Two Georgia Bulldogs are among the top 100 returning college football players.
As college football continues to evolve and grow in intensity, some programs remain at the forefront, consistently developing elite talent and winning championships. The University of Georgia has long been recognized as one of those programs. Under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart, the Georgia Bulldogs have not only maintained their position as a top-tier program but have continued to rise in prominence, competing for national championships year after year.
As the 2025 college football season draws near, attention is beginning to shift toward the players who will define the next chapter of Georgia football. Among them, two Bulldogs have garnered significant attention as they are named among the top 100 returning players in college football. These players, recognized for their remarkable talents, contributions, and leadership, are poised to play pivotal roles in Georgia’s quest to build on their recent successes and return to the top of college football.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at these two standout Georgia Bulldogs, exploring their achievements, their potential for the upcoming season, and what their inclusion in the top 100 returning college football players means for the program as a whole. Additionally, we will consider how these athletes fit into Georgia’s broader trajectory under Kirby Smart and what their presence can mean for the Bulldogs’ pursuit of another SEC Championship and perhaps a national title.
Who Are the Top 100 Returning Players?
Before diving into the two Bulldogs on this prestigious list, it’s important to understand what it means to be named one of the top 100 returning players in college football. This list, compiled by analysts, coaches, and scouting experts, recognizes the players who have shown extraordinary performance and have a proven track record of success. These players are expected to play an integral role in their respective programs for the upcoming season.
The criteria for inclusion in the top 100 are varied, but generally, it includes a combination of past performance, potential for future success, and the ability to impact games on the field. This list typically includes players from all over the country—at all positions—so for two Georgia Bulldogs to make the cut speaks volumes about the talent and depth of the program. The selection underscores their individual accomplishments and the broader reputation of Georgia football as one of the premier programs in the country.
The First Georgia Bulldog: Brock Bowers – A Force at Tight End
When discussing Georgia’s top returning players, one name stands out immediately: Brock Bowers. The 6’4″, 240-pound tight end has already made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in college football. A key contributor to Georgia’s offense, Bowers has consistently been a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, combining a rare blend of size, athleticism, and hands that make him one of the top pass-catching threats in the nation.
Bowers’ Impact on Georgia’s Offense
Brock Bowers has been a central figure in Georgia’s high-powered offense under Kirby Smart. As a freshman in 2021, he burst onto the scene with 56 receptions for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns. He followed that up with even better numbers in 2022, catching 63 passes for 942 yards and 7 touchdowns, despite facing some of the toughest defenses in the nation. Bowers has developed into not only one of Georgia’s most reliable targets but also one of the most dangerous playmakers in the country.
Bowers’ ability to line up in multiple positions on the field, from tight end to wide receiver, gives offensive coordinator Mike Bobo the flexibility to design a variety of plays that highlight Bowers’ skill set. His blocking is also a key asset, helping to establish the running game and providing solid protection for Georgia’s quarterbacks.
Why He’s One of the Top 100 Returning Players
What sets Bowers apart from other tight ends is his sheer athleticism and ability to create mismatches. At 240 pounds, he moves with the agility of a wide receiver, making him nearly impossible to cover for defenders. He has the hands to catch passes in tight spaces, the speed to outrun defenders, and the strength to break tackles. These attributes have earned him numerous accolades, including All-SEC and All-American honors in both 2021 and 2022.
His ability to be a primary weapon in the passing game, combined with his exceptional blocking ability, has made him indispensable to Georgia’s offense. As the 2025 season approaches, Bowers is expected to be one of the top targets for quarterback Carson Beck or whoever leads the Bulldogs’ offense. His leadership and experience will be key as Georgia looks to maintain its elite status in the SEC and continue its pursuit of a national championship.
What’s Next for Bowers?
Looking ahead, Brock Bowers has the potential to continue rewriting the record books for Georgia and college football in general. While his numbers have been impressive thus far, there is still room for improvement in his game, particularly in his route-running and ability to create separation from defenders. As Georgia continues to develop its offense around him, Bowers will only become a more integral part of the game plan.
With his combination of talent and work ethic, it’s not out of the question for Bowers to leave a legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in college football history. His place in the top 100 returning players is not just a reflection of his past achievements but a strong indication that he will remain one of the most impactful players in the country throughout the 2025 season.
The Second Georgia Bulldog: Jalen Carter – A Defensive Dynamo
The second Bulldog to make the list of top 100 returning players is none other than Jalen Carter, one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country. A centerpiece of Georgia’s fearsome defensive front, Carter has already made a name for himself as one of the most disruptive forces in college football. His size, strength, and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, and he’s proven to be a game-changer in the trenches.
Carter’s Impact on Georgia’s Defense
Jalen Carter has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s defense for the past few seasons, playing a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ success on that side of the ball. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 310 pounds, Carter possesses the rare combination of size, strength, and explosiveness that allows him to dominate both as a pass rusher and a run defender. In 2022, Carter registered 31 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks, helping anchor a defense that was one of the best in the nation.
Carter’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield has made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and running backs. His quickness off the line of scrimmage allows him to get into the backfield before offensive linemen can even get a hand on him. Additionally, his strength allows him to push through double teams, freeing up other defenders to make plays.
Why He’s One of the Top 100 Returning Players
Carter is considered one of the most complete defensive linemen in college football, and his ability to impact both the running game and the passing game makes him an invaluable asset for Georgia. His combination of size and speed allows him to excel in virtually every aspect of the defensive line, and he has already earned multiple All-SEC honors for his stellar play.
Beyond his individual accolades, Carter’s presence on the field elevates the entire Georgia defense. His ability to collapse the pocket and pressure the quarterback allows Georgia’s linebackers and secondary players to capitalize on mistakes and create turnovers. As Georgia continues to maintain its defensive dominance under Kirby Smart, Jalen Carter will be a key figure in ensuring that the Bulldogs remain one of the top defensive teams in the country.
What’s Next for Carter?
With his skill set, Jalen Carter is expected to be one of the top players in college football throughout the 2025 season. His ability to dominate in the trenches makes him an ideal candidate for a top draft pick when he decides to enter the NFL. However, Carter’s immediate focus will be on helping Georgia continue its dominance on defense, shutting down opponents in the SEC and beyond.
As the 2025 season progresses, Carter will be relied upon to lead Georgia’s defense, both with his play on the field and his leadership in the locker room. His role as a defensive leader will be critical in maintaining Georgia’s position as one of the nation’s top teams.
The Significance for Georgia Football
Having two players—Brock Bowers and Jalen Carter—ranked among the top 100 returning players is a testament to the continued excellence of Georgia football. These two athletes not only represent the Bulldogs’ success on the field but also demonstrate the program’s ability to recruit and develop elite talent year after year.
For Kirby Smart and the Georgia coaching staff, the presence of Bowers and Carter in the top 100 is a reflection of the program’s ongoing commitment to excellence. With these two players leading the charge on both sides of the ball, Georgia is positioned to continue its run as one of the top programs in college football.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Bulldogs will look to these two players to anchor their offense and defense, respectively. Their inclusion in the top 100 returning players is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful season for Georgia football.
