Forgive Georgia fans for not knowing how to feel about the upcoming season.
This one will feel a little different, and that’s OK. It would be impossible for it to not.
For the first time since 1981, Georgia will open a football season as the defending national champion. The Bulldogs took down the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide in January’s College Football Playoff National Championship, 33-18, to claim the school’s first title since 1980.
A 41-year drought — one filled with false hope, heartbreak and a seemingly endless list of creative ways to lose — was washed away inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Scott Howard dubbed the victory “a national championship for a new generation of Bulldogs.” Now it’s time for that generation to learn about life as reigning champs.
Stetson Bennett is set to reprise his role as starting quarterback for the Bulldogs this fall.
Bennett was showered with doubt from critics and fans alike last season. The decision to start him was questioned at every turn, even as he led Georgia into the SEC Championship Game, Orange Bowl and CFP National Championship. While there will no doubt be those who continue questioning the decision to roll with him, Bennett’s role in clearing the national championship hurdle pokes considerable holes in the legitimacy of arguments against him.
Love him. Hate him. It doesn’t matter. The Orange Bowl MVP has earned his right to lead the team at quarterback once more this season.
Running backs Zamir White and James Cook have moved on to the NFL. Taking their place in the backfield alongside Bennett this season will be Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton, both of whom have proven themselves as supremely talented backs. Branson Robinson, a highly-touted recruit, could also be poised for a strong year in his first season Between the Hedges.
Top pass catchers Brock Bowers and Adonai Mitchell will remain in the fold for Georgia offensively. With Arik Gilbert, Darnell Washington, Ladd McConkey and others also in the mix, this could prove to be one of the most talented Georgia offenses in recent memory.
As for the defensive side of the ball, there’s no sense in sugarcoating it: Georgia lost a ton of talent. The Bulldogs had five defensive starters selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. They went on to break the NFL Draft modern record with 15 draft picks, eight of which played defense at Georgia.
That said, the old adage of reloading as opposed to rebuilding could very well apply to this Bulldog defense.
The unit’s strength will be at linebacker, thanks in no small part to Nolan Smith and Robert Beal Jr. electing to return. Keele Ringo will be back at cornerback, Chris Smith will roam at safety, and Jalen Carter will be a stalwart along the defensive line. Additionally, Smael Mondon Jr., Kamari Lassiter and Jamon Dumas-Johnson are poised to become household names by season’s end.
