Georgia RB Trevor Etienne announces for 2025 NFL Draft: Why it’s a setback to the Bulldogs

In an unexpected but not entirely surprising development, Trevor Etienne, the star running back for the Georgia Bulldogs, has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Etienne’s decision to leave Georgia early is a significant moment in the Bulldogs’ offseason and has shaken the college football world. While it may seem like a natural progression for a player of Etienne’s talent, his departure leaves a major hole in Georgia’s offense and presents a series of challenges for head coach Kirby Smart and his coaching staff as they look to maintain their status as one of the premier programs in the country.

Etienne’s decision to leave early has far-reaching implications for Georgia’s offense, particularly its rushing attack. While Georgia has long been known for its depth and talent at running back, Etienne was one of the most productive and dynamic players at the position in college football. His explosive running style, paired with his ability to contribute in the passing game, made him an integral part of the Bulldogs’ offense. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming seasons, as Georgia now faces the challenge of replacing one of the top running backs in the nation.

In this article, we will break down the reasons why Etienne’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft is a setback for Georgia, what it means for the Bulldogs’ immediate future, and how the program will look to adjust and overcome the loss.

1. Trevor Etienne’s Impact on Georgia’s Offense

Trevor Etienne’s contributions to Georgia’s offense cannot be overstated. Over the past two seasons, Etienne had emerged as one of the best running backs in college football, establishing himself as both a workhorse and a dynamic playmaker. As a true freshman, Etienne wasted no time making an impact, rushing for over 1,200 yards and scoring double-digit touchdowns. His combination of size, speed, and vision allowed him to consistently break off big runs, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field made him one of the most difficult players to tackle in the SEC.

In his sophomore season, Etienne’s role only grew. As Georgia’s primary running back, he carried a heavier load and played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ offense. In 2024, Etienne rushed for over 1,400 yards, scored 15 touchdowns, and continued to prove his versatility as a receiving back, catching passes out of the backfield and becoming a significant factor in the passing game. His ability to both run between the tackles and make explosive plays on the perimeter allowed Georgia to keep defenses on their toes. Etienne’s skill set made him an ideal fit in offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s scheme, and his presence was a key reason why Georgia’s offense remained balanced and potent.

But beyond his statistics, Etienne’s leadership on the field was invaluable. He brought a work ethic and intensity that rubbed off on his teammates, and his ability to make plays in crucial moments made him a go-to player in high-pressure situations. His leadership was particularly important in Georgia’s high-stakes games, including their matchups against top-ranked SEC foes and in the College Football Playoff.

In essence, Trevor Etienne was a game-changer for Georgia, and his loss leaves a noticeable gap in the Bulldogs’ offensive identity. The Bulldogs now face the challenge of replacing Etienne’s production and leadership, and this will undoubtedly be one of the most significant storylines heading into the 2025 season.

2. Why Etienne’s Departure Is a Setback for Georgia

While it is certainly exciting for Etienne to be moving on to the NFL and securing his future as a professional football player, his departure creates a number of challenges for Georgia that cannot be easily overcome. Below are some of the main reasons why Etienne’s decision to leave early is a setback for the Bulldogs.

1. Loss of a Feature Back: Trevor Etienne was not just any running back. He was the centerpiece of Georgia’s rushing attack, and his ability to control the game with his physical running style was a major asset. Without Etienne, Georgia lacks a clear, proven feature back who can step into the starting role and replicate his production. While the Bulldogs have other talented backs on the roster, none of them have demonstrated the same level of consistency and explosiveness that Etienne brought to the table. As a result, Georgia will have to adjust their offensive scheme and potentially rely more on their passing game, which could alter the balance that has been a hallmark of their success in recent years.

2. Impact on Recruiting and Depth: Although Georgia has historically been a powerhouse when it comes to recruiting running backs, Etienne’s departure means that the program will have to rely more heavily on incoming freshmen or younger players who have not yet proven themselves in major college football games. While there is no shortage of talent at the running back position, replacing a player of Etienne’s caliber will require time and development. Georgia will need to recruit players who can immediately contribute or develop their existing running backs quickly to maintain their success on the ground.

3. Adjustments to Offensive Identity: Georgia’s offense has thrived on a balanced attack, with a strong ground game that sets up their explosive passing game. Etienne was at the core of this identity, providing stability and consistency to the offense. Losing him will force the Bulldogs to reimagine how they approach their offense. The offensive line will still play a crucial role in establishing the run, but it’s unclear whether any of the current running backs can pick up the slack in the way Etienne could. This may force Georgia to change their offensive game plan, especially in tight games where running the ball is critical for controlling the clock and maintaining possession.

4. A Loss of Explosiveness: One of Etienne’s greatest attributes was his ability to change the game with one play. Whether it was breaking a long run for a touchdown or catching a screen pass and turning it into a big gain, Etienne could flip the momentum of a game in an instant. His acceleration, vision, and burst were elite, and he was a constant threat to break off a big play. Replacing that level of explosiveness won’t be easy, and Georgia will have to find new ways to keep their offense dynamic and unpredictable.

5. NFL Draft Impact: Etienne’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft also puts Georgia in a difficult position from a roster-building perspective. With the NFL Draft looming, the Bulldogs will need to prepare for life without Etienne while simultaneously focusing on future recruiting cycles. Given the high expectations for Georgia as an elite program, losing one of the top players in the country means they must work even harder to maintain their standing as a national championship contender.

3. How Georgia Can Adjust Without Etienne

While Etienne’s departure certainly creates challenges, Georgia has a strong program with a deep roster that can help mitigate some of the impact. The Bulldogs will need to adjust to life without their star running back, but this is far from an insurmountable obstacle.

1. Relying on a Committee Approach: The first adjustment will likely be a running back by committee approach. Georgia has a number of talented running backs on the roster, and they will likely split carries in an effort to replace Etienne’s production. Players like Kendall Milton, Daijun Edwards, and sophomore Branson Robinson could see increased roles next season. While none of these players may possess Etienne’s elite combination of skills, they are all highly capable and have shown flashes of brilliance in the past. A committee approach could allow Georgia to maintain a strong rushing attack, even without one clear feature back.

2. Development of Young Talent: With Etienne leaving, Georgia will need to continue to develop young talent at the running back position. The Bulldogs have brought in highly touted recruits who could emerge as contributors in the future. Freshmen and redshirt freshmen will likely get more opportunities to prove themselves in practices and games. With Georgia’s track record of developing talent, it’s only a matter of time before they find their next great running back.

3. Diversifying the Offense: Georgia could look to diversify its offensive approach in the post-Etienne era. While they will likely remain a run-first team, the loss of such a dynamic player may push them to lean more on the passing game, especially with talented quarterbacks and receivers at their disposal. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo may introduce new schemes that take advantage of Georgia’s passing attack, giving them a more well-rounded offensive approach that can still be explosive.

4. Offensive Line Play: Ultimately, much of Georgia’s success without Etienne will come down to the play of their offensive line. The Bulldogs have a consistently strong offensive line, and if they can continue to open up holes in the run game, Georgia’s running backs will have the opportunity to thrive. The offensive line will need to work even harder to establish the run and keep the offense on schedule.