Greg McElroy Names College Football Team That Could Be ‘Natty or Bust’ in 2025

The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, as a number of programs are poised to compete for the national championship. With recruiting classes, returning players, and coaching changes all playing major roles, several teams are setting their sights on one goal: winning the national title. According to Greg McElroy, former college football star and current analyst for ESPN, one team stands above the rest in terms of championship expectations—the Georgia Bulldogs.

In a recent segment, McElroy named Georgia as the college football team that could be “Natty or bust” in 2025, pointing to the Bulldogs’ incredible talent, depth, and overall program trajectory. For Georgia, the road to the national championship is clear: anything less than a national title would be considered a failure for Kirby Smart and his squad. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes Georgia the team to watch, why McElroy’s prediction is so fitting, and how they could navigate a potentially challenging road to the national championship.

The Rise of Georgia: A Program on the Verge of Dominance

Under the leadership of Kirby Smart, Georgia football has transformed from a perennial contender to one of the most dominant programs in college football. In just a few short years, Smart has built a program that can rival any in the country, consistently landing top-tier recruits and developing them into future NFL stars. The Bulldogs have become the standard in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a conference that is widely considered the most competitive in college football. As a result, expectations in Athens are higher than ever.

Georgia has already secured two consecutive national championships, defeating Alabama in 2022 and TCU in 2023. The program has now entered a phase where anything less than a national championship is viewed as a disappointment. For Georgia, this is not just about competing for titles; it is about consistently dominating, reloading, and remaining a fixture in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The expectations surrounding the team have reached new heights, with the 2025 season representing a critical moment in their quest for sustained greatness.

Why 2025 Could Be ‘Natty or Bust’ for Georgia

There are several reasons why 2025 could be “Natty or bust” for the Georgia Bulldogs. From their recruiting dominance to their returning talent and coaching stability, Georgia has set themselves up for success. Let’s take a closer look at why McElroy’s prediction about the Bulldogs is spot-on.

1. Elite Recruiting Classes: Reloading at a High Level

One of the most impressive aspects of Georgia’s rise under Kirby Smart has been their ability to consistently recruit at an elite level. Georgia has signed top-ranked recruiting classes year after year, ensuring that they have the talent to contend for national titles. This is not just about signing a few high-profile players here and there; Smart and his staff have built an entire program based on talent and depth at nearly every position.

In the 2024 recruiting cycle, Georgia landed the No. 1 overall recruit, Derrick LeBlanc, a five-star defensive lineman, along with numerous other highly ranked players on both sides of the ball. These players are expected to contribute immediately, continuing Georgia’s tradition of dominating on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Smart’s ability to secure top talent, particularly in the trenches, has been a key factor in Georgia’s success, and it’s one of the primary reasons why the Bulldogs are so dangerous in 2025.

Additionally, Smart has shown a knack for developing his recruits into future NFL stars. Players such as Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Broderick Jones have gone on to have successful professional careers, showcasing Georgia’s ability to produce high-end talent year after year. With a number of talented players entering the program in 2025, Georgia is positioned to reload and remain a national championship contender.

2. Returning Talent: A Loaded Roster

The 2025 Georgia Bulldogs are not just a team built on recruiting; they also have an experienced roster that is loaded with talent. One of the key reasons why expectations are so high for Georgia this season is the number of returning players who have the potential to make a significant impact.

Carson Beck, who will be entering his senior season, is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football in 2025. Beck, who has shown flashes of brilliance over the past few seasons, will have a chance to lead Georgia’s offense to new heights. With a year of starting experience under his belt, Beck will be counted on to lead the offense with poise, accuracy, and the ability to make big-time plays when necessary. His growth and development will be critical for Georgia’s success, and he has the tools to be a difference-maker in the passing game.

Georgia’s offense also boasts one of the top running back rooms in college football, with Kendall Milton and Dajon Edwards providing a powerful one-two punch in the backfield. Both players have the size, speed, and vision to break through any defense, and they will play a major role in Georgia’s offensive attack. The offensive line, which has been a strength for the Bulldogs in recent years, will once again be one of the best in the country. With depth and experience on the offensive line, Georgia’s offense is primed for success in 2025.

Defensively, Georgia continues to dominate. The Bulldogs’ defense is consistently ranked among the best in college football, and the 2025 season will be no different. Players like Mikel Williams and Jamon Dumas-Johnson anchor the front seven, while the secondary is filled with talented athletes who can shut down opposing offenses. Georgia’s defense is known for its physicality, speed, and ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. With an experienced and highly skilled defense, Georgia is well-equipped to slow down any opponent and make a run at the national title.

3. A Coaching Staff That’s Built for Success

Another key factor in Georgia’s success is their coaching staff. Kirby Smart has established himself as one of the best coaches in college football, and his ability to recruit, develop players, and prepare his team for big games has been a driving force behind Georgia’s championship runs. But Smart is not alone in his efforts—he has assembled a coaching staff that is filled with experienced and talented individuals who complement his strengths.

Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo have both had successful careers at the college level and are trusted by Smart to help guide the team. Muschamp, a former head coach, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Georgia’s defense, while Bobo, a longtime offensive mind, is tasked with helping Carson Beck and the rest of the offense reach their full potential. Together, they form a coaching staff that is capable of handling the pressures of high expectations and guiding Georgia to another national championship.

Smart’s ability to adapt and innovate in game plans is another reason why Georgia is poised for success. He is known for making adjustments and ensuring that his team is prepared for every challenge. This ability to think on his feet and make the right decisions during games is one of the factors that makes him so successful, and it will be a key element in Georgia’s quest for a third national title in four years.

4. The SEC Gauntlet: Navigating a Tough Schedule

One of the biggest challenges for Georgia in 2025 will be navigating the tough SEC schedule. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and Georgia will face stiff competition from teams like Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, and Ole Miss, among others. In particular, the matchup with Alabama, a team that has long been considered Georgia’s biggest challenger, will be one of the defining moments of the season.

However, Georgia has shown over the past few seasons that they are more than capable of handling the pressures of the SEC. The Bulldogs have consistently come through in big games and have demonstrated their ability to execute at a high level when it matters most. If Georgia can navigate the challenges of the SEC and remain undefeated, they will not only be in position to make the College Football Playoff but also enter the postseason with momentum.

One factor that could help Georgia is their consistency. While other teams in the SEC may have more volatility in their rosters or coaching staffs, Georgia has a stable foundation built on recruiting, player development, and a proven coaching staff. This stability could prove to be crucial in helping them overcome tough SEC opponents and secure a spot in the national championship.