As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up for another title-contending season, all eyes are on a mix of fresh talent and returning veterans hungry to leave their mark between the hedges. While Georgia’s recruiting dominance continues to capture headlines, it’s the familiar faces coming back with something to prove that might make the biggest difference this fall. From explosive playmakers to gritty defenders and battle-tested leaders, the Bulldogs’ 2025 campaign will rest largely on the shoulders of those who’ve already felt the heat of SEC warfare.
After falling short of the College Football Playoff last season despite finishing with a strong record, Georgia enters the new year not just with motivation—but with mission. The Bulldogs have built a culture that doesn’t accept anything less than excellence, and for the players returning to Athens, the upcoming season represents both redemption and opportunity.
Quarterback Carson Beck, now stepping into his second full year as the starter, headlines the list of returnees ready to elevate the Bulldogs back to the sport’s mountaintop. After throwing for over 3,900 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2024, Beck proved he could command Georgia’s offense with poise and precision. But expectations are even higher in 2025. With another offseason under his belt and stronger chemistry with his weapons, Beck is poised to lead one of the most potent passing attacks in college football. His growth as a leader is evident, and with NFL scouts watching closely, Beck has every reason to deliver his best season yet.
Supporting him is a cast of returning offensive threats determined to dominate. Perhaps no one is more anticipated than tight end Oscar Delp. With Brock Bowers now in the NFL, Delp assumes full responsibility for one of college football’s most impactful positions. Last season, Delp showcased flashes of brilliance, hauling in key catches and showing promise as a downfield threat and blocker. Now, he has the chance to step into the national spotlight. His versatility and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare, and his familiarity with Beck gives Georgia a reliable safety valve when plays break down.
On the outside, returning wide receiver Dominic Lovett will also play a pivotal role. After transferring from Missouri last year, Lovett found his footing in Georgia’s complex offensive system, racking up over 700 receiving yards and proving himself as a dangerous yards-after-catch threat. With another year of experience in the scheme, Lovett is primed for a breakout year. Alongside rising stars like Dillon Bell and Rara Thomas, Georgia’s wide receiver corps is deeper and more dynamic than it’s been in years.
Don’t overlook the running backs, either. While Georgia’s backfield faced some injuries and inconsistencies in 2024, the return of a fully healthy Kendall Milton and Branson Robinson spells trouble for opposing defenses. Milton, who battled through nagging injuries last year, finished strong and looks to bring a veteran presence to the room. Robinson, a powerful and explosive runner, is entering his third year with the program and is ready to fulfill the potential that made him one of the top recruits in his class. With both backs healthy, Georgia can reestablish its trademark physical ground game to complement Beck’s aerial assault.
But offense is only half the equation. Georgia’s defense—long the foundation of its championship DNA—features returning stars across the board who are set to wreak havoc once again.
It starts in the trenches with defensive lineman Mykel Williams. After a stellar sophomore season, Williams has emerged as one of the most disruptive edge defenders in the nation. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him nearly unblockable one-on-one, and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. With more consistency and refinement, Williams could be a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft—and the heart of Georgia’s defensive front in 2025.
Next to him, Nazir Stackhouse and Bear Alexander bring brute force and veteran savvy to the interior. Stackhouse, known for his run-stopping prowess, anchors the line with strength and intelligence, while Alexander adds explosive playmaking from the nose tackle position. Together, they’ll form the backbone of a defensive front that aims to shut down the SEC’s most dangerous ground games.
Linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. returns to patrol the middle of the field, coming off a season where he led the team in tackles and was often the fastest player to the ball. Mondon’s speed and instincts make him a sideline-to-sideline menace, and with another year of experience, he could emerge as one of the premier linebackers in the country. Alongside him, Jalon Walker—an athletic freak who excelled in both blitz packages and coverage situations—adds dynamism to the linebacker corps.
Georgia’s secondary is also in good hands with the return of cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safety Malaki Starks. Lassiter, who quietly locked down top receivers all year, is a technician with a high football IQ. His ability to mirror routes and break on the ball makes him one of the most reliable corners in the SEC. Meanwhile, Starks—an All-American talent—brings range, ball-hawking instincts, and a physical edge that sets the tone for Georgia’s defense. In just two years, Starks has become one of the most feared safeties in the country, and in 2025, he’ll be the emotional and tactical leader of the defensive backfield.
Behind the scenes, head coach Kirby Smart and his staff are working tirelessly to ensure these returners maximize their potential. Georgia’s offseason program—known for its intensity and attention to detail—has focused on fine-tuning fundamentals, building chemistry, and pushing players to take on greater leadership roles. The returning veterans are not just expected to perform—they’re expected to guide a younger generation and maintain the program’s standard of excellence.
It’s also worth noting that Georgia’s returning players bring an invaluable advantage: big-game experience. Most of them have played in SEC Championship Games, high-stakes rivalries, and New Year’s Six bowls. They’ve battled through pressure, hostile environments, and national expectations. That kind of experience can’t be taught—and in the unforgiving world of SEC football, it often makes the difference between a great team and a championship one.
As the season approaches, the buzz in Athens is electric. Georgia fans know that with the talent returning to the roster, another title run is not just possible—it’s expected. But expectations alone don’t win games. That’s where the returning Bulldogs come in. They’ve seen the summit, felt the sting of coming up short, and now they’re back with fire in their eyes.
Whether it’s Carson Beck carving up defenses, Mykel Williams terrorizing quarterbacks, or Malaki Starks delivering bone-rattling hits, Georgia’s veterans are on a mission. They aren’t satisfied with past success or haunted by recent disappointments. They’re focused, mature, and hungry. And in college football, that’s a dangerous combination.
So while fans and analysts alike continue to dissect recruiting classes and transfer additions, the smart money is on the Bulldogs’ battle-tested returners—the ones who’ve been through the grind, the ones who know the standard, and the ones who are determined to bring another trophy back to Athens.
Because if Georgia is going to climb back to the top, it will be the familiar names—the leaders, the grinders, the unshaken veterans—who make it happen. And judging by what’s brewing in Athens this summer, they’re more than ready to finish the job.
