As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Georgia Bulldogs are once again looking to strengthen their already impressive roster to maintain their dominance in the SEC and on the national stage. While Kirby Smart has built a program known for recruiting elite talent and developing NFL-ready players, the Georgia coaching staff has proven that they are always looking for ways to improve—especially when the transfer portal provides an opportunity to add immediate impact players.
One name that has emerged as a potential game-changer for Georgia is Stanford edge rusher David Bailey. A player who has shown flashes of immense potential at Stanford, Bailey could be the missing piece that Georgia needs to bolster their defensive line and increase their pass-rushing presence. In this article, we’ll explore why Georgia should seriously consider targeting David Bailey in the transfer portal and how he could contribute to the Bulldogs’ championship aspirations.
1. Elite Pass Rush Ability
One of the primary reasons Georgia should pursue David Bailey is his proven ability to rush the passer. In the modern college football landscape, having an elite pass rusher is crucial to a team’s success, especially in the SEC, where high-powered offenses are the norm. Georgia’s defense has traditionally been known for its strong front seven, and adding an experienced edge rusher like Bailey would provide a significant upgrade in an already stout defense.
Bailey’s skill set as a pass rusher stands out. Despite Stanford not always being in the national spotlight, Bailey’s production in terms of pressures, sacks, and quarterback hits speaks for itself. In his time with the Cardinal, Bailey exhibited a remarkable ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, using his explosive first step and agility to beat offensive tackles. His flexibility and bend around the edge make him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, and he has demonstrated that he can take over games when needed.
Georgia has traditionally dominated with a powerful defensive line that can consistently apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and adding Bailey to the mix would enhance their ability to create havoc in the backfield. The Bulldogs already have some key players on the edge like Jalon Walker and Michael Williams, but Bailey’s proven track record as a proven pass rusher would provide even more depth and make Georgia’s defense even more imposing.
2. Versatility and Fit in Georgia’s Defensive System
Another reason David Bailey would be a perfect fit for Georgia is his versatility. In today’s college football, defensive ends and edge rushers need to be adaptable, able to perform in a variety of roles depending on the situation and the offensive scheme they are facing. Kirby Smart and his defensive coaching staff have built a reputation for deploying multiple looks and stunts that keep offenses guessing. Bailey’s ability to line up in multiple positions on the edge and inside would make him a versatile weapon in Smart’s scheme.
Bailey’s frame—standing 6’5″ and weighing around 270 pounds—gives him the physicality and length to be effective both as a traditional edge rusher and as a stand-up linebacker in passing situations. This gives Smart the flexibility to deploy him as a 4-3 defensive end or as a 3-4 outside linebacker depending on the formation. Bailey’s size and strength make him a powerful presence against the run, but his ability to rush the passer and get after quarterbacks is where he truly excels.
Georgia’s defensive front is often one of the best in the country at adjusting to different schemes and situations. The addition of Bailey would give Smart even more flexibility to keep opposing offenses off-balance. His ability to rush from different angles and create confusion on the line of scrimmage would play well with Georgia’s already aggressive defense.
3. Immediate Impact in the SEC
While David Bailey has spent his college career at Stanford, he has shown he has the skill set to compete at the highest level, including in the SEC. The SEC is known for its physicality and elite talent, and the transition from the Pac-12 to the SEC could be daunting for many players. However, Bailey’s size, athleticism, and mental toughness give him the potential to make an immediate impact in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
Georgia’s defense already ranks among the best in the country, but the SEC is home to some of the most potent offenses in college football, such as those at Alabama, Tennessee, and LSU. Adding a player like Bailey, who has experience going up against top-tier competition, would help Georgia’s defense prepare for the challenges they’ll face against these high-powered offenses.
Moreover, the opportunity to play for a national championship contender would likely motivate Bailey to give his best effort. The Bulldogs’ culture of winning, the stability of Smart’s coaching staff, and the opportunity to play for a team that consistently competes for SEC and national titles could be all the incentive Bailey needs to make the leap to Georgia. With a strong supporting cast around him, Bailey could elevate his game and make an immediate difference on the field.
4. Helping Fill the Void Left by Departing Players
The Georgia Bulldogs are no strangers to losing top-tier talent to the NFL. Over the past several years, Georgia has sent a number of elite players to the pros, including defensive stars like Jordan Davis, Travon Walker, and Jalen Carter. While the Bulldogs have reloaded with talented young players, the departure of such impactful figures leaves some gaps in leadership and on-field production, especially along the defensive line.
In 2025, Georgia is losing several key defensive players, including defensive linemen who played pivotal roles in the Bulldogs’ success. Adding a veteran presence like David Bailey, who is ready to step in and contribute immediately, could help mitigate the impact of these departures. Bailey’s experience would provide the defensive line with leadership and guidance, and his ability to make plays in key moments would help Georgia continue its high standard of defensive play.
Bailey’s presence would also help ensure that Georgia’s defense doesn’t experience any drop-off in production. He would help create competition within the unit, pushing other players to perform at their best and increasing the overall level of play on the defensive line. The transition period after losing high-level talent to the NFL is always challenging, but Bailey could provide the Bulldogs with the consistency they need to stay at the top of their game.
5. Building for the Future
In addition to providing an immediate impact in 2025, targeting David Bailey in the transfer portal would also set Georgia up for future success. College football is an ever-evolving landscape, and the Bulldogs’ ability to stay at the top of the rankings depends not only on their current roster but also on their ability to maintain depth and talent for years to come.
Adding Bailey to the defensive line would provide Georgia with a key building block for the future. The Bulldogs have done an exceptional job of developing players and ensuring that they have depth across all positions, and Bailey’s transfer would only continue that trend. Georgia’s defensive front would be stacked with talent in 2025, and with Bailey’s leadership and experience, the team could remain competitive for several seasons beyond.
With a young and talented defensive core already in place, including players like Jalon Walker, Zion Logue, and Michael Williams, bringing in a player like Bailey would create a cohesive unit that is ready to compete for multiple championships. The combination of experienced veterans and young stars would make Georgia a perennial contender for both SEC and national titles.
6. A Proven Track Record of Success
At Stanford, Bailey has already proven that he can thrive in a high-pressure environment. He was a standout player for the Cardinal, consistently playing at a high level against some of the best teams in the country. His playmaking ability and consistency on the field have earned him recognition as one of the top edge rushers in the transfer portal this season.
Bailey’s success at Stanford, both against top-tier competition and in big games, shows that he has the potential to play at a high level in the SEC. He has the ability to make plays in critical situations, and his work ethic and leadership have been highlighted by coaches and teammates alike. His experience in high-pressure environments will only enhance Georgia’s ability to perform in close games, especially in a tough SEC schedule where every game matters.
The Perfect Fit for Georgia’s Defense
David Bailey would be an ideal target for the Georgia Bulldogs in the transfer portal for the 2025 season. With his elite pass-rushing ability, versatility, and proven track record of success at Stanford, Bailey brings the kind of talent and experience that would immediately elevate Georgia’s defense. He would not only be an asset in 2025 but also help the Bulldogs remain competitive for years to come.
Kirby Smart has built a program that is the envy of college football, and adding a player like Bailey would only further solidify Georgia’s position as a national championship contender. With a blend of youth and experience on the defensive line, Bailey could help the Bulldogs continue to dominate the SEC and position themselves for another title run. For Georgia fans, the addition of David Bailey would be a move that propels their program to even greater heights in the years ahead.