what he did today, you know, I think there is something to be said for that. Look, he’ll continue to get better. You know, think about it now, just a few weeks ago that guy is, you know, standing around eating ice cream.”

I’ve never heard a coach describe a player as ‘standing around eating ice cream’, so that’s an interesting expression to use. It is unfair to Warner to assume he would be ready to play against an elite Georgia defense.

Moving on, Napier likes how his defense has improved this season.

“Embarrassed with how they played in the beginning of the year. I think the open date was huge and I think since then the product continues to get a little better each week,” said Napier on Florida’s defense.

There’s no doubt Florida has improved, but will it be too little, too late for Napier?

DB JaCorey Thomas injured early vs. Florida

Georgia DB JaCorey Thomas left momentarily in the first half against Florida

Safety JaCorey Thomas went down early in the second quarter with a leg injury. Thomas was starting in the first half to replace CB Joenel Aguero who is suspended for the first half of this game due to a targeting call in second half of the Texas game.

With the depth in the secondary already thin expect pieces to start being moved around to keep things a float until the second half where Aguero and Dan Jackson come back to help with the back end of the defense.

Thomas returned the next defensive series from a quad injury. Kyron Jones played in his absence at both STAR and safety. KJ Bolden also missed a few snaps with an injury.

EA Sports CFB 25 predicts Georgia-Florida game

College Football 25 predicts the winner of the Georgia versus Florida game

Georgia dominated in a preview simulation of Saturday’s showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators on EA Sports’ “College Football 25” video game. Georgia won thanks to strong performances on both sides of the ball.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck led the offense, completing 17 of 24 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Trevor Etienne powered through the defense, adding 82 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Wide receiver Dominic Lovett emerged as the top target, racking up 128 yards on four receptions, including a 71-yard touchdown.

Defensively, linebacker CJ Allen was everywhere, recording 13 total tackles, with safety Malaki Starks right behind him with 10 tackles and a crucial interception. The Georgia defense pressured Florida quarterback DJ Lagway often, forcing him into three costly interceptions.

Cornerback Joenel Aguero, who is facing a suspension for the first half, snagged the second pick, while defensive lineman Mykel Williams capped off the game with a stunning interception on a screen pass, returning it for a pick-six to push Georgia’s lead to 21 points. The game resulted in a 38-17 Georgia blowout win.

4-star CB flips from Georgia to Michigan

Georgia is down to one cornerback commitment after losing their top previous cornerback commitment to Michigan

Four-star cornerback recruit Shamari Earls has flipped his his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the Michigan Wolverines. Earls was Georgia’s top ranked defensive back commitment in the class of 2025.

In response to Earls’ decision, the Bulldogs are already making moves to try to flip one of Auburn’s top cornerback commitments. Now, Georgia has only 23 commitments in the class of 2025. The Bulldogs maintain the third-best recruiting class in the country.

“This decision comes down to personal reasons and finding the best possible fit for me both academically and athletically,” said Earls on his decision. The talented defensive back previously flipped to the Bulldogs in July from SEC rival South Carolina.

Earls is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound cornerback who plays at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia. Earls is the ninth-ranked cornerback in the country, the top-ranked player in Virginia, and the No. 67 prospect in the nation.

Earls stars in both high school football and track and field. The four-star plays both wide receiver and cornerback.

Kirby Smart and Georgia have a major need at cornerback in the 2025 recruiting cycle. UGA has just one commitment in four-star Jontae Gilbert. The Dawgs need to add another cornerback or two to their signing class before the early signing period.

5 reasons Georgia will cover and win vs. Florida

Why No. 2 Georgia, who is a heavy favorite, can cover against Florida

This story was updated to correct typos.

This Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs face their most hated rival, the Florida Gators. According BetMGM, the Bulldogs are heavy favorites (16 1/2 points). What does Georgia have to do to cover the spread?

Carry Momentum

With its back against the wall, Georgia responded emphatically against Texas, now ranked sixth. The Bulldogs made a statement heard throughout college football. The UGA defense wreaked havoc in the backfield, sacking quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning seven times.

Jalon Walker led the charge with three sacks, while projected top-15 draft pick Mykel Williams contributed two. Riding the momentum from that high-stakes victory, Georgia’s defense aims to disrupt DJ Lagway in the rivalry clash.

Trevor Etienne has big day

Trevor Etienne faces his former team, the Florida Gators, in an emotionally charged game. As a steady force in Georgia’s offense, Etienne has consistently shown he can take control when it matters most.

This was evident against Texas: He scored three crucial touchdowns. Bringing that intensity into this rivalry game, Etienne aims to channel his emotions into powerful on-field play.

A better Carson Beck

Carson Beck at times has looked like his efficient self we saw in the second half of the Alabama game and in the Auburn game this season. Beck’s recent turnovers have not all been his fault (nine in Georgia’s last four games).

This bye week was much needed to pivot Beck’s play into the right direction. Against Florida, Beck will help assert UGA’s dominance. Last time Beck faced the Gators, he went 19 of 28 for 315 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully, he can channel that performance.

Georgia wins the turnover battle

The turnover battle will be a defining factor. Both defenses are primed to create chaos in the trenches and pressure opposing quarterbacks into costly mistakes. Florida’s quarterback, DJ Lagway, has already shown his inexperience: He has thrown at least one interception in each of Florida’s SEC games.

Georgia’s defense, which recently overwhelmed Texas quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, will be ready to bring that intensity. Expect Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann to unleash a few strategic surprises, likely aimed at forcing Lagway into bad decisions and possible turnovers.

Depth, health

The Bulldogs boast one of the deepest rosters in college football, and rotations that keep players fresh and ready to perform at a high level throughout the game. In the running back room, Georgia has three backs capable of carrying a starter’s workload, allowing each to maximize productivity without fatigue. Similarly, in the defensive line and linebacker corps, the Bulldogs’ rotation system ensures every player remains energized and focused, providing consistent pressure on opponents for all four quarters.

In contrast, Florida lacks the same depth, a limitation that can lead to fatigue and errors. Playing a full four quarters against a relentless team like Georgia requires depth and stamina that not every team can sustain, a potential advantage for the Bulldogs as they look to wear down Florida and capitalize late.

Florida also has several key injuries. The Gators are missing their starting quarterback, best cornerback and best wide receiver against Georgia.

4-star WR Jaden Nickens names top schools

Four-star wide receiver recruit Jaden Nickens, who is also a talented basketball prospect, names his top five schools.

Four-star wide receiver recruit Jaden Nickens has included the Georgia Bulldogs in his top five schools. Nickens, who is a member of the class of 2025, is one of the nation’s top remaining uncommitted receivers.

The four-star is ranked as the No. 359 recruit in the country, per 247Sports. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver is the No. 52 player at his position and the No. 32 recruit in California.

Nickens plays high school football for Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. Chatsworth is part of the greater Los Angeles area.

The talented receiver’s top five schools are Georgia, Texas A&M, Kansas, Oklahoma State and California. Nickens announced his top schools via social media. The Sierrra Canyon standout is also a highly-touted basketball recruit. Nickens was previously committed to the Oklahoma Sooners from Aug. 2023 to March 2024.

Head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia currently have the No. 3 recruiting class in the country. UGA has 24 total commitments in the class of 2025. The Bulldogs already have four wide receiver commits in Landon Roldan, Talyn Taylor, Tyler Williams, and Thomas Blackshear.

Georgia DL ruled out for the season

Five-star Georgia Bulldogs freshman will miss the remainder off the season with a leg injury

Georgia Bulldogs freshman defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 college football season. Jonah-Ajonye is a former five-star recruit.

According to Georgia’s official website, Jonah-Ajonye played in four games this season, so he may be able to redshirt. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound freshman recorded one tackle against Kentucky.

“Joseph (Jonah-Ajonye) had to deal with a surgery that’s going to put him out for the rest of the year,” said Georgia football coach Kirby Smart. “He’s going to be out for the rest of the year to deal with a lower extremity injury. So he’s already had the surgery. He just didn’t get to go to Texas because of the injury.”

Georgia will face Florida without Jonah-Ajonye on Nov. 2. The Bulldogs have not been as reliant on Jonah-Ajonye after getting Mykel Williams, Warren Brinson and more back from injuries they suffered early during the season. Xzavier McLeod is one played who could see more playing time with Jonah-Ajonye out for the season. UGA’s defensive line depth definitely takes a hit with this news.