Georgia Bulldogs Face Key Challenges Ahead of 2025 Season
As Georgia enters a new era under head coach Kirby Smart, significant changes are unfolding, particularly at the quarterback position. With Carson Beck moving on to the NFL, Gunner Stockton steps in as the new leader of the Bulldogs’ offense. However, while Stockton represents a fresh start, some lingering issues from last season remain—most notably, concerns about Georgia’s offensive line.
Despite winning the SEC Championship and reaching the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, Georgia’s 2024 season was anything but dominant. One of the biggest problems was the offense’s inconsistency, which wasn’t solely due to Beck’s play. The offensive line and wide receivers also contributed to the struggles, raising questions about how Stockton will fare behind a unit that struggled in pass protection.
Offensive Line Woes Exposed in Sugar Bowl
A preview of Georgia’s offensive challenges with Stockton at the helm was evident in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame. While the wide receivers had their share of drops, the biggest concern was the offensive line, which struggled to provide Stockton with adequate protection.
One key player to watch in the unit is Monroe Freeling, an offensive lineman expected to step up. However, his performance against Notre Dame raised concerns. A college football insider noted that Freeling did not have a strong outing in that game, though his talent remains undeniable. As a freshman in 2023, he saw playing time in all 13 games and made four starts in 2024. Despite his struggles against Notre Dame, there is hope that with development, he can become a dependable force up front.
The bigger concern is that Georgia’s offensive line will be losing multiple key starters, including Tate Ratledge, Dylan Fairchild, Jared Wilson, and Xavier Truss. These players had been foundational to the Bulldogs’ offensive success, making their departures even more significant. With multiple new faces stepping in, questions about the team’s ability to protect Stockton and establish a strong run game loom large.
Evaluating Gunner Stockton’s Potential
While some believe Stockton has what it takes to lead Georgia’s offense, others remain skeptical. One analyst expressed doubt about the hype surrounding Stockton following his performance in the Sugar Bowl. Although he put up respectable numbers—440 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception in 2024—his performances against Texas and Notre Dame left some questioning whether he’s truly ready to carry the Bulldogs forward.
In those two games, Stockton threw for 305 yards and one touchdown while completing 66.7% of his passes. While his stats weren’t disastrous, they weren’t enough to silence critics either. Some analysts argue that calling him a misstep by Smart would be premature, as he still has time to develop and prove himself.
Stockton’s energy and passion have been widely praised, with teammates feeding off his leadership. However, for him to thrive, Georgia’s offensive line will need to show significant improvement. If they can’t provide better protection, Stockton may face the same struggles that limited Beck in 2024.
The Road Ahead for Georgia
As Georgia prepares for the 2025 season, the biggest storyline will be whether Stockton can succeed despite the offensive line’s struggles. While he has shown glimpses of promise, he will need better support from his blockers and receivers. The team’s ability to replace key offensive linemen and improve pass protection will be critical in determining how far the Bulldogs can go.
With spring practice approaching, all eyes will be on Georgia’s offensive development. Stockton’s success—or struggles—will largely depend on whether the Bulldogs can rebuild their offensive line into a reliable unit.