What will happen to Georgia football next? Important dates for the Bulldogs in the future

Georgia football has been on an incredible run in recent years. The Bulldogs have established themselves as one of the top programs in the country under head coach Kirby Smart, with back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022, and a consistent presence in the College Football Playoff (CFP). But with the end of the 2023 season, questions about Georgia’s future are beginning to emerge. Will they maintain their elite status? What does the future hold for this storied program, especially after a roster overhaul and the challenges that come with staying at the top?

As one of college football’s premier programs, Georgia’s next steps will not just be about maintaining their current success, but about evolving and adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. The Bulldogs’ trajectory will be influenced by a mix of recruiting, player development, coaching decisions, and how they navigate the upcoming pivotal dates and events.

This article will look ahead to the key dates and developments for Georgia football in the coming years, examining what fans, analysts, and the program itself should expect and focus on as they look to secure their place in college football’s future.

1. The 2024 Recruiting Cycle: Georgia’s Incoming Class

One of the most immediate and significant impacts on Georgia’s future will come from the recruiting trail. For a program that has dominated in recent years, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, securing top-tier talent year after year is critical. The Bulldogs’ 2024 recruiting class is already shaping up to be a pivotal one, with multiple 5-star recruits and elite players committing to Georgia.

• Key Dates for Recruiting:
  • National Signing Day (February 7, 2024): National Signing Day marks the culmination of the 2024 recruiting cycle, and for Georgia, it will be an opportunity to lock down commitments from the remaining top-tier targets on their board. In particular, the Bulldogs are expected to finalize the signing of a few key defensive recruits, continuing their tradition of bringing in elite talent to the front seven.
  • Early Signing Period (December 2024): As in previous years, the early signing period will be an important marker for Kirby Smart and his staff. It’s likely that many of Georgia’s highest-profile recruits will sign early, and this will allow the Bulldogs to begin assembling their roster for the 2024 season. The early signing period provides Smart and his team with the flexibility to focus on the next phase of their offseason plans and potentially look to the transfer portal for final roster adjustments.

Georgia’s ability to consistently recruit the best talent in the country, especially in a competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), has been a key component of their success. The 2024 class, which includes some of the top defensive and offensive players in the nation, will play a major role in shaping Georgia’s ability to remain competitive for years to come.

2. The 2024 College Football Season: Will Georgia Repeat as National Champions?

The 2024 college football season is likely to be a defining moment for Georgia football, as they aim to continue their dominance in the SEC and the national spotlight. With a new quarterback under center, the Bulldogs will face significant challenges in replacing Stetson Bennett, who led them to two national titles.

• Important Dates for the 2024 Season:
  • September 2024: SEC Opener vs. South Carolina: Georgia will begin their SEC schedule with an early test against South Carolina. It will be important for the Bulldogs to come out strong and establish themselves as the SEC front-runner, especially given the challenges of a loaded conference.
  • October 12, 2024: Georgia vs. Alabama (Neutral Site, Mercedes-Benz Stadium): A potential showdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide will have massive implications not only for the SEC but for the College Football Playoff rankings. The Bulldogs have a chance to assert themselves as the dominant SEC program, especially with Nick Saban’s Alabama still in the mix as a national contender.
  • November 2024: Florida-Georgia Game (Jacksonville, FL): The annual rivalry game against Florida is always a tough test. Although Georgia has dominated the series in recent years, the Gators will continue to be a dangerous opponent. The outcome of this game will likely have major playoff implications, especially if both teams are vying for a spot in the postseason.
  • SEC Championship Game (December 2024): If Georgia can navigate the regular season with only one loss or less, they will once again be in position to compete for an SEC Championship. The SEC title game is crucial for any team’s playoff hopes, but for Georgia, it could be even more significant as a way to bolster their résumé for a potential third consecutive playoff berth.

The 2024 season could see the Bulldogs continue their reign, or it could mark the start of a rebuilding phase depending on how quickly their new quarterback adapts. The defense, still led by elite players, will be a strength, but the offense—specifically the quarterback play—will be under close scrutiny.

3. The 2025 NFL Draft: A Crucial Step in Player Development

The 2025 NFL Draft will be a critical milestone for the Georgia football program as they continue to churn out NFL-ready talent. Over the past few years, Georgia has sent a significant number of players to the NFL, and the 2025 draft class is expected to be no different.

• Key Players for the 2025 NFL Draft:
  • Jalen Carter (DT): The Bulldogs’ defensive line will once again feature standout talent, and Jalen Carter, who is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, is one of the top defensive prospects in the country. Carter’s potential departure will leave a massive hole on the Bulldogs’ defensive line, and the team will need to find a way to replace his presence in the middle.
  • Brock Bowers (TE): One of the most talented tight ends in the country, Brock Bowers will be a key player for Georgia in the 2024 season. Should he declare for the draft after the 2024 season, his departure will represent a major loss for Georgia’s offense, and finding another player who can match his production will be a priority moving forward.
  • Kelee Ringo (CB): Georgia’s secondary has been one of the best in the nation, and Kelee Ringo is expected to be a high draft pick in 2025. His size, athleticism, and ability to lock down top receivers make him a coveted commodity for NFL teams. Georgia will need to replace his lockdown ability in the secondary, and the development of younger corners will be a priority.

The Bulldogs’ ability to consistently develop top-tier talent that makes an impact at the next level is a key factor in their recruiting pitch to high school players. With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, Georgia will be looking to continue their streak of sending elite talent to the league while simultaneously preparing the next generation of Bulldogs to step up.

4. The 2025 College Football Playoff Expansion: A New Era of Postseason Play

Perhaps one of the most significant changes to the landscape of college football in the coming years is the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) from four teams to 12 teams, which will take effect in 2024. This expansion will fundamentally alter the postseason structure, giving more teams a chance to compete for a national championship.

For Georgia, this new format could have significant implications, both positive and negative.

• Key Dates for the 2025 College Football Playoff:
  • 2025 College Football Playoff First-Round Games: The first season with a 12-team playoff will introduce new dynamics to postseason play. Instead of needing to secure a top-four spot to make the playoff, Georgia will now have a greater margin for error in their regular-season schedule, as even a one- or two-loss season may still be enough to qualify.
  • Potential Impact on SEC Playoff Berths: The expanded CFP also increases the chances of multiple SEC teams making the playoff. Teams like Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, and even Texas A&M will be gunning for spots in the expanded postseason. For Georgia, staying ahead of the pack will be crucial, but the addition of more playoff spots could give them a buffer in case they have a setback in the SEC Championship Game or against a rival like Alabama.

The expansion of the CFP could benefit Georgia by providing more flexibility in their playoff path, but it also means the competition will become fiercer, with more teams from the SEC and other conferences eyeing a chance to play for a national title.

5. Long-Term Vision: Sustaining Georgia’s Success into the 2030s

Looking even further into the future, Kirby Smart and Georgia football’s long-term success will depend on several key factors: the development of the next generation of coaches, continued dominance in recruiting, and the ability to adapt to changes in the college football landscape, such as the increasing role of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.

• Key Dates for the Next Decade:
  • 2028 College Football Playoff: By this point, Georgia will have had several seasons to adjust to the new playoff format and navigate the challenges of remaining at the top. As recruiting cycles evolve, Georgia’s ability to maintain its standing as one of the country’s premier programs will be determined by the effectiveness of Smart’s staff in developing players, adapting to NIL, and competing at the highest level both within the SEC and nationally.
  • 2030 Recruiting Class: By 2030, Georgia will likely see several key contributors from their 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes making an impact on the

field. The long-term health of the program will depend on how Smart and his staff continue to attract elite talent and develop future stars who can continue Georgia’s legacy of success.

 Georgia’s Future Is Bright, but Challenges Await

Looking ahead, the future of Georgia football is undoubtedly promising. With strong recruiting classes, a national championship-caliber coaching staff, and an infrastructure that supports continued success, the Bulldogs are well-positioned for years to come. However, the road to sustained dominance is never easy, and Georgia will face numerous challenges—particularly with new postseason structures, evolving roster management strategies, and fierce competition within the SEC.

Georgia’s ability to adapt to these challenges while continuing to develop elite talent will be crucial in determining their success in the coming seasons. For Bulldog fans, the excitement surrounding the next few years will only grow, as the 2024 season and beyond promise to bring new heights, fresh talent, and potentially more national championships.