ATHENS – The Georgia Bulldogs took the field Tuesday to begin spring football practice, kicking off preparations for the 2025 season. Head coach Kirby Smart, along with linebacker CJ Allen, linebacker Raylen Wilson, and offensive lineman Earnest Greene III, met with the media to discuss the team’s early progress and approach to spring workouts.
With roster turnover and key position battles ahead, Smart emphasized the importance of player development and maintaining the program’s standard of excellence.
“We’ve got a lot of new players. It feels like more new players than ever before,” Smart said. “We pride ourselves on retention and stability, but the foundation of this program is built through high school recruiting and bringing in good kids who develop into great football players.”Evaluating Areas for Improvement
Coming off an SEC Championship, Georgia spent the offseason reviewing what worked and where adjustments are needed.
“Every year, we ask, ‘How do we get better?’” Smart said. “The first way is through recruiting and talent acquisition. The next is self-assessment—analyzing what we did well and what needs improvement. Special teams was a big emphasis this offseason. We spent a lot of time studying ourselves and what successful programs are doing.”
One of Georgia’s biggest additions this offseason has been in the receiving corps, with transfers Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch expected to provide immediate help.
“They’re high-caliber athletes and high-caliber people,” Smart said. “The Branch brothers bring great energy to our workouts, and Noah has already proven himself in the SEC. Now, it’s about going out and proving it on the field.”Adjusting to Leadership Roles
For returning players like linebacker CJ Allen, stepping into a leadership role has been an adjustment, but one he embraces.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be one of the older guys in the room,” Allen said. “I remember what it was like being the younger guy, so I know what those guys are going through. My focus is on leading them and helping them adjust.”
With Georgia losing 14 players from last season’s roster, Allen understands the need to focus on the current team.
“Those guys are gone, and they can’t help us now,” he said. “We have to focus on who’s here and put in the work together.”
Fellow linebacker Raylen Wilson is using the spring to refine his technique and become a more complete player.
“My main focus is improving my tackling and understanding where my help is on defense,” Wilson said. “I also want to be more vocal and take on more of a leadership role.”Rebuilding the Offensive Line
Georgia faces a major transition on the offensive line after losing four starters to the NFL. Redshirt sophomore Earnest Greene III, now one of the most experienced linemen, sees spring practice as a crucial time for younger players to step up.
“You come to the University of Georgia to compete,” Greene said. “Everybody here is talented, but it’s about maxing out their potential. Whether it’s in the weight room or on the field, we have to push ourselves to get better every day.”A Challenging Road Ahead
Georgia’s 2025 schedule includes high-profile matchups against Alabama, Texas, Auburn, and Florida, setting the stage for another demanding season. Smart knows the difficulty of the road ahead but remains confident in his team’s preparation.
“It’s going to be really hard,” Smart said. “The schedule is brutal, and it’s not getting any easier. The key is how we handle adversity and continue to improve.”
As the Bulldogs take the field for spring practice, Smart’s message is clear—work hard, compete, and build a foundation for another championship run.
