Georgia benefits greatly from Nate Frazier, but the Bulldogs must more from their running game.

As the Georgia Bulldogs look to continue their march toward a national title and maintain their status as one of college football’s premier programs, one of the biggest assets for their success in 2025 has been the presence of star recruit Nate Frazier. Frazier, a highly touted running back, has quickly become a key part of Georgia’s offensive attack, showing flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be one of the program’s most important players in the coming years.

However, while the Bulldogs benefit greatly from Frazier’s talent and vision, one thing has become increasingly clear: Georgia must get more from their running game as a whole if they are to succeed in the postseason and meet the expectations of their passionate fanbase. Frazier’s development is vital, but the team’s running back corps needs depth, consistency, and more explosiveness to stay competitive against some of the nation’s best defenses.

This article explores Georgia’s current running game, the role of Nate Frazier in it, and how the Bulldogs can improve their ground attack moving forward.

Nate Frazier’s Impact on Georgia’s Offense

The 2025 season has seen Nate Frazier emerge as one of the most exciting young running backs in college football. Known for his combination of speed, vision, and elusive running style, Frazier has quickly become a fan favorite and a focal point of Georgia’s offensive strategy. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field, combined with his knack for finding the right holes in the offensive line, makes him a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.

Early Impressions and Big Plays
Frazier has been a revelation since stepping onto the field for Georgia. His first few games have been filled with explosive runs, showcasing his breakaway speed and ability to shake off tacklers. Whether he’s running through gaps created by Georgia’s powerful offensive line or bouncing outside to take advantage of the edges, Frazier has proven he can be a game-changer. His performance against several top SEC teams has already placed him on the radar as one of the most promising backs in college football.

Playmaking Ability
Frazier’s playmaking ability is undeniable. His vision allows him to see opportunities that other backs might miss, and he has shown an ability to turn short runs into significant gains. His ability to exploit mismatches—whether it’s against slower linebackers or over-committed defenses—has been crucial for Georgia’s offensive balance. Frazier is also capable of making plays in the passing game, creating mismatches when lined up in the slot or as a safety valve for quarterback Carson Beck.

In a league like the SEC, where powerful defenses can shut down the most talented teams, having a back like Frazier gives Georgia a clear advantage in offensive firepower. However, while Frazier’s individual skills are shining, the overall success of the Bulldogs’ running game hinges on other factors as well.

Georgia’s Running Game: Beyond Nate Frazier

While Nate Frazier has quickly become a standout player for Georgia, the Bulldogs’ running game, as a whole, has been inconsistent at times. A potent running game has been central to Georgia’s identity under head coach Kirby Smart, but in 2025, there are still areas for improvement in terms of execution, depth, and offensive line performance.

Depth at the Running Back Position
In addition to Frazier’s talent, Georgia is fortunate to have a stable of capable running backs behind him. Players like Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards have provided solid contributions, but neither has emerged as the clear-cut second option in the running back room. This lack of depth could become an issue, especially as the season wears on and opposing defenses begin to key in on Frazier’s playmaking ability.

Milton and Edwards are both experienced players who have flashed the ability to make plays, but their inconsistency has held Georgia back from achieving the dominant running game they need to balance their offensive attack. Without another running back who can consistently contribute in key moments, the Bulldogs may find themselves too reliant on Frazier, making them easier to defend against.

The need for another reliable back to emerge behind Frazier is crucial if Georgia wants to challenge for a national championship. A committee approach to the running game, with multiple backs able to carry the load, will be necessary to keep defenses on their toes and prevent fatigue from setting in late in the season.

Inconsistency Up Front: Offensive Line Play
Even with Frazier’s ability to create explosive runs, the success of Georgia’s running game often comes down to the performance of their offensive line. The Bulldogs’ offensive line has been a defining strength of their program for several years, and their ability to generate consistent push in the run game has played a critical role in their success.

However, in 2025, the offensive line has been inconsistent at times. Though they boast a solid group of big, physical blockers, there have been moments where Georgia’s offensive line has struggled to create the kind of consistent push required to open up the running game. The team’s rushing yards per carry are lower than in years past, and there have been instances where plays have been blown up in the backfield.

The offensive line’s ability to execute at a high level is critical for Georgia’s ground game to reach its full potential. If the line can regain its form, opening holes for Frazier and his running mates, the Bulldogs will have one of the most potent offenses in the SEC.

Power Running Game vs. Speed and Creativity
One of the trademarks of Georgia’s running game has been its ability to grind out tough yards in short-yardage situations. This power running attack has been effective in maintaining control of the clock and wearing down opposing defenses. However, as Frazier continues to develop, it becomes evident that the Bulldogs will need to balance their traditional power running game with more creative, up-tempo approaches that highlight Frazier’s speed and vision.

As talented as Frazier is, his skills would be better maximized in a system that embraces a more dynamic, creative approach to running the football. Using motions, misdirection, and outside zone runs can open up opportunities for explosive plays, something that Georgia has not always been known for.

By complementing their power running game with plays designed to get Frazier to the outside, the Bulldogs can force defenses to defend the entire field. This would allow Frazier to use his speed to get to the edge and turn the corner, while still maintaining the traditional hard-nosed running game that has been a hallmark of Georgia football under Smart.

What Georgia Needs from Their Running Game Moving Forward

To take the next step in 2025 and maximize their potential as a championship contender, Georgia must find ways to get more from their running game. Here are several areas in which the Bulldogs need to improve:

1. Development of a Second Option
Georgia needs another running back to emerge as a legitimate second option behind Frazier. Whether it’s Kendall Milton, Daijun Edwards, or another player in the backfield, the Bulldogs need a reliable ball carrier who can take some of the pressure off Frazier. This will prevent Frazier from wearing down over the course of the season and give Georgia more flexibility on offense.

2. Offensive Line Consistency
As mentioned earlier, the Bulldogs’ offensive line must play with more consistency. While they have the talent to dominate, there have been instances of lapses in blocking and miscommunication. Georgia’s offensive line needs to focus on maintaining their physicality and finishing blocks to open running lanes for Frazier and the other backs.

3. More Creativity in the Running Game
Georgia has historically been a power-run team, and while this strategy works well, they must incorporate more creative play designs that cater to Frazier’s strengths. More outside zone runs, stretch plays, and misdirection will force defenses to play the entire field, opening up big-play opportunities.

4. Balancing the Pass and Run Game
Georgia must also find a balance between their passing and running game. Quarterback Carson Beck is a capable passer, but relying too heavily on the passing game could make the offense one-dimensional. By incorporating more running plays to complement Beck’s arm and spreading the field, Georgia can keep defenses off balance and continue to control the clock.

 Frazier’s Promise and the Path Forward

Nate Frazier’s emergence has been a bright spot for Georgia’s running game in 2025, but the Bulldogs will need more than just him to reach their ultimate goal. By developing a deeper, more consistent backfield, fixing their offensive line inconsistencies, and incorporating more creative running schemes, Georgia can become a more dynamic and balanced offense. The team’s ability to improve its running game will be a key factor in determining how far they can go in the SEC and beyond.

If the Bulldogs can put it all together, with Frazier leading the charge, their running game could once again become one of the most dominant in college football, helping to propel Georgia back to the top of the national rankings and ultimately, a championship.