In 2025, four defensive players from Georgia will see more playing time.
In 2025, Four Defensive Players from Georgia Will See More Playing Time: Key Bulldogs to Watch
As the University of Georgia Bulldogs enter the 2025 college football season, the defense remains the bedrock of the program’s success under head coach Kirby Smart. With a tradition of producing some of the best defensive units in college football, Georgia’s defense has been a constant force, helping the Bulldogs claim national championships in recent years. However, as with every season, player development and roster turnover will provide opportunities for new stars to emerge.
In 2025, there are four defensive players from Georgia who are poised to see more playing time and make a significant impact on the field. Whether due to graduating seniors, NFL departures, or natural player progression, these players are ready to step up and contribute to the continued dominance of Georgia’s defense.
In this article, we will examine four key defensive players for the Georgia Bulldogs who are expected to see more playing time in 2025. These players have the talent, work ethic, and opportunity to take on larger roles and elevate the team’s performance as Georgia aims for another championship run.
1. MJ Sherman – Outside Linebacker
One of the most exciting players on the Georgia defense heading into the 2025 season is MJ Sherman, an outside linebacker who has been steadily developing over the past few years. As a highly touted recruit, Sherman entered Georgia with high expectations, and now, after playing a more limited role in previous seasons, he is poised for a major breakout in 2025.
Sherman’s Background and Progression
MJ Sherman came to Georgia as one of the top linebacker recruits in the 2021 class, bringing with him elite athleticism and a natural ability to rush the passer. Early in his career, Sherman was part of a loaded linebacker corps, often serving as a rotational player behind established stars like Nolan Smith and Robert Beal. However, with those players now gone and the departure of others, Sherman is in line to take on a much larger role in 2025.
Sherman has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Georgia, particularly as a pass rusher. His blend of size, speed, and physicality makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Now, with more playing time on the horizon, he will have the opportunity to become one of the Bulldogs’ primary edge rushers and a leader of the front seven.
2025 Outlook
In 2025, Sherman is expected to be a full-time starter at outside linebacker for Georgia. With the departure of key players from the 2024 season, including some established veterans in the linebacker room, Sherman’s experience will be invaluable. He will be expected to provide a consistent pass rush, set the edge against the run, and contribute to Georgia’s blitz packages. With his athleticism and development in the Bulldogs’ defensive system, Sherman could become one of the most disruptive defenders on the team in 2025.
2. Tykee Smith – Safety
Another player who is primed for a larger role in 2025 is Tykee Smith, a safety who has been waiting for his chance to shine at Georgia. Smith, who transferred from West Virginia ahead of the 2021 season, has spent the last few years in a somewhat rotational role due to a crowded defensive backfield and injuries that slowed his progression early on. However, entering his senior year, Smith is fully healthy and positioned to take on a more prominent role in Georgia’s secondary.
Smith’s Background and Experience
Tykee Smith is a versatile safety who can play both deep in coverage and closer to the line of scrimmage, making him a valuable asset in Georgia’s diverse defensive scheme. He was a standout at West Virginia before transferring to Georgia, earning All-Big 12 honors and showcasing his ability to create turnovers. While he has made important contributions during his time in Athens, his playing time has been limited by the presence of other talented defensive backs like Christopher Smith and Javon Bullard.
In 2025, however, Smith is in line to see more snaps as a starting safety for Georgia. With Christopher Smith having graduated, the Bulldogs will be looking to fill the leadership void in the secondary, and Tykee Smith is well-positioned to step into that role. His versatility, leadership, and experience in the system will make him a key figure in Georgia’s secondary, which is one of the most critical positions in the team’s defensive scheme.
2025 Outlook
Expect Smith to start at safety for Georgia in 2025, playing both as a deep safety in coverage and as a closer-to-the-line-of-scrimmage defender in the box. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and react quickly to plays will allow him to be a force in Georgia’s defensive backfield. Additionally, his leadership and experience will be important as the Bulldogs’ defense continues to reload and develop young talent in the secondary. Smith’s increased playing time could see him emerge as one of the top safeties in the SEC in 2025.
3. Bear Alexander – Defensive Tackle
The defensive line is another area where Georgia will see significant opportunities for players to step up in 2025, and Bear Alexander is one of the key players expected to seize those opportunities. A standout in high school and an immediate contributor upon arriving at Georgia, Alexander is poised for a breakout season as he continues to develop as one of the Bulldogs’ primary interior defensive linemen.
Alexander’s Background and Development
Bear Alexander came to Georgia as a highly rated recruit, and his combination of size, strength, and athleticism has made him an intriguing prospect. In his first two seasons, Alexander has shown flashes of greatness, particularly as a run-stuffer and an interior pass rusher. His ability to disrupt the pocket and collapse the pocket on opposing quarterbacks gives Georgia another key piece along their defensive line.
While Alexander has seen some playing time in a rotational role, the departure of key defensive linemen such as Jalen Carter and Zion Logue has created an opening for him to step into a full-time role. In 2025, Alexander will have the opportunity to anchor the defensive line alongside players like Warren Brinson and Tramel Walthour.
2025 Outlook
Bear Alexander is expected to start at defensive tackle for Georgia in 2025, bringing his elite physicality and power to the Bulldogs’ front. His ability to disrupt the running game and generate pressure on the quarterback will make him a key player in Georgia’s defensive schemes. As a true interior force, Alexander could emerge as one of the SEC’s top defensive tackles in 2025, further solidifying Georgia’s status as a defensive powerhouse.
4. Malaki Starks – Cornerback
Finally, another player who is primed for more playing time and responsibility in 2025 is Malaki Starks, a cornerback who has made waves since arriving in Athens as part of Georgia’s highly regarded 2022 recruiting class. Although he was initially a safety, Starks has been moved to cornerback, where his length, speed, and athleticism give him the potential to develop into one of the top cover corners in college football.
Starks’ Background and Versatility
Malaki Starks quickly made an impact at Georgia, seeing significant playing time as a freshman in 2022 and showing his ability to cover both big, physical receivers and fast, agile ones. His versatility allowed Georgia to experiment with him in multiple positions, and while he started at safety, the transition to cornerback in 2024 has given him the opportunity to further develop his skills as a lockdown defender.
In 2025, Starks is expected to see more playing time as a starting cornerback, tasked with matching up against some of the top receivers in the SEC and across the country. His natural athleticism, combined with his work ethic and coaching from Smart and defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, makes him a candidate to emerge as one of the top cornerbacks in college football.
2025 Outlook
As a starting cornerback in 2025, Starks will be a key player in Georgia’s secondary. His ability to cover top-tier wide receivers and create turnovers will make him a critical component of the Bulldogs’ defensive game plan. Whether he’s locking down a wide receiver on the outside or playing in a more hybrid role, Starks’ increased playing time in 2025 will be pivotal to Georgia’s continued success on defense.
