University of Georgia Athletics
Saturday, October 18
Athens, Ga.
3:30 p.m.
University of Georgia
vs
Ole Miss
Georgia Hosts Ole Miss In Top-10 Matchup
October 13, 2025 | Football
Â
The ESPN show returns to Athens for the first time since last year's win over Tennessee. Earlier this season, they were in Knoxville for the 44-41 victory in OT versus the No. 15 Vols. Last year, the crew watched the Bulldogs win three times, upsetting No. 1 Texas 30-15 in Austin, beating No. 7 Tennessee 31-17 in Athens and defeating the No. 2 Longhorns again (22-19 OT) for the SEC title in Atlanta. Overall, Georgia is 8-2 when the show is in Athens and 21-19 when it's on site at a Bulldogs game.
The ninth-ranked Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 SEC) play host to No. 5 Ole Miss (6-0, 3-0 SEC) in the first Top-10 matchup on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium since the teams met in 2023.
Saturday will mark the first time since 2022 that Georgia plays host to a top 10 matchup with the visitors ranked higher. Tennessee was No. 1 in the CFP rankings when No. 3 Georgia won 27-13.
Georgia leads the series 33-14-1 including 19-4-1 in Athens. The teams first clashed in 1940 in Athens, a 28-14 Rebel victory. Over the years, the teams have squared off in Memphis, Jackson and Atlanta along with the on campus contests.
Georgia is 1-2 against Ole Miss under Kirby Smart. After a 3-0 start in 2016, the No. 23 Rebels handed Smart and the No. 12 Bulldogs their first loss, 45-14. It would be seven years before they met again. In 2023, No. 2 Georgia whipped then No. 9 Ole Miss 52-17 on Senior Night Between the Hedges. Last year in Oxford, the No. 16 Rebels stormed the field after upsetting the No. 3 Bulldogs 28-10.
The Bulldogs are allowing just 17.0 points a game while the Rebels surrender only 19.2.
Georgia is averaging 32.2 points a game while the Rebels come in with a 37.8 average.
The Bulldogs rank fifth nationally in Red Zone Defense, allowing points just 67 percent of the time.
Georgia has given up only four rushing TDs this season. The Rebels have 16 rushing TDs.
Georgia has eight sacks and allowed eight this year. Ole Miss has nine sacks and allowed seven.
The Bulldogs are minus one in Turnover Margin while the Rebels are minus four.
Georgia owns the best record in the FBS since 2021 at 58-6. This run includes back-to-back CFP national titles (2021-22) and two SEC titles (2022 & 2024).
Georgia and Ohio State are the only FBS schools to win 11+ games in each of the past four seasons.
Â
The Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 SEC) check in at No. 9 in the Associated Press top 25 poll, No. 7 in the Coaches top 25 poll and No. 8 in the FWAA-NFF Super 16 poll.
One of Georgia's main themes during the preseason and now in 2025 will be to play with "FPE." *Fifty-four percent of Georgia's roster consists of players in their first or second season here.
The Bulldog defense has posted 12 scoreless quarters this season. Opponents have scored 65 points in the first half and just 34 in the second half of regulation.
Georgia blanked then No. 17 Alabama and Auburn in the second half while Kentucky's lone second half score came on a 23-yard drive with 1:51 left in the contest and the Bulldogs up 35-7.
After falling behind in its first two SEC games in the first quarter and at halftime, Georgia led the entire game against Kentucky. It trailed at Auburn until 1:22 left in the 3rd quarter and won 20-10.
Redshirt junior quarterback Gunner Stockton is in his first season as a starter, and he has accounted for 12 TDs, a team-high six on the ground plus has thrown six. He had a streak of 157 consecutive passing attempts without an interception end in the UK game.
Due to injuries, Georgia has started six different offensive line units this season.
In the win over Kentucky, the Bulldogs started a pair of true freshmen offensive lineman (Juan Gaston Jr., and Dontrell Glover) for the first time since 2008. Georgia posted 425 yards of total offense and did not allow a sack.
Against No. 17 Alabama, the Bulldogs rushed for 227 yards on 33 carries for a 6.9 average. UA registered two sacks. With 13:25 left in the contest, Georgia was in position to tie or take its first lead of the night when it turned it over on downs at the UA 11 and eventually lost 24-21.
Stockton helped Georgia pass its first SEC road start, leading the Bulldogs to a 44-41 win in overtime against No. 15 Tennessee in front of a crowd of 101,915. Georgia trailed five different times including in OT. Last week in Auburn, he rallied the Bulldogs to a 20-10 victory.
Kirby Smart is in his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater with a 110-20 mark. He is one of only two active coaches (Dabo Swinney, Clemson) with multiple national championships.
Smart now has the most FBS wins by a coach in his first 10 seasons in the modern era. The previous best was Bob Stoops who went 109-24 at Oklahoma from 1999-2008.
The Bulldogs are 7-0 against top 10 ranked opponents Between the Hedges under Smart. Overall, Georgia is 40-17 against ranked opponents since 2016 including 14-2 in Athens.
Georgia is 36-3 in its last 39 SEC regular season games.
Georgia is the only team in the CFP-era to win back-to-back national titles, doing it in 2021-2022.
In 2024, the Bulldogs made their fourth straight appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) and seventh overall trip under Smart. After a 22-19 overtime win over then No. 2 Texas, the Bulldogs claimed their 15th SEC title in school history and the No. 2 seed in the CFP.
Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Tiger, Ga., is 5-2 as starter in his career. He has six passing TDs and six rushing scores.
Led 2nd half comeback in 20-10 road win over AU, finished as leading rusher (9-for-26, 1 TD) and was 24-for-37 for 217 yards through the air.
Directed 35-14 win over UK and completed 15-for-23 for 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT and 48 rushing yards on six attempts with 2 TDs.
Finished 13-for-20 for 130 yards and 1 TD plus ran five times for 22 yards in a 24-21 home loss to No. 17 UA.
Won first SEC road start at No. 15 Tennessee in front of a crowd of 101,915.
Named Davey O'Brien National QB of the Week after 44-41 overtime win over #15 UT. Georgia trailed five times, including 21-7 after the 1st quarter, 38-30 with 6:40 left in regulation, and in OT.
Successful home debut in the 2025 opening win over Marshall as the team's leading rusher (73 yards on 10 attempts with 2 scores) plus threw for 190 yards and 2 TDs...First Georgia player to have two passing TDs and two rushing scores in a season opener in the past 80 years per ESPN Stats.
2024 Highlights: Started the 2nd half of the 2024 SECCG against Texas who had the No. 1 rated pass defense and No. 3 total defense after Carson Beck was injured...Led the Bulldogs on scoring drives of 75, 61 and 72 yards in three of the first four possessions and then the game-winning TD in OT...Made first career start versus No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP Quarterfinal Allstate Sugar Bowl (20-for-32 for 234 yards, 1 TD despite being sacked four times).
 Â
 Â
Puglisi made his debut in a 45-7 win over Marshall, directing four possessions in the second half with one TD drive covering 80 yards in eight plays... Finished the game 5-for-8 for 59 yards and one TD, a 23-yard strike to freshman TE Elyiss Williams...Went 1-for-2 for 4 yards versus Austin Peay...Tried Hail Mary on final play of first half at No. 15 UT and resulted in INT.
Longest Rush by Georgia: 43-yd by Dillon Bell & Chauncey Bowens (#17 UA)
Longest Rush by Opp.: 27-yd by Star Thomas (#15UT), Jackson Arnold (AU)
Longest Completion by Georgia: 47-yd TD (Stockton to Branch vs. MU)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 72-yd TD (Aguilar to Brazzell II, #15UT)
RUSHING
#33 Chauncey Bowens 315 yards, 60 att., 5.3 avg., 4 TDs, 43 LG
#3 Nate Frazier 277 yards, 60 att., 4.6 avg., 2 TD, 24 LG
#14 Gunner Stockton (QB) 220 yards, 48 att., 4.6 avg., 6 TDs, 21 LG
PASSING
#14 Gunner Stockton 115 comp., 169 att., 1,264 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, 47 LG
#12 Ryan Puglisi 9 comp., 15 att., 112 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 27 LG
RECEIVING
#1 Zachariah Branch 27 rec., 291 yards, 10.8 avg., 2 TD, 47 LG
#8 Colbie Young 22 rec., 300 yards, 13.6 avg., 1 TD, 45 LG
#16 London Humphreys 13 rec., 165 yards, 12.7 avg., 2 TD, 31 LG
TACKLES
#3 CJ Allen, ILB 46 total tackles, 24 solo, 22 assist, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks
#5 Raylen Wilson, ILB 38 total tackles, 16 solo, 22 assist, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack
#4 KJ Bolden, DB 30 total tackles, 10 solo, 20 assist, 1 INT, 2 PBU
Georgia is averaging 185.5 rushing yards per game with 18 TDs.
Redshirt freshman Chauncey Bowens made his first career start in the win over UK and provided 70 yards on a career-high 15 carries. He enjoyed a breakout performance against No. 17 UA, posting a career-best 119 yards on 12 carries (9.9 average) including a 43-yarder. He has a team-high 315 yards.
Bowens is the only Bulldog to go over 100 rushing yards in a game this year.
Sophomore Nate Frazier has started five games including the first four contests. He is second on the team with 277 yards on 60 attempts and two scores.
Senior Cash Jones and redshirt senior Josh McCray provide various looks too. McCray has three TDs in 27 attempts.
The Bulldogs had 55 rushes for 198 yard in the win at No. 15 UT. Frazier had a team-long 21-yard burst on the first play in overtime to set up the game-winning score by McCray who notched a pair of scores in the triumph.
Jones is known for breaking tackles, being a solid blocker and receiver with a 16-yard TD catch against UK.
The Bulldogs are averaging 229.3 receiving yards a game.
Georgia's leading receivers have been junior Zachariah Branch (27-for- 291 yards, 2 TDs), senior Colbie Young (22-for-300 yards, 1 TD), and junior London Humphreys (13-for-165 yards, 2 TDs). Branch has the longest reception of the season, a 47-yarder for a TD against Marshall. He is coming off a career-high nine catches (57 yards) in the road win over AU.
Young had seven catches for 76 yards in the win over Austin Peay and then followed that up with four receptions for 73 yards at No. 15 UT. He led the team with four catches for 59 yards and a score against No. 17 UA.
Branch had a team-high five catches for 69 yards in the road win over No. 15 UT. Against the Vols, he registered a 36-yard TD and caught the game-tying two-point conversion with 2:32 left in the contest.
Humphreys had THE catch of the season. Down 38-30 with 2:38 remaining in the game at No. 15 UT, it was 4th-and-6. He hauled in a 28-yard touchdown strike from Gunner Stockton.
Senior Noah Thomas had three catches for 24 yards against the Govs. His next catch came four games later, a clutch 30-yarder at AU to set up the Bulldogs first TD as it trailed 10-3 late in the 3rd quarter.
Due to injuries, Georgia has used a different starting OL unit in all six games. Redshirt senior Micah Morris (LG) and Drew Bobo (C) are the only two to start every game. The Bulldogs have employed three different starting RGs, two different LTs and four different RTs.
Junior LT Monroe Freeling had the longest the starting streak on the line at 10 games, but he left the UK game in the first quarter with a leg injury and did not return. He didn't start at AU but ended up earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after registering four knockdown blocks and not allowing any pressures or sacks of Gunner Stockton in Georgia's latest win over the Tigers.
Bobo earned Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors for his performance in leading the line in the road win over No. 15 UT.
True freshman Juan Gaston Jr. has started at RG and RT while true freshman Dontrell Glover has started the last four games at RG.
Redshirt junior Earnest Greene III (RT), who has 25 career starts, has been hampered with a back injury, missing four games including the past three.
Redshirt freshmen Bo Hughley saw action at RT late in the win at No. 15 UT and made his first career start there against No. 17 UA. He got the starting nod at LT against AU.
The Bulldogs did not allow a sack in their first two games before the Vols collected four. Still, when the UT game was on the line, the offensive line came through. In overtime, it was three rushing plays for 25 yards that rallied the No. 6 Bulldogs to victory. Also of note, when Georgia trailed No. 15 UT 21-17 to start the 3rd quarter, the Bulldogs leaned on their running game, going 75 yards for a TD on 14 plays (13 rushes) to take their first lead.
Did You Know? Gaston joined Andrew Thomas (RT, 2017) as the only true freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener in the Smart era. Thomas went on to be a first round pick (fourth overall selection) in the 2020 NFL draft by the New York Giants. He remains a starter for the Giants.
Currently, six former Bulldog tight ends are in the NFL, most notably Brock Bowers (Las Vegas). The current Bulldogs aim to continue that trend.
Junior Lawson Luckie (5 rec., 38 yards) and senior Oscar Delp (6 rec., 96 yards) are playing the lead roles. Redshirt freshmen Jaden Reddell has appeared in all six games this year. Highly-touted freshmen Ethan Barbour and Elyiss Williams (4 rec., 71 yards, 1 TD) have contributed too.
Barbour joined Delp in the starting lineup in the opener while Williams notched a 23-yard TD on his first career catch. Incidentally, the last Bulldog to do that was Delp in 2022 against South Carolina. Barbour injured his left leg at the end of the first half against Austin Peay. He is now out.
In the road win over No. 15 UT, Luckie had three catches for 25 yards while Delp had one for 18 yards. Georgia posted a season-high 502 yards of offense.
A tight end did not have a catch against Austin Peay, marking the first time that happened since a 2021 win over Arkansas. Georgia was 7-for-11 that day.
Did You Know? Luckie is a second generation Bulldog. His father Mike (LB) was part of Bulldog triplets from 1996-98 (uncles Dustin-LB and Miles-C).
Did You Know? Delp is a 2025 semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy.
Georgia has had 55 players drafted over the past five seasons, including 30 on defense and 11 of those defenders have gone in the first round.
Opponents have scored 102 points this year (17.0 ppg).
In 2025, opponents have scored 35 points in the 1st quarter (21 of those at #15 UT) and 30 in the 2nd quarter. However, in the 2nd half, the Bulldogs have allowed just 34 points (plus 3 points in OT).
Shut out Auburn in the 2nd half after trailing 10-3 at the half in 20-10 win.
Blanked No. 17 UA in the 2nd half after it scored 24 points in the first half.
UK had seven points in the 1st half, and it's final TD came courtesy of a 23- yard drive following a turnover with 1:51 left and Georgia up 35-7.
One of the hallmarks of an elite defense is stopping the run. Georgia ranks 17th nationally, allowing only 91.7 yards a game.
AU tallied 140 yards on 36 attempts led by QB Jackson Arnold (55 yards).
No. 15 UT came in averaging 252.5 rushing yards and 605 yards of total offense/ game; UT posted 125 rushing yards (34 att.) and 496 yards of total offense.
No. 17 UA was limited to 117 yards (38 att.) for a 3.1 average while UK averaged 188 yards and finished with only 45 yards on 22 attempts.
Redshirt junior Christen Miller and juniors Jordan Hall and Gabe Harris Jr., are the veterans up front. Miller had two tackles and three QB pressures versus No. 15 UT. Hall battled leg injuries last year that limited him to six games. He made his first career start in the 2025 opener against Marshall and tied his career-high with four stops versus No. 17 UA. Harris Jr., had a career-high five stops at AU.
Redshirt freshmen Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Nnamdi Ogboko, and Jordan Thomas, redshirt sophomores Xzavier McLeod and Josh Horton (Miami) and freshmen Elijah Griffin and JJ Hanne are in the rotation.
Jonah-Ajonye and Griffin posted a career-high three stops versus Austin Peay while Horton made three tackles against No. 17 UA. Ogboko got his first career sack versus UK.
Juniors CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson are the team's top two tacklers while sophomore Quintavius Johnson made a career-best five stops in the win over UK. This trio of linebackers has started every game this season, and Allen is second in the SEC with 7.7 tackles per game.
Allen (46 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 Sacks) notched his first career forced fumble and fumble recovery in the win over UK and then forced a key fumble at the goal line at AU. He collected a team-best eight stops against No. 17 UA and a team-high 10 tackles, a sack, two TFL at AU.
Wilson has 38 tackles, 2.5 TFL and a sack on the year.
In the win at No. 15 UT, Allen made a career-high 11 stops with two QB pressures and Wilson collected a career-best nine stops and three QB pressures.
Sophomore Justin Williams posted a career-high six stops versus UK.
Sophomore Chris Cole is tied for the team lead with three sacks. He made a career-high six tackles with one sack and two QB pressures against No. 15 UT.
Georgia's opponents are averaging 215.2 passing yards per game and have thrown for eight TDs this season. Ole Miss averages 311.0 in the air.
The Bulldog defense has four interceptions and generated eight sacks.
The top passing attack came at No. 15 Tennessee as the Vols were averaging 352 yards, and Joey Aguilar tallied 371 yards in a shootout. Coming in to that game, the Bulldogs had not allowed a passing TD, and the Vols collected four on the day including three big ones that covered 32, 56 and 72 yards.
Junior Joenel Aguero, who made a career-best seven tackles versus the Vols, and sophomore KJ Bolden came up with interceptions in the road win.
Ty Simpson and No. 17 UA netted 280 passing yards, completing 25 of 39 attempts plus featured a 68% conversion rate (13-of-19) on 3rd Down.
Kentucky completed 25-of-41 passes for 225 yards and two scores. Redshirt freshman Ellis Robinson IV had an INT plus a career-high four tackles.
In the latest win at Auburn, the Tigers were 19-for-31 for 137 yards and onesack. Their longest completions was 18 yards.
Senior Daylen Everette, the MVP of the 2024 SEC Championship Game, entered 2025 with a team-best 28 consecutive starts but that was snapped when he missed the opener due to an injury and returned for week two. He made six stops against No. 17 UA and five against AU to lead the secondary.
Sophomore Kyron Jones, senior JaCorey Thomas, junior Daniel Harris, redshirt freshman Demello Jones and true freshman Rasean Dinkins have seen the most action. Kyron Jones, who was a running back in high school and recruited to play defensive back, posted a career-high 10 stops at UT and then had seven versus No. 17 UA. Demello Jones made four stops against AU.
In the Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have a 63% success rate on 4th Down Conversion attempts (88-for-139) with 17 TDs.
In 2025, Georgia is 7-for-10 with 3 TDs on 4th Down to rank 21st nationally in 4th Down Conversion Percentage. Most recently, Georgia was 2-for-3 in the win at Auburn including a 4th-and-1 at the AU 37 that helped set up the go-ahead 53-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. Then there was a 4th-and-3 at the AU 40 with 5:14 left in the contest. It was part of the clinching go-ahead TD drive that lasted a school record-tying eight minutes and 45 seconds.
Down 38-30 with 2:38 remaining in the game against No. 15 Tennesseee in Knoxville, Georgia converted a 4th-and-6 at the UT 28 for a TD (Stockton pass-to-Humphreys). Also that day, Georgia trailed 21-7 in the 1st quarter and converted a 4th-and-3 at the UGA 48.
Did You Know? The only other fourth quarter 4th down conversion featuring a TD pass when Georgia was behind under Smart came in 2016 at Missouri. The Bulldogs trailed 27-21 with 1:31 left in the game and faced a 4th-and-10. Jacob Eason hit Isaiah McKenzie for a 20-yard TD in a 28-27 win.
In 2024, Georgia led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in 4th Down Conversions at 67% (18-for-27 with 4 TDs).
With elite distance, hang time, placement and a strong coverage unit, All-America punter Brett Thorson and the Bulldogs rank 10th nationally in Net Punting at 45.3. He boomed a 60-yarder versus UK and at AU.
Thorson's career average of 45.87 (5,734/125) is on pace for the best in school history. Jake Camarda holds the mark of 45.81 set from 2018-21.
In his first two games back in 2025, Thorson was named to the "Ray's 8," the weekly Ray Guy Award group. At #15 Tennessee, he had three punts for a 47.7 average including a long of 52 with two placed inside the 20 and no return yards.
In the 2024 SEC Championship Game, Thorson's season ended due to a knee injury during a return after a punt. He missed the 2025 opener while still recovering with redshirt freshman Drew Miller serving as the punter. Thorson returned to his starting role in week two versus Austin Peay.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson was a 2024 finalist for the Ray Guy Award after averaging 47.6 yards on 42 punts, the second best mark in school history.
Thorson's social media features a comedic slant about his lack of playing time because the Bulldogs punted a record low 32 times in 2023 after just 36 punts in 2022 (15 games), the two lowest totals dating to at least 1948.
Along with Cole Speer, gunners in 2025 have included KJ Bolden, London Humphreys, Daniel Harris, Jeremy Bell and Talyn Taylor.
Punts: 6 (UK24)
Long: 75 (Tenn22)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 54.0 on four (@ #1 Texas24) with minus 5 PR yards
Punts: 6 (MU25)
Long: 54 (MU 25)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 48.0 on six (MU25) with 14 PR yards
#at least two punts
Junior All-SEC specialist Peyton Woodring, a native of Lafayette, La., is a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist.
In 2025, he has a team-high 41 points (6-7 on FGs, 23-for-23 on PATs, 35 Kickoffs, 29 Touchbacks).
Tallied eight points and hit a season-long 53-yard FG in the 20-10 win at AU. Missed a 45-yarder which snapped a streak of 10 straight field goals made.
Named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week in 44-41 OT road win versus #15 Tennessee, accounted for 12 points including a 48-yard FG plus eight kickoffs, all touchbacks.
Kickoff returns have been rare but on those look for Cash Jones, Raylen Wilson and Kyron Jones to be among the first to meet the ball carrier. Did You Know? After missing three of his first seven field goal attempts as a freshman in 2023, he's been good on 44 of his past 48 FG (three misses from 50+ yards, one from 45). He's made all 142 PATs too, which ranks second in school history behind Rodrigo Blankenship's SEC record of all 200 he attempted. A 91.3 FG% in '24 ranked 2nd in SEC and 3rd best at Georgia.
Points: 15 (UK23)
PATs: 9 (vs. FSU23, Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
FGA: 3 (7x, last @ #15 Tennessee '25)
FGM: 3 (8x, last @ Auburn '25)
LG: 55 (vs. Clemson '24 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Redshirt senior Liam Badger and freshman Connor Ferguson are options too. Ferguson made his debut with the final kickoff versus Marshall.
Georgia's last game-winning field goal with two minutes or less to play came in the 2021 Peach Bowl against undefeated and No. 8 Cincinnati. Jack Podlesny hit a 53 yarder with three seconds left for a 22-21 lead, and the Bulldogs woud register a safety on the final play for a 24-21 final.
In 2024, San Franicsco native Beau Gardner, a graduate transfer from UCLA, became Georgia's first finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award (nation's best long snapper). He is back in 2025.
Snapped on 29 out of 30 PAT/field goal attempts plus 21 punts in 2025.
The experienced kickoff returners include USC transfer junior Zachariah Branch (Career: 34-for-638 yards, 1 TD including 5 for 91 yards for UGA) and graduate Cash Jones (4-for-58 yards in 2024; None in 2025).
Branch was named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance in the road win over No. 15 Tennessee. He had five catches for 69 yards including a 36-yard TD, caught the game-tying two-point conversion with 2:32 left in regulation, had one KOR for 28 yards and one rush for four yards.
At punt returner, Branch has done this as well during his career with the Trojans and Bulldogs (Career: 34-for-463 yards, 1 TD including 5 for 57 yards for UGA). In 2023, Branch won The Jet Award for the nation's top returner. Also, redshirt-freshman Sacovie White-Helton has one PR for 12 yards.
In the season opener against Marshall, the Bulldogs did not have any kick returns while Branch had three PR for 24 yards. KJ Bolden blocked a Marshall punt and was credited with a two-yard return.
Did You Know? Georgia's last punt return for a TD came in 2023 (Mekhi {MUH-kye} Mews vs. Ball State, 69 yards)
Did You Know? Georgia's last KOR for a TD came in 2016 (Terry Godwin @ South Carolina, 43 yards)
Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have blocked eight punts and eight field goals. There's two players on the current squad with a block for Georgia.
In the 2025 season opener against Marshall, KJ Bolden blocked a punt that led to an eventual TD after the Bulldogs recovered it at the MU20. Junior DB Joenel Aguero blocked a Florida punt in 2023 that resulted in a safety.
Junior transfer OLB Elo Modozie blocked field goal attempts by Rice and Notre Dame in 2024 while playing for Army. Senior transfer DB Adrian Maddox blocked a field goal attempt by Prairie View A&M in 2022 while playing for Alabama State.
Did You Know? Georgia's last blocked field goal came in 2024 by Dan Jackson against Auburn. He is now with the Detroit Lions on IR.
Georgia ranks 3rd in NCAA history for consecutive games scoring and among schools with active streaks: Florida: 468 games (1988-present); TCU: 413 games (1991-present); Georgia: 393 games (1995-present).
Home: 2-2; Away: 5-2; Neutral: 4-3
Bowl Game/CFP: 3-2 !SEC Games: 4-4
!Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
The Bulldogs are 3-2 in overtime games under Kirby Smart. Georgia's complete overtime history can be found on page 110 of the media guide.
(Bowl Game/CFP: 1-1; *SEC Games: 2-2)
Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
Jan. 1, 2018: #3 Georgia beat #2 Oklahoma 54-48 (2-OT) in Pasadena, Calif. (CFP Semifinal: Rose Bowl Game)
Jan. 8. 2018: #4 Alabama beat #3 Georgia 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. (CFP National Championship, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Oct. 12, 2019: S.C. beat #3 Georgia 20-17 (2-OT) in Athens, Ga.
Nov. 29, 2024: #7 Georgia beat Ga. Tech 44-42 (8-OT, SEC Record) in Athens, Ga.
Dec. 7, 2024: #2 Georgia beat #5 Texas 22-19 in Atlanta, Ga. (SEC Championship, Mercedez-Benz Stadium)
Sept. 13, 2025: #6 Georgia beat #15 Tennessee 44-41 in Knoxville, Tenn.
CJ Allen, ILB
Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout
Defensive Player of the Week (@ AU game)
Drew Bobo, C
Outland Trophy National Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game) Zachariah Branch, WR/Return Specialist Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll (@ #15 UT game)
Oscar Delp, TE
Campbell Trophy, Semifinalist (For Academic & Athletic Excellence, Sept. 24)
Gunner Stockton, QB
Davey O'Brien National QB of the Week, also Davey O'Brien Great 8 in Week 3, SEC Offensive Player of the Week, Manning Award Star of the Week, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game); Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 25 Watch List (Oct. 8)
Brett Thorson, P
"Ray Guy, Ray's 8" For Week Two, Three and Four (AP, @ #15 UT, #17 UA games);
Peyton Woodring, PK
SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game);
Georgia is -1 in Turnover Margin.
Georgia has 13 points off six turnovers.
Opponents have 16 points off seven turnovers.
MU: No turnovers by either team
AP: No points off 1 TO; AP got 3 points off 2 TO
UT: 3 points off 2 TO; UT got 3 points off 2 TO
UA: No Turnovers; UA got 3 points 1 TO
UK: 7 points off 2 TO; UK got 7 points off 2 TO
@ AU: 3 points off 1 TO; AU did not force any TO
Georgia has 4 INTs in 2025: Ellis Robinson IV-2 (AP, UK), Joenel Aguero-1 (UT), KJ Bolden-1 (UT);
Opp. have 3 INTs.
Â
Georgia has 2 FR in 2025; Opponents have 3 FR.
#on Special Teams
Georgia has 8 sacks in 2025; Opponents have 8.
MU (7): E. Barbor (TE), Z. Branch (WR), J. Gaston, Jr. (RG), J. Hall (DL), Q. Johnson (OLB), K. Jones (FS), E. Robinson IV (CB);
AP (2): Jahzare Jackson (RT), Michael Uini (RG);
@ #15 UT (1): Dontrell Glover (RG);
#17 UA (1): BoHugley (RT);
UK (1): Chauncey Bowens (RB)
@AU (1): Noah Thomas (WR);
Last year, there were 21 first-time starters during the season.
The Bulldogs had 22 true freshmen make their debut in the 2025 season-opening win over Marshall: Ethan Barbor (TE), Juan Gaston, Jr. (RG) started while 20 others saw action: Elyiss Williams (TE), Zayden Walker (ILB), Talyn Taylor (WR), Darren Ikinnagbon (OLB), Tyler J. Williams (WR), Anthony Kruah (ILB), Bo Walker, (RB) Dominick Kelly (CB), Rasean Dinkins (S), Isaiah Gibson (OLB), Cortez Smith (OL), London Seymour (DT), CJ Wiley (WR), Dontrell Glover (OL), Mason Short (OL), Landon Roldan (WR), Thomas Blackshear (WR), Elijah Griffin (DL), JJ Hanne (DL) and Connor Ferguson (K). Last year, 13 true freshmen made their debut in the opening win over No. 14 Clemson.
AP: AP: Gunner Stockton, Colbie Young, KJ Bolden, Raylen Wilson
@ #15UT: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Oscar Delp
#17 UA: Zachariah Branch, Micah Morris, Jordan Hall, Gabe Harris Jr.
UK: Monroe Freeling, Lawson Luckie, Daylen Everette Quintavius Johnson
@ AU: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Colbie Young
#4-5 (includes 2017-19, '21, '22, '23, '24' SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)
Â
%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship
Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC in Atlanta (9/3/16);
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK
(11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma in CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards vs. AU (10/8/22); Trevor Etienne @ #1 Texas (10/19/24); Nate Frazier vs. UMass (11/23/24);
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D'Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 459, Carson Beck vs. MSU (10/13/24);
Passing TDs: 5, C. Beck (TT-9/7/24, GT-11/29/24), S. Bennett (UAB-9/11/21);
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton vs. MSU (11/21/20);
Receiving TDs: 2, by nine Bulldogs multiple times;
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers vs. UAB (9/11/21);
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF in Jacksonville (11/7/20);
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16);
Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24);
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20), vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Trenton Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24) & #2 Texas in SECCG (12/7/24);
The Bulldogs are 28-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart.
In 2024, freshman LB Chris Cole returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD; In 2023, freshman DB Kyron Jones returned an INT versus UT Martin 26 yards for a score; redshirt sophomore Mekhi Mews took a punt return 69 yards for a TD against Ball State; and Joenel Aguero blocked a punt for a safety versus Florida.
114 Points: 17 TDs, 6 Safeties
2016: 14 points in 3 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety);
2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.);
2018: 12 points in 2 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.);
2019: 18 points in 3 different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.);
2020: 22 points in 4 different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties);
2021: 28 points in 6 different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties);
2022: none
2023: 8 points in two games (Pick-Six, Safety)
2024: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)
2025: none
2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR);
2017: none;
2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.);
2019: none;
2020: none;
2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt);
2022: 8 points in 2 games (Safety/Blocked Punt; Blocked FG Ret.).
2023: 8 points in 2 games (PR, Safety)
2024: none;
2025: none;
"Kirby Smart All Access Presented by Piedmont Healthcare" – This half-hour program will air Monday at 7 p.m. during football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.
"Bulldogs Final" – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week's game.
"Bulldogs Now Presented by Hoffman Financial" – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.
Game & Broadcast Info
Â
- Kickoff: Saturday, October 18 - 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium (93,033) | Athens, Ga.
- 2025 Records: Georgia (5-1, 3-1), Ole Miss (6-0, 3-0)
- 2025 Rankings: Georgia #7/9, Ole Miss #5/5
- TV: ABC (Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit & Holly Rowe)
- Video Stream: ESPN+
- Radio: 95.5 FM WSB - Bulldog Network | Affiliates | Scott Howard (PxP), Josh Brock (Analyst), D.J. Shockley (Sideline)
- Audio Stream: georgiadogs.com
- Satellite: SiriusXM-84
- Web Stats: georgiadogs.com
- Twitter: #MISSvsUGA
- SECN ReBroadcast: TBA
- GameCenter: View
- History: Georgia vs. Ole Miss All-Time Series Results: UGA 33-14-1
- Last Meeting: Ole Miss won 28-10 in Oxford, Miss., 11/9/2024
- Tickets: SeatGeek
Georgia-Ole Miss Quick Comparison
| Georgia | Ole Miss | |
| Scoring Offense/Game: | 32.2 | 37.8 |
| Rushing Offense/Game: | 185.5 | 204.3 |
| Passing Offense/Game: | 229.3 | 311.0 |
| Total Offense/Game: | 414.8 | 515.3 |
| Scoring Defense/Game: | 17.0 | 19.2 |
| Rushing Defense/Game: | 91.7 | 157.7 |
| Passing Defense/Game: | 215.5 | 180.0 |
| Turnover Margin: | -1 | -4 |
ESPN College GameDay In Town
The ESPN show returns to Athens for the first time since last year's win over Tennessee. Earlier this season, they were in Knoxville for the 44-41 victory in OT versus the No. 15 Vols. Last year, the crew watched the Bulldogs win three times, upsetting No. 1 Texas 30-15 in Austin, beating No. 7 Tennessee 31-17 in Athens and defeating the No. 2 Longhorns again (22-19 OT) for the SEC title in Atlanta. Overall, Georgia is 8-2 when the show is in Athens and 21-19 when it's on site at a Bulldogs game.
Fast Facts On The Georgia-Ole Miss Series
The ninth-ranked Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 SEC) play host to No. 5 Ole Miss (6-0, 3-0 SEC) in the first Top-10 matchup on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium since the teams met in 2023.
Saturday will mark the first time since 2022 that Georgia plays host to a top 10 matchup with the visitors ranked higher. Tennessee was No. 1 in the CFP rankings when No. 3 Georgia won 27-13.
Georgia leads the series 33-14-1 including 19-4-1 in Athens. The teams first clashed in 1940 in Athens, a 28-14 Rebel victory. Over the years, the teams have squared off in Memphis, Jackson and Atlanta along with the on campus contests.
Georgia is 1-2 against Ole Miss under Kirby Smart. After a 3-0 start in 2016, the No. 23 Rebels handed Smart and the No. 12 Bulldogs their first loss, 45-14. It would be seven years before they met again. In 2023, No. 2 Georgia whipped then No. 9 Ole Miss 52-17 on Senior Night Between the Hedges. Last year in Oxford, the No. 16 Rebels stormed the field after upsetting the No. 3 Bulldogs 28-10.
The Bulldogs are allowing just 17.0 points a game while the Rebels surrender only 19.2.
Georgia is averaging 32.2 points a game while the Rebels come in with a 37.8 average.
The Bulldogs rank fifth nationally in Red Zone Defense, allowing points just 67 percent of the time.
Georgia has given up only four rushing TDs this season. The Rebels have 16 rushing TDs.
Georgia has eight sacks and allowed eight this year. Ole Miss has nine sacks and allowed seven.
The Bulldogs are minus one in Turnover Margin while the Rebels are minus four.
Simply The Best (Since 2021)
Georgia owns the best record in the FBS since 2021 at 58-6. This run includes back-to-back CFP national titles (2021-22) and two SEC titles (2022 & 2024).
Georgia and Ohio State are the only FBS schools to win 11+ games in each of the past four seasons.
| Rank | School | Record |
| 1. | GEORGIA | 58-6 |
| 2. | Ohio State | 53-8 |
| 3. | Michigan | 52-10 |
| 4. | Oregon | 50-11 |
Georgia In The Polls This Week
The Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 SEC) check in at No. 9 in the Associated Press top 25 poll, No. 7 in the Coaches top 25 poll and No. 8 in the FWAA-NFF Super 16 poll.
Playing With FPE (Fire, Passion & Energy)
One of Georgia's main themes during the preseason and now in 2025 will be to play with "FPE." *Fifty-four percent of Georgia's roster consists of players in their first or second season here.
The Bulldog defense has posted 12 scoreless quarters this season. Opponents have scored 65 points in the first half and just 34 in the second half of regulation.
Georgia blanked then No. 17 Alabama and Auburn in the second half while Kentucky's lone second half score came on a 23-yard drive with 1:51 left in the contest and the Bulldogs up 35-7.
After falling behind in its first two SEC games in the first quarter and at halftime, Georgia led the entire game against Kentucky. It trailed at Auburn until 1:22 left in the 3rd quarter and won 20-10.
Redshirt junior quarterback Gunner Stockton is in his first season as a starter, and he has accounted for 12 TDs, a team-high six on the ground plus has thrown six. He had a streak of 157 consecutive passing attempts without an interception end in the UK game.
Due to injuries, Georgia has started six different offensive line units this season.
In the win over Kentucky, the Bulldogs started a pair of true freshmen offensive lineman (Juan Gaston Jr., and Dontrell Glover) for the first time since 2008. Georgia posted 425 yards of total offense and did not allow a sack.
Against No. 17 Alabama, the Bulldogs rushed for 227 yards on 33 carries for a 6.9 average. UA registered two sacks. With 13:25 left in the contest, Georgia was in position to tie or take its first lead of the night when it turned it over on downs at the UA 11 and eventually lost 24-21.
Stockton helped Georgia pass its first SEC road start, leading the Bulldogs to a 44-41 win in overtime against No. 15 Tennessee in front of a crowd of 101,915. Georgia trailed five different times including in OT. Last week in Auburn, he rallied the Bulldogs to a 20-10 victory.
SMART Football
Kirby Smart is in his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater with a 110-20 mark. He is one of only two active coaches (Dabo Swinney, Clemson) with multiple national championships.
Smart now has the most FBS wins by a coach in his first 10 seasons in the modern era. The previous best was Bob Stoops who went 109-24 at Oklahoma from 1999-2008.
The Bulldogs are 7-0 against top 10 ranked opponents Between the Hedges under Smart. Overall, Georgia is 40-17 against ranked opponents since 2016 including 14-2 in Athens.
Georgia is 36-3 in its last 39 SEC regular season games.
Georgia is the only team in the CFP-era to win back-to-back national titles, doing it in 2021-2022.
In 2024, the Bulldogs made their fourth straight appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) and seventh overall trip under Smart. After a 22-19 overtime win over then No. 2 Texas, the Bulldogs claimed their 15th SEC title in school history and the No. 2 seed in the CFP.
Bulldogs Scoring With Stockton's Arm and Legs
Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Tiger, Ga., is 5-2 as starter in his career. He has six passing TDs and six rushing scores.
Led 2nd half comeback in 20-10 road win over AU, finished as leading rusher (9-for-26, 1 TD) and was 24-for-37 for 217 yards through the air.
Directed 35-14 win over UK and completed 15-for-23 for 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT and 48 rushing yards on six attempts with 2 TDs.
Finished 13-for-20 for 130 yards and 1 TD plus ran five times for 22 yards in a 24-21 home loss to No. 17 UA.
Won first SEC road start at No. 15 Tennessee in front of a crowd of 101,915.
Named Davey O'Brien National QB of the Week after 44-41 overtime win over #15 UT. Georgia trailed five times, including 21-7 after the 1st quarter, 38-30 with 6:40 left in regulation, and in OT.
Successful home debut in the 2025 opening win over Marshall as the team's leading rusher (73 yards on 10 attempts with 2 scores) plus threw for 190 yards and 2 TDs...First Georgia player to have two passing TDs and two rushing scores in a season opener in the past 80 years per ESPN Stats.
2024 Highlights: Started the 2nd half of the 2024 SECCG against Texas who had the No. 1 rated pass defense and No. 3 total defense after Carson Beck was injured...Led the Bulldogs on scoring drives of 75, 61 and 72 yards in three of the first four possessions and then the game-winning TD in OT...Made first career start versus No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP Quarterfinal Allstate Sugar Bowl (20-for-32 for 234 yards, 1 TD despite being sacked four times).
Stockton's Career Highs
| Passing Yards | 304 @ #15 UT, '25 |
| Completions | 26 vs. AP, '25 |
| Attempts | 37 @ AU, '25 |
| TD Passes | 3x/last @ #15 UT,'25 |
| Passing Yards | 439 @ #4 UA, '24 |
| Longest Pass Play | 67 vs. #5 ND, '25 |
| Longest TD Pass | Longest TD Pass: 47 vs. MU, '25 |
| Long Rush | 73/10 vs. MU '25 |
| Interceptions | 1 (3x, last vs. UK '25) |
Stockton's Career Passing Statistics
| Year | G/GS | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | Eff. | LG |
| 2023 | 4/0 | 12 | 19 | 63.2 | 148 | 1 | 2 | 152.8 | 31 FSU |
| 2024 | 5/1 | 45 | 64 | 70.3 | 440 | 1 | 1 | 130.1 | 67 ND |
| 2025 | 6/6 | 115 | 169 | 68.0 | 1,264 | 1 | 6 | 141.4 | 47MU (TD) |
| Total | 15/7 | 172 | 252 | 68.3 | 1,852 | 3 | 9 | 139.4 | 67 ND |
Stockton's Career Game-By-Game
| Game | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | SK | EFF | LG |
| 2023 | |||||||||
| UT Martin | 3 | 5 | 60.0 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 108.7 | 20 |
| Ball State | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 133.6 | 4 |
| UAB | 2 | 3 | 66.7 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 53.2 | 15 |
| #4 FSU (Orange) | 6 | 10 | 60.0 | 96 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 206.6 | 31 |
| 2024 | |||||||||
| #14 Clemson | 0 | 0 | 00.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Tenn. Tech | 10 | 12 | 83.3 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 146.3 | 21 |
| UMass | 3 | 4 | 75.0 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 169.5 | 23 |
| #2 Texas (SEC) | 12 | 16 | 75.0 | 71 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 99.8 | 18 |
| #5 ND(CFP Qtr.) (L) | 20 | 32 | 62.5 | 234 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 134.2 | 67 |
| 2025 | |||||||||
| Marshall (W) | 14 | 24 | 58.3 | 190 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 152.3 | 47TD |
| Austin Peay (W) | 26 | 34 | 76.5 | 227 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 132.6 | 19 |
| @ #15 UT (W) | 23 | 31 | 74.2 | 304 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 177.9 | 45 |
| #17 Alabama (L) | 13 | 20 | 65.0 | 130 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 136.1 | 38TD |
| Kentucky (W) | 15 | 23 | 65.2 | 196 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 142.5 | 36 |
| @ AU (W) | 24 | 37 | 64.9 | 217 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 141.4 | 30 |
| Career Total | 172 | 252 | 68.3 | 1,852 | 3 | 9 | 16 | 139.4 | 67 |
Puglisi's Career Passing Statistics
| Year | G/GS | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | Eff. | LG |
| 2025 | 4/0 | 9 | 15 | 60.0 | 112 | 2 | 1 | 118.1 | 27 UK |
| Total | 4/0 | 9 | 15 | 60.0 | 112 | 2 | 1 | 118.1 | 27 UK |
Puglisi made his debut in a 45-7 win over Marshall, directing four possessions in the second half with one TD drive covering 80 yards in eight plays... Finished the game 5-for-8 for 59 yards and one TD, a 23-yard strike to freshman TE Elyiss Williams...Went 1-for-2 for 4 yards versus Austin Peay...Tried Hail Mary on final play of first half at No. 15 UT and resulted in INT.
Georgia's Explosive Plays In 2025 (12-yd Rush, 16-yd Comp.)
| Game | Georgia | Opp. | Final (AP rank then CFP) |
| MU | 10 (6R, 4P) | 2 (0R, 2P) | #5 Georgia, 45-7 |
| AP | 5 (2R, 3P) | 6 (3R, 3P) | #4 Georgia 28-6 |
| @ #15 UT | 12 (4R, 8P) | 7 (1R, 6P) | #6 Georgia 44-41 (OT) |
| #17 UA | 10 (7R, 3P) | 8 (0R, 8P) | #17 UA 24-21 |
| UK | 11 (4R, 7P) | 4 (0R, 4P) | #12 Georgia 35-14 |
| @ AU | 5 (1R, 4P) | 5 (4R, 1P) | #10 Georgia 20-10 |
Longest Rush by Georgia: 43-yd by Dillon Bell & Chauncey Bowens (#17 UA)
Longest Rush by Opp.: 27-yd by Star Thomas (#15UT), Jackson Arnold (AU)
Longest Completion by Georgia: 47-yd TD (Stockton to Branch vs. MU)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 72-yd TD (Aguilar to Brazzell II, #15UT)
2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS
RUSHING
#33 Chauncey Bowens 315 yards, 60 att., 5.3 avg., 4 TDs, 43 LG
#3 Nate Frazier 277 yards, 60 att., 4.6 avg., 2 TD, 24 LG
#14 Gunner Stockton (QB) 220 yards, 48 att., 4.6 avg., 6 TDs, 21 LG
PASSING
#14 Gunner Stockton 115 comp., 169 att., 1,264 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, 47 LG
#12 Ryan Puglisi 9 comp., 15 att., 112 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 27 LG
RECEIVING
#1 Zachariah Branch 27 rec., 291 yards, 10.8 avg., 2 TD, 47 LG
#8 Colbie Young 22 rec., 300 yards, 13.6 avg., 1 TD, 45 LG
#16 London Humphreys 13 rec., 165 yards, 12.7 avg., 2 TD, 31 LG
TACKLES
#3 CJ Allen, ILB 46 total tackles, 24 solo, 22 assist, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks
#5 Raylen Wilson, ILB 38 total tackles, 16 solo, 22 assist, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack
#4 KJ Bolden, DB 30 total tackles, 10 solo, 20 assist, 1 INT, 2 PBU
Bowens And Frazier Providing 1-2 Punch
Georgia is averaging 185.5 rushing yards per game with 18 TDs.
Redshirt freshman Chauncey Bowens made his first career start in the win over UK and provided 70 yards on a career-high 15 carries. He enjoyed a breakout performance against No. 17 UA, posting a career-best 119 yards on 12 carries (9.9 average) including a 43-yarder. He has a team-high 315 yards.
Bowens is the only Bulldog to go over 100 rushing yards in a game this year.
Sophomore Nate Frazier has started five games including the first four contests. He is second on the team with 277 yards on 60 attempts and two scores.
Senior Cash Jones and redshirt senior Josh McCray provide various looks too. McCray has three TDs in 27 attempts.
The Bulldogs had 55 rushes for 198 yard in the win at No. 15 UT. Frazier had a team-long 21-yard burst on the first play in overtime to set up the game-winning score by McCray who notched a pair of scores in the triumph.
Jones is known for breaking tackles, being a solid blocker and receiver with a 16-yard TD catch against UK.
Ready To Receive
The Bulldogs are averaging 229.3 receiving yards a game.
Georgia's leading receivers have been junior Zachariah Branch (27-for- 291 yards, 2 TDs), senior Colbie Young (22-for-300 yards, 1 TD), and junior London Humphreys (13-for-165 yards, 2 TDs). Branch has the longest reception of the season, a 47-yarder for a TD against Marshall. He is coming off a career-high nine catches (57 yards) in the road win over AU.
Young had seven catches for 76 yards in the win over Austin Peay and then followed that up with four receptions for 73 yards at No. 15 UT. He led the team with four catches for 59 yards and a score against No. 17 UA.
Branch had a team-high five catches for 69 yards in the road win over No. 15 UT. Against the Vols, he registered a 36-yard TD and caught the game-tying two-point conversion with 2:32 left in the contest.
Humphreys had THE catch of the season. Down 38-30 with 2:38 remaining in the game at No. 15 UT, it was 4th-and-6. He hauled in a 28-yard touchdown strike from Gunner Stockton.
Senior Noah Thomas had three catches for 24 yards against the Govs. His next catch came four games later, a clutch 30-yarder at AU to set up the Bulldogs first TD as it trailed 10-3 late in the 3rd quarter.
Ready Or Not, It's Go Time
Due to injuries, Georgia has used a different starting OL unit in all six games. Redshirt senior Micah Morris (LG) and Drew Bobo (C) are the only two to start every game. The Bulldogs have employed three different starting RGs, two different LTs and four different RTs.
Junior LT Monroe Freeling had the longest the starting streak on the line at 10 games, but he left the UK game in the first quarter with a leg injury and did not return. He didn't start at AU but ended up earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after registering four knockdown blocks and not allowing any pressures or sacks of Gunner Stockton in Georgia's latest win over the Tigers.
Bobo earned Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors for his performance in leading the line in the road win over No. 15 UT.
True freshman Juan Gaston Jr. has started at RG and RT while true freshman Dontrell Glover has started the last four games at RG.
Redshirt junior Earnest Greene III (RT), who has 25 career starts, has been hampered with a back injury, missing four games including the past three.
Redshirt freshmen Bo Hughley saw action at RT late in the win at No. 15 UT and made his first career start there against No. 17 UA. He got the starting nod at LT against AU.
The Bulldogs did not allow a sack in their first two games before the Vols collected four. Still, when the UT game was on the line, the offensive line came through. In overtime, it was three rushing plays for 25 yards that rallied the No. 6 Bulldogs to victory. Also of note, when Georgia trailed No. 15 UT 21-17 to start the 3rd quarter, the Bulldogs leaned on their running game, going 75 yards for a TD on 14 plays (13 rushes) to take their first lead.
Did You Know? Gaston joined Andrew Thomas (RT, 2017) as the only true freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener in the Smart era. Thomas went on to be a first round pick (fourth overall selection) in the 2020 NFL draft by the New York Giants. He remains a starter for the Giants.
Tight Ends Always In The Game Plan
Currently, six former Bulldog tight ends are in the NFL, most notably Brock Bowers (Las Vegas). The current Bulldogs aim to continue that trend.
Junior Lawson Luckie (5 rec., 38 yards) and senior Oscar Delp (6 rec., 96 yards) are playing the lead roles. Redshirt freshmen Jaden Reddell has appeared in all six games this year. Highly-touted freshmen Ethan Barbour and Elyiss Williams (4 rec., 71 yards, 1 TD) have contributed too.
Barbour joined Delp in the starting lineup in the opener while Williams notched a 23-yard TD on his first career catch. Incidentally, the last Bulldog to do that was Delp in 2022 against South Carolina. Barbour injured his left leg at the end of the first half against Austin Peay. He is now out.
In the road win over No. 15 UT, Luckie had three catches for 25 yards while Delp had one for 18 yards. Georgia posted a season-high 502 yards of offense.
A tight end did not have a catch against Austin Peay, marking the first time that happened since a 2021 win over Arkansas. Georgia was 7-for-11 that day.
Did You Know? Luckie is a second generation Bulldog. His father Mike (LB) was part of Bulldog triplets from 1996-98 (uncles Dustin-LB and Miles-C).
Did You Know? Delp is a 2025 semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy.
Defense Making Adjustments
Georgia has had 55 players drafted over the past five seasons, including 30 on defense and 11 of those defenders have gone in the first round.
Opponents have scored 102 points this year (17.0 ppg).
In 2025, opponents have scored 35 points in the 1st quarter (21 of those at #15 UT) and 30 in the 2nd quarter. However, in the 2nd half, the Bulldogs have allowed just 34 points (plus 3 points in OT).
Shut out Auburn in the 2nd half after trailing 10-3 at the half in 20-10 win.
Blanked No. 17 UA in the 2nd half after it scored 24 points in the first half.
UK had seven points in the 1st half, and it's final TD came courtesy of a 23- yard drive following a turnover with 1:51 left and Georgia up 35-7.
Stopping The Run Starts Up Front
One of the hallmarks of an elite defense is stopping the run. Georgia ranks 17th nationally, allowing only 91.7 yards a game.
AU tallied 140 yards on 36 attempts led by QB Jackson Arnold (55 yards).
No. 15 UT came in averaging 252.5 rushing yards and 605 yards of total offense/ game; UT posted 125 rushing yards (34 att.) and 496 yards of total offense.
No. 17 UA was limited to 117 yards (38 att.) for a 3.1 average while UK averaged 188 yards and finished with only 45 yards on 22 attempts.
Redshirt junior Christen Miller and juniors Jordan Hall and Gabe Harris Jr., are the veterans up front. Miller had two tackles and three QB pressures versus No. 15 UT. Hall battled leg injuries last year that limited him to six games. He made his first career start in the 2025 opener against Marshall and tied his career-high with four stops versus No. 17 UA. Harris Jr., had a career-high five stops at AU.
Redshirt freshmen Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Nnamdi Ogboko, and Jordan Thomas, redshirt sophomores Xzavier McLeod and Josh Horton (Miami) and freshmen Elijah Griffin and JJ Hanne are in the rotation.
Jonah-Ajonye and Griffin posted a career-high three stops versus Austin Peay while Horton made three tackles against No. 17 UA. Ogboko got his first career sack versus UK.
Allen, Wilson And Johnson Leading the Second Level
Juniors CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson are the team's top two tacklers while sophomore Quintavius Johnson made a career-best five stops in the win over UK. This trio of linebackers has started every game this season, and Allen is second in the SEC with 7.7 tackles per game.
Allen (46 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 Sacks) notched his first career forced fumble and fumble recovery in the win over UK and then forced a key fumble at the goal line at AU. He collected a team-best eight stops against No. 17 UA and a team-high 10 tackles, a sack, two TFL at AU.
Wilson has 38 tackles, 2.5 TFL and a sack on the year.
In the win at No. 15 UT, Allen made a career-high 11 stops with two QB pressures and Wilson collected a career-best nine stops and three QB pressures.
Sophomore Justin Williams posted a career-high six stops versus UK.
Sophomore Chris Cole is tied for the team lead with three sacks. He made a career-high six tackles with one sack and two QB pressures against No. 15 UT.
A Passing Grade
Georgia's opponents are averaging 215.2 passing yards per game and have thrown for eight TDs this season. Ole Miss averages 311.0 in the air.
The Bulldog defense has four interceptions and generated eight sacks.
The top passing attack came at No. 15 Tennessee as the Vols were averaging 352 yards, and Joey Aguilar tallied 371 yards in a shootout. Coming in to that game, the Bulldogs had not allowed a passing TD, and the Vols collected four on the day including three big ones that covered 32, 56 and 72 yards.
Junior Joenel Aguero, who made a career-best seven tackles versus the Vols, and sophomore KJ Bolden came up with interceptions in the road win.
Ty Simpson and No. 17 UA netted 280 passing yards, completing 25 of 39 attempts plus featured a 68% conversion rate (13-of-19) on 3rd Down.
Kentucky completed 25-of-41 passes for 225 yards and two scores. Redshirt freshman Ellis Robinson IV had an INT plus a career-high four tackles.
In the latest win at Auburn, the Tigers were 19-for-31 for 137 yards and onesack. Their longest completions was 18 yards.
Senior Daylen Everette, the MVP of the 2024 SEC Championship Game, entered 2025 with a team-best 28 consecutive starts but that was snapped when he missed the opener due to an injury and returned for week two. He made six stops against No. 17 UA and five against AU to lead the secondary.
Sophomore Kyron Jones, senior JaCorey Thomas, junior Daniel Harris, redshirt freshman Demello Jones and true freshman Rasean Dinkins have seen the most action. Kyron Jones, who was a running back in high school and recruited to play defensive back, posted a career-high 10 stops at UT and then had seven versus No. 17 UA. Demello Jones made four stops against AU.
We're Going For It!
In the Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have a 63% success rate on 4th Down Conversion attempts (88-for-139) with 17 TDs.
In 2025, Georgia is 7-for-10 with 3 TDs on 4th Down to rank 21st nationally in 4th Down Conversion Percentage. Most recently, Georgia was 2-for-3 in the win at Auburn including a 4th-and-1 at the AU 37 that helped set up the go-ahead 53-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. Then there was a 4th-and-3 at the AU 40 with 5:14 left in the contest. It was part of the clinching go-ahead TD drive that lasted a school record-tying eight minutes and 45 seconds.
Down 38-30 with 2:38 remaining in the game against No. 15 Tennesseee in Knoxville, Georgia converted a 4th-and-6 at the UT 28 for a TD (Stockton pass-to-Humphreys). Also that day, Georgia trailed 21-7 in the 1st quarter and converted a 4th-and-3 at the UGA 48.
Did You Know? The only other fourth quarter 4th down conversion featuring a TD pass when Georgia was behind under Smart came in 2016 at Missouri. The Bulldogs trailed 27-21 with 1:31 left in the game and faced a 4th-and-10. Jacob Eason hit Isaiah McKenzie for a 20-yard TD in a 28-27 win.
In 2024, Georgia led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in 4th Down Conversions at 67% (18-for-27 with 4 TDs).
G'day Mate! Thorson Returns
With elite distance, hang time, placement and a strong coverage unit, All-America punter Brett Thorson and the Bulldogs rank 10th nationally in Net Punting at 45.3. He boomed a 60-yarder versus UK and at AU.
Thorson's career average of 45.87 (5,734/125) is on pace for the best in school history. Jake Camarda holds the mark of 45.81 set from 2018-21.
In his first two games back in 2025, Thorson was named to the "Ray's 8," the weekly Ray Guy Award group. At #15 Tennessee, he had three punts for a 47.7 average including a long of 52 with two placed inside the 20 and no return yards.
In the 2024 SEC Championship Game, Thorson's season ended due to a knee injury during a return after a punt. He missed the 2025 opener while still recovering with redshirt freshman Drew Miller serving as the punter. Thorson returned to his starting role in week two versus Austin Peay.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson was a 2024 finalist for the Ray Guy Award after averaging 47.6 yards on 42 punts, the second best mark in school history.
Thorson's social media features a comedic slant about his lack of playing time because the Bulldogs punted a record low 32 times in 2023 after just 36 punts in 2022 (15 games), the two lowest totals dating to at least 1948.
Along with Cole Speer, gunners in 2025 have included KJ Bolden, London Humphreys, Daniel Harris, Jeremy Bell and Talyn Taylor.
Single Game Career Highs For Thorson
Punts: 6 (UK24)
Long: 75 (Tenn22)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 54.0 on four (@ #1 Texas24) with minus 5 PR yards
Single Game Career Highs For Miller
Punts: 6 (MU25)
Long: 54 (MU 25)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 48.0 on six (MU25) with 14 PR yards
#at least two punts
Geaux Dawgs
Junior All-SEC specialist Peyton Woodring, a native of Lafayette, La., is a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist.
In 2025, he has a team-high 41 points (6-7 on FGs, 23-for-23 on PATs, 35 Kickoffs, 29 Touchbacks).
Tallied eight points and hit a season-long 53-yard FG in the 20-10 win at AU. Missed a 45-yarder which snapped a streak of 10 straight field goals made.
Named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week in 44-41 OT road win versus #15 Tennessee, accounted for 12 points including a 48-yard FG plus eight kickoffs, all touchbacks.
Kickoff returns have been rare but on those look for Cash Jones, Raylen Wilson and Kyron Jones to be among the first to meet the ball carrier. Did You Know? After missing three of his first seven field goal attempts as a freshman in 2023, he's been good on 44 of his past 48 FG (three misses from 50+ yards, one from 45). He's made all 142 PATs too, which ranks second in school history behind Rodrigo Blankenship's SEC record of all 200 he attempted. A 91.3 FG% in '24 ranked 2nd in SEC and 3rd best at Georgia.
Single Game Career Highs For Woodring
Points: 15 (UK23)
PATs: 9 (vs. FSU23, Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
FGA: 3 (7x, last @ #15 Tennessee '25)
FGM: 3 (8x, last @ Auburn '25)
LG: 55 (vs. Clemson '24 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Redshirt senior Liam Badger and freshman Connor Ferguson are options too. Ferguson made his debut with the final kickoff versus Marshall.
Did You Know?
Georgia's last game-winning field goal with two minutes or less to play came in the 2021 Peach Bowl against undefeated and No. 8 Cincinnati. Jack Podlesny hit a 53 yarder with three seconds left for a 22-21 lead, and the Bulldogs woud register a safety on the final play for a 24-21 final.
Snap Judgment: Gardner Returns In Specialist Role
In 2024, San Franicsco native Beau Gardner, a graduate transfer from UCLA, became Georgia's first finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award (nation's best long snapper). He is back in 2025.
Snapped on 29 out of 30 PAT/field goal attempts plus 21 punts in 2025.
Back Deep For The Bulldogs
The experienced kickoff returners include USC transfer junior Zachariah Branch (Career: 34-for-638 yards, 1 TD including 5 for 91 yards for UGA) and graduate Cash Jones (4-for-58 yards in 2024; None in 2025).
Branch was named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance in the road win over No. 15 Tennessee. He had five catches for 69 yards including a 36-yard TD, caught the game-tying two-point conversion with 2:32 left in regulation, had one KOR for 28 yards and one rush for four yards.
At punt returner, Branch has done this as well during his career with the Trojans and Bulldogs (Career: 34-for-463 yards, 1 TD including 5 for 57 yards for UGA). In 2023, Branch won The Jet Award for the nation's top returner. Also, redshirt-freshman Sacovie White-Helton has one PR for 12 yards.
In the season opener against Marshall, the Bulldogs did not have any kick returns while Branch had three PR for 24 yards. KJ Bolden blocked a Marshall punt and was credited with a two-yard return.
Did You Know? Georgia's last punt return for a TD came in 2023 (Mekhi {MUH-kye} Mews vs. Ball State, 69 yards)
Did You Know? Georgia's last KOR for a TD came in 2016 (Terry Godwin @ South Carolina, 43 yards)
It's Blocked
Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have blocked eight punts and eight field goals. There's two players on the current squad with a block for Georgia.
In the 2025 season opener against Marshall, KJ Bolden blocked a punt that led to an eventual TD after the Bulldogs recovered it at the MU20. Junior DB Joenel Aguero blocked a Florida punt in 2023 that resulted in a safety.
Junior transfer OLB Elo Modozie blocked field goal attempts by Rice and Notre Dame in 2024 while playing for Army. Senior transfer DB Adrian Maddox blocked a field goal attempt by Prairie View A&M in 2022 while playing for Alabama State.
Did You Know? Georgia's last blocked field goal came in 2024 by Dan Jackson against Auburn. He is now with the Detroit Lions on IR.
Putting Points On The Board
Georgia ranks 3rd in NCAA history for consecutive games scoring and among schools with active streaks: Florida: 468 games (1988-present); TCU: 413 games (1991-present); Georgia: 393 games (1995-present).
Georgia's All-Time Overtime Record (11-7)
Home: 2-2; Away: 5-2; Neutral: 4-3
Bowl Game/CFP: 3-2 !SEC Games: 4-4
!Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
The Bulldogs are 3-2 in overtime games under Kirby Smart. Georgia's complete overtime history can be found on page 110 of the media guide.
Overtime In The Kirby Smart Era (4-2)
Home: 1-1; Away: 1-0; Neutral: 2-1(Bowl Game/CFP: 1-1; *SEC Games: 2-2)
Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
Jan. 1, 2018: #3 Georgia beat #2 Oklahoma 54-48 (2-OT) in Pasadena, Calif. (CFP Semifinal: Rose Bowl Game)
Jan. 8. 2018: #4 Alabama beat #3 Georgia 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. (CFP National Championship, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Oct. 12, 2019: S.C. beat #3 Georgia 20-17 (2-OT) in Athens, Ga.
Nov. 29, 2024: #7 Georgia beat Ga. Tech 44-42 (8-OT, SEC Record) in Athens, Ga.
Dec. 7, 2024: #2 Georgia beat #5 Texas 22-19 in Atlanta, Ga. (SEC Championship, Mercedez-Benz Stadium)
Sept. 13, 2025: #6 Georgia beat #15 Tennessee 44-41 in Knoxville, Tenn.
Bulldog Honor Roll
CJ Allen, ILB
Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout
Defensive Player of the Week (@ AU game)
Drew Bobo, C
Outland Trophy National Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game) Zachariah Branch, WR/Return Specialist Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll (@ #15 UT game)
Oscar Delp, TE
Campbell Trophy, Semifinalist (For Academic & Athletic Excellence, Sept. 24)
Gunner Stockton, QB
Davey O'Brien National QB of the Week, also Davey O'Brien Great 8 in Week 3, SEC Offensive Player of the Week, Manning Award Star of the Week, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game); Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 25 Watch List (Oct. 8)
Brett Thorson, P
"Ray Guy, Ray's 8" For Week Two, Three and Four (AP, @ #15 UT, #17 UA games);
Peyton Woodring, PK
SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game);
Points Off Turnovers In 2025
Georgia is -1 in Turnover Margin.
Georgia has 13 points off six turnovers.
Opponents have 16 points off seven turnovers.
MU: No turnovers by either team
AP: No points off 1 TO; AP got 3 points off 2 TO
UT: 3 points off 2 TO; UT got 3 points off 2 TO
UA: No Turnovers; UA got 3 points 1 TO
UK: 7 points off 2 TO; UK got 7 points off 2 TO
@ AU: 3 points off 1 TO; AU did not force any TO
Bulldog Career INTs & Pick-Six
Georgia has 4 INTs in 2025: Ellis Robinson IV-2 (AP, UK), Joenel Aguero-1 (UT), KJ Bolden-1 (UT);
Opp. have 3 INTs.
| Bulldog | INT | TD | Last INT |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 3 | 0 | #2TX-SECCG24 |
| KJ Bolden, S | 2 | 0 | MSU24, |
| Ellis Robinson IV, DB | 2 | 0 | UK25 |
| CJ Allen, LB | 1 | 0 | vs. UF24 |
| Joenel Aguero, S | 1 | 0 | @ #15 UT25 |
| Kyron Jones, Star | 1 | 1 | UTM23 |
Bulldog Career Fumble Recoveries
Georgia has 2 FR in 2025; Opponents have 3 FR.
| Bulldog | FR | Last FR |
| CJ Allen, LB | 2 | AU25 |
| Chris Cole, LB | 2 | UMass24 |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 1 | @ #1 TX24 |
| Raylen Wilson, LB | 1 | UMass24 |
| Cole Speer, WR | #1 | vs. #4 FSU23 |
#on Special Teams
Bulldog Career Sacks
Georgia has 8 sacks in 2025; Opponents have 8.
| Bulldog | '25 | '24 | '23 | '22 | Total |
| CJ Allen, LB | 3 | 0 | 1 | n/a | 4 |
| Chris Cole, LB | 3 | 0 | n/a | n/a | 3 |
| Raylen Wilson, LB | 1 | 1.5 | 0.5 | n/a | 3 |
| Christen Miller, DL | 0 | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | 2.5 |
| Gabe Harris Jr., LB | 0 | 2 | 0 | n/a | 2 |
| KJ Bolden, S | 0 | 1 | n/a | n/a | 1 |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Daniel Harris, CB | 0 | 0 | 1 | n/a | 1 |
| Nnamdi Ogboko, DL | 1 | 0 | n/a | n/a | 1 |
| Jordan Thomas, DL | 0 | 1 | n/a | n/a | 1 |
14 First-Time Starters In 2025
MU (7): E. Barbor (TE), Z. Branch (WR), J. Gaston, Jr. (RG), J. Hall (DL), Q. Johnson (OLB), K. Jones (FS), E. Robinson IV (CB);
AP (2): Jahzare Jackson (RT), Michael Uini (RG);
@ #15 UT (1): Dontrell Glover (RG);
#17 UA (1): BoHugley (RT);
UK (1): Chauncey Bowens (RB)
@AU (1): Noah Thomas (WR);
Last year, there were 21 first-time starters during the season.
True Freshmen Getting A Taste
The Bulldogs had 22 true freshmen make their debut in the 2025 season-opening win over Marshall: Ethan Barbor (TE), Juan Gaston, Jr. (RG) started while 20 others saw action: Elyiss Williams (TE), Zayden Walker (ILB), Talyn Taylor (WR), Darren Ikinnagbon (OLB), Tyler J. Williams (WR), Anthony Kruah (ILB), Bo Walker, (RB) Dominick Kelly (CB), Rasean Dinkins (S), Isaiah Gibson (OLB), Cortez Smith (OL), London Seymour (DT), CJ Wiley (WR), Dontrell Glover (OL), Mason Short (OL), Landon Roldan (WR), Thomas Blackshear (WR), Elijah Griffin (DL), JJ Hanne (DL) and Connor Ferguson (K). Last year, 13 true freshmen made their debut in the opening win over No. 14 Clemson.
The Bulldog Captains In 2025
MU: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Earnest Greene IIIAP: AP: Gunner Stockton, Colbie Young, KJ Bolden, Raylen Wilson
@ #15UT: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Oscar Delp
#17 UA: Zachariah Branch, Micah Morris, Jordan Hall, Gabe Harris Jr.
UK: Monroe Freeling, Lawson Luckie, Daylen Everette Quintavius Johnson
@ AU: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Colbie Young
HEAD COACH KIRBY SMART QUICK FACTS
Â
- 10th season as Georgia coach
- Career Record: 110-20 (.846)
- 2021 & 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
- 2017 CFP national runner-up
- One of just two active coaches with multiple national titles (Dabo Swinney-Clemson, '16 & '18)
- T5th fastest coach in NCAA FBS history to win 100 games, doing it in 117; Fastest to do it in SEC history
- Best record & winning percentage (85-15, .850) after his first 100 games of any coach in SEC history
- 2017, 2022 & 2024 SEC Champions
- Georgia has been ranked in the top five nationally in Scoring Defense five times including leading the nation in 2019 & 2021; Been ranked in the top 10 in Scoring Offense three times (2021-23)
- 2017 George Munger award (National Coach of the Year by Maxwell Club)
- Three-Time SEC Coach of the Year, 2017, 2021-22
- Bulldogs have won three Butkus Awards and two Mackey Awards, One Outland Trophy, Bednarik Award, Thorpe Award, Groza Award, Manning Award & Burlsworth Trophy; Two NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards, One Heisman Trophy finalist
- 25 1st-team All-Americans
- 76 NFL Draft Picks
- 20 First Round NFL Draft picks
- 290 players on SEC Academic Honor Rolls, including a high of 48 on the 2024 team
THE KIRBY SMART RECORD
Â
| Year | W | L | Pct. | SEC | Bowl | AP Rank |
| 2016 | 8 | 5 | .615 | 4-4 | Liberty | NR |
| 2017 | 13 | 2 | .867 | 8-2# | CFP Rose/NCG | 2nd |
| 2018 | 11 | 3 | .786 | 7-2# | Sugar | T7th |
| 2019 | 12 | 2 | .857 | 7-2# | Sugar | 4th |
| 2020 | 8 | 2 | .800 | 7-2 | Chick-fil-A | 7th |
| 2021 | 14 | 1 | .933 | 9-1# | CFP Orange/NCG | 1st |
| 2022 | 15 | 0 | 1.000 | 9-0# | CFP Peach/NCG | 1st |
| 2023 | 13 | 1 | .929 | 8-0 | Orange | 4th |
| 2024 | 11 | 3 | .786 | 7-2 * | CFP Sugar (Qtr.) | 6th |
| 2025 | 5 | 1 | .833 | 3-1 | ||
| Total | 110 | 20 | .846 | *69-17 |
#4-5 (includes 2017-19, '21, '22, '23, '24' SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)
Â
17 VICTORIES WHEN TIED OR TRAILING LATE
| SEASON | OPPONENT | START OF 4TH QUARTER OR DEFICIT | FINAL |
| 2016 | % #22 UNC | Trailed 24-23 | 33-24 |
| 2016 | @ Missouri | Trailed 27-21 | 28-27 |
| 2016 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 21-16 | 27-24 |
| 2016 | #8 Auburn | Tied 7-7 | 13-7 |
| 2016 | ^TCU | Trailed Trailed 23-21 | 31-23 |
| 2017 | @ #24 Notre Dame | Trailed 17-16, trailed 19-17 with 10:21 left | 20-19 |
| 2017 | $ #2 Oklahoma | Tied 31-31, trailed 45-38 with 0:55 left | 54-48 2ot |
| 2020 | ~ #8 Cincinnati | Trailed 21-10, trailed 21-19 with :03 left | 24-21 |
| 2022 | ! #1 Alabama | Trailed 18-13 with 10:14 left | 33-18 |
| 2022 | @ Missouri | Trailed 19-12, trailed 22-12 with 14:09 left | 26-22 |
| 2022 | ~ #4 Ohio State (CFP Semi) | Trailed 38-24, trailed 41-35 with 2:43 left | 42-41 |
| 2023 | @ Auburn | Tied 17-17, tied 20-20 with 6:21 left | 27-20 |
| 2024 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 9-6 | 13-12 |
| 2024 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 9-6 | 13-12 |
| 2024 | vs. Florida in Jax. | Tied 20-20 with 7:29 left | 34-20 |
| 2024 | Ga. Tech | Trailed 17-6; then 27-13 with 5:37 left; 40-34 in 2nd OT | 44-42 (8-OT) |
| 2024 | #2 Texas (SECCG) | Trailed 19-16 in OT | 22-19 |
| 2025 | @ #15 Tennessee | Trailed 28-27; then 38-30 with 6:40 left; 41-38 in OT | 44-41 (OT) |
%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship
TOP IND. SINGLE GAME PERFORMANCES UNDER SMART
 Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC in Atlanta (9/3/16);
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK
(11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma in CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards vs. AU (10/8/22); Trevor Etienne @ #1 Texas (10/19/24); Nate Frazier vs. UMass (11/23/24);
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D'Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 459, Carson Beck vs. MSU (10/13/24);
Passing TDs: 5, C. Beck (TT-9/7/24, GT-11/29/24), S. Bennett (UAB-9/11/21);
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton vs. MSU (11/21/20);
Receiving TDs: 2, by nine Bulldogs multiple times;
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers vs. UAB (9/11/21);
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF in Jacksonville (11/7/20);
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16);
Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24);
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20), vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Trenton Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24) & #2 Texas in SECCG (12/7/24);
31 DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS SCORES UNDER SMART
The Bulldogs are 28-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart.
In 2024, freshman LB Chris Cole returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD; In 2023, freshman DB Kyron Jones returned an INT versus UT Martin 26 yards for a score; redshirt sophomore Mekhi Mews took a punt return 69 yards for a TD against Ball State; and Joenel Aguero blocked a punt for a safety versus Florida.
DEFENSIVE SCORING IN THE SMART ERA
 114 Points: 17 TDs, 6 Safeties
2016: 14 points in 3 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety);
2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.);
2018: 12 points in 2 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.);
2019: 18 points in 3 different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.);
2020: 22 points in 4 different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties);
2021: 28 points in 6 different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties);
2022: none
2023: 8 points in two games (Pick-Six, Safety)
2024: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)
2025: none
48 POINTS ON SPECIAL TEAMS IN THE SMART ERA
 2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR);
2017: none;
2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.);
2019: none;
2020: none;
2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt);
2022: 8 points in 2 games (Safety/Blocked Punt; Blocked FG Ret.).
2023: 8 points in 2 games (PR, Safety)
2024: none;
2025: none;
UGA COVERAGE ON WAGA FOX 5 ATLANTA TO INCLUDE:
 "Kirby Smart All Access Presented by Piedmont Healthcare" – This half-hour program will air Monday at 7 p.m. during football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.
"Bulldogs Final" – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week's game.
"Bulldogs Now Presented by Hoffman Financial" – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
PK
/ Football
TE
/ Football
QB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
RB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
S
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
PK
/ Football
RB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
SN
/ Football
OL
/ Football
DE
/ Football
OL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DB
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
DT
/ Football
OL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
S
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
P
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
QB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
DB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DT
/ Football
OL
/ Football
OL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
QB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
P
/ Football
OL
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
TE
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
PK
/ Football
WR
/ FootballGeorgia Football Week 7 vs Ole Miss - Postgame Player Interviews
Saturday, October 18
Georgia Football - Coach Kirby Smart Ole Miss Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, October 18
Georgia Football - Game Highlights vs. Ole Miss
Saturday, October 18
Georgia Football Game Trailer vs Ole Miss - Cut It Loose
Friday, October 17