Georgia Bulldogs Hold Strong at No. 4 in 2025 SP+ Ratings: Sustaining a Dynasty Amid Transition

The Georgia Bulldogs have once again cemented their place among the nation’s elite programs, coming in at No. 4 in ESPN’s recently updated 2025 preseason SP+ ratings. While the team fell short of national title expectations in the 2024 campaign — capped by a Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame — their consistent excellence in recruiting, player development, and coaching stability have ensured that the Bulldogs remain one of the most feared teams in college football.

Understanding SP+: Georgia’s Numbers

The SP+ ratings, developed by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, are not your typical preseason rankings. They rely on a predictive formula combining three main components: returning production, recent recruiting rankings, and weighted performance from previous seasons. Unlike human polls, which can be skewed by narrative or tradition, SP+ is all about the numbers — and Georgia’s numbers tell a powerful story.

In the most recent update, Georgia received an overall SP+ score of 26.9. That places the Bulldogs behind only Ohio State (29.5), Alabama (28.3), and Oregon (27.2), but ahead of other perennial contenders like Texas (26.4), Michigan (21.5), and LSU (20.2).

Breaking down the numbers further:

• Offensive SP+: 38.0 (8th nationally)
• Defensive SP+: 12.1 (11th nationally)

Georgia’s offensive rating actually improved slightly (from 37.9), despite losing key contributors. The minor dip in defensive efficiency reflects both NFL Draft departures and coaching turnover. Yet, even with those changes, the Bulldogs remain firmly in the national championship conversation.

A Look Back: Georgia’s 2024 Season

The Bulldogs finished the 2024 season with a 12–2 record, a mark that would be a dream scenario for most programs — but one that left many in Athens unsatisfied. Georgia narrowly defeated Texas in a dramatic 34–31 overtime thriller to claim the SEC Championship but then fell to Notre Dame 23–10 in the Sugar Bowl. It was a season of highs and lows, but one that ultimately reinforced Georgia’s elite status.

Kirby Smart earned his 100th career win during the season and became the fastest coach in SEC history to do so. That milestone, coupled with a fourth consecutive top-five recruiting class, reaffirms that Georgia is not just a powerhouse — it’s a machine.

Quarterback Questions and Offensive Continuity

One of the most intriguing storylines heading into 2025 is the quarterback position. With Carson Beck moving on to the NFL, Georgia enters a new era under center. The likely successor is Gunner Stockton, a redshirt junior who has patiently waited his turn. Stockton showed flashes of brilliance in limited action and has the arm talent and poise to thrive in Mike Bobo’s system.

Stockton won’t be alone. He’ll have a deep stable of running backs, including Branson Robinson and Roderick Robinson II, both of whom are poised to lead a thunder-and-lightning style ground attack. At wide receiver, the Bulldogs return Dominic Lovett, Arian Smith, and Ladd McConkey, giving Stockton a reliable and explosive trio.

On the offensive line, Georgia returns three starters and has added multiple five-star recruits, including David Sanders Jr., who was the top offensive tackle in the 2025 class. Expect Georgia to dominate the trenches once again.

Defensive Reload: The Next Generation

Georgia’s defense — long the backbone of the program — faces turnover with several NFL-bound stars, but this is nothing new for the Bulldogs. Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann has built a culture of depth and versatility. Returning contributors like Mykel Williams, Malaki Starks, and Jalon Walker are set to anchor a unit that should remain among the nation’s best.

Williams, a freakish edge rusher, is already drawing comparisons to former Bulldog greats like Travon Walker and Nolan Smith. Starks, an All-SEC safety, will be the heart of the secondary. Meanwhile, Walker is expected to be the next great inside linebacker in Athens.

Georgia also added two top-10 defensive prospects in KJ Bolden and Justin Williams, who could see immediate playing time. Bolden, in particular, is a hybrid safety/linebacker built in the mold of former All-American Nakobe Dean.

Special Teams Edge

One often-overlooked component of Georgia’s SP+ rating is their consistently strong special teams play. Kicker Peyton Woodring returns after converting 90% of his field goals last season, while punter Brett Thorson ranked among the top 5 in net punting average. In close games — like the SEC title game against Texas — special teams can be the deciding factor. Georgia continues to win in this crucial third phase of football.

Recruiting: The Engine Behind the Machine

Georgia’s recruiting dominance is a key reason they’ve stayed near the top of the SP+ ratings. The 2025 class finished No. 2 nationally, led by six five-star prospects and 18 four-stars. The class includes:

• QB Julian Lewis (No. 2 overall, early enrollee)
• OT David Sanders Jr. (No. 1 OT)
• ATH KJ Bolden
• LB Justin Williams
• WR Ny Carr
• DL Aydin Breland

This influx of talent ensures that Georgia’s two-deep remains loaded with blue-chip players. Kirby Smart’s recruiting machine — aided by NIL resources, national brand power, and the team’s track record of NFL development — continues to outpace nearly everyone.

The Kirby Smart Factor

Since taking over in 2016, Kirby Smart has transformed Georgia from a perennial underachiever into a juggernaut. With two national titles (2021, 2022) and three SEC Championships under his belt, Smart has established a culture of accountability, physicality, and relentless competition.

His background as a defensive coordinator under Nick Saban has helped him build a dynasty rooted in discipline and fundamentals. But unlike many elite coaches, Smart has also embraced modern trends, including NIL, transfer portal strategy, and offensive innovation under coordinator Mike Bobo.

Smart’s ability to adapt without sacrificing identity is a major reason why Georgia is projected to contend again in 2025.

The Road Ahead: 2025 Schedule Outlook

The Bulldogs face a treacherous schedule in 2025, with several marquee matchups that will test their depth and mettle:

• Week 1: vs. Clemson (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic)
• SEC road games: Alabama, Ole Miss, Missouri
• SEC home games: Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Auburn
• Non-conference: Georgia Tech (away)

The early clash with Clemson could set the tone for the entire season. A win there would vault Georgia firmly into the No. 1 or No. 2 slot nationally. The trip to Tuscaloosa will likely be the defining moment of the SEC season, as Alabama also remains in the top tier of SP+ projections.

What Could Hold Georgia Back?

Despite the lofty SP+ rating and loaded roster, the Bulldogs have some question marks:

1. Quarterback experience – If Stockton or Julian Lewis struggles to adjust, it could stall the offense.
2. Secondary depth – While Starks is elite, replacing Kamari Lassiter and Tykee Smith won’t be easy.
3. Coaching turnover – Georgia lost several assistants to other programs, including safeties coach Fran Brown, now head coach at Syracuse.

Each of these areas will be tested in early-season matchups and again in the brutal SEC slate.

National Championship or Bust?

At Georgia, the bar has been permanently raised. Merely making the Playoff is not enough — the expectation is to win it all. That’s the legacy of Kirby Smart and the double-title run of 2021–22.

With the Playoff expanding to 12 teams in 2025, Georgia’s chances of securing a postseason berth are higher than ever. But the pressure to deliver another title still looms large in Athens. The SP+ rating is just a reflection of what the analytics believe. The Bulldogs must prove it on the field.

Georgia’s No. 4 spot in the 2025 preseason SP+ ratings is more than just a number. It’s validation of a system that works, a culture that breeds excellence, and a vision executed by one of the best coaching staffs in college football.

From the weight room to the recruiting trail, from Sanford Stadium to the NFL Draft, Georgia has become the gold standard. With a new quarterback era beginning, fresh stars rising, and an elite coaching staff guiding the way, the Bulldogs are ready to chase another championship.

The dynasty isn’t done — it’s just evolving.