The 5 Georgia football players who can best help fix the team’s two biggest problems going into 2025

As Georgia football prepares for the 2025 season, the program continues to solidify its status as a powerhouse in college football, thanks in large part to its talented roster and strategic approach. However, even the most successful programs face challenges, and Georgia is no exception. To sustain their dominance and push toward another national championship, they need to address specific issues that could hinder their success. Based on current roster strengths, positional needs, and the evolving landscape of college football, five key players stand out as pivotal figures who can help fix Georgia’s two biggest problems heading into 2025: inconsistent pass protection and the need for dynamic playmakers on offense. This comprehensive analysis explores these issues, identifies the players best suited to address them, and discusses how their contributions can elevate Georgia’s championship aspirations.

—

**Identifying Georgia’s Two Biggest Problems in 2025**

Before delving into individual players, it’s essential to understand the core issues facing Georgia as they approach 2025. While the Bulldogs have been a dominant force, certain recurring challenges can threaten their continued success:

1. **Inconsistent Pass Protection and Offensive Line Stability**
Despite a talented group, Georgia’s offensive line has occasionally struggled with pass protection against high-caliber defenses, especially in high-stakes games. The ability to protect the quarterback and establish a reliable passing game is crucial for Georgia’s offensive efficiency and national title ambitions. Addressing pass protection issues—particularly on third down and in critical moments—is vital.

2. **Lack of Explosive Playmakers and Dynamic Offense**
While Georgia boasts a solid run game and disciplined offense, their ability to generate explosive plays through the air can be inconsistent. The need for a game-changing receiver or tight end who can stretch defenses and create mismatches is a pressing concern. Elevating the offensive dynamism is essential for competing with other elite programs.

—

**The Five Players Who Can Best Help Fix These Problems**

Based on roster composition, player development trajectories, and positional impact, the following five Georgia football players are poised to significantly contribute to resolving these issues:

### 1. **Tackle: Monroe Freeling (or other returning offensive linemen)**—Addressing Pass Protection

While Monroe Freeling transferred to Georgia after starting at Clemson, the Bulldogs’ offensive line in 2025 will rely heavily on experienced, versatile tackles and interior linemen. Among Georgia’s current roster, **Trenton Simpson (if he returns)** or emerging young linemen like **Broderick Jones** (if still eligible) will be crucial. These players can serve as anchors in pass protection schemes, utilizing their size, technique, and experience to neutralize elite pass rushers.

**Why They Matter:**
A reliable tackle who can handle edge rushers one-on-one is essential. Their ability to hold blocks during dropbacks, protect the quarterback’s blind side, and pick up blitzes directly addresses the team’s pass protection issues. Their leadership also sets the tone for the entire offensive line unit.

### 2. **Center: Sedrick Van Pran (or an emerging interior lineman)**—Stabilizing the Offensive Line

A dependable center is vital for communication, line calls, and anchoring the offensive line. Sedrick Van Pran, if he remains with the team, has proven to be a leader and a technically sound player. Alternatively, a young, talented interior lineman like **Jackson Lampley** or a transfer addition could step into this role.

**Impact:**
A strong interior presence ensures better protection schemes, quicker pass sets, and improved run blocking. Enhancing interior line stability directly correlates with fixing pass protection issues.

### 3. **Wide Receiver: Ryan Wingo or Nyckoles Harbor**—Providing Explosive Playmaking

Offensive explosiveness hinges on dynamic receivers who can stretch defenses vertically and make contested catches. **Ryan Wingo**, a highly touted transfer or recruit, has the size, speed, and hands to become a primary deep threat. Similarly, **Nyckoles Harbor**, with his blazing speed, can be a game-changer in the open field.

**Why They Help:**
These players introduce the element of unpredictability and big-play potential, forcing defenses to respect the deep ball and opening up running lanes and intermediate routes. Their ability to create mismatches and make explosive plays addresses the offense’s need for more dynamic options.

### 4. **Tight End: Oscar Delp or a Transfer Tight End**—Creating Mismatches and Play-Action Threats

A versatile tight end like **Oscar Delp** or a new transfer can be instrumental in fixing offensive explosiveness. A tight end with reliable hands, route-running ability, and blocking skills can serve as a security blanket for the quarterback and a mismatch against linebackers and safeties.

**Impact:**
A reliable tight end can dominate in play-action sets, helping to open running lanes and providing a consistent target in the middle of the field, thereby alleviating pressure on wide receivers and improving overall offensive rhythm.

### 5. **Quarterback: Brock Vandagriff or a Transfer Signal-Caller**—Elevating the Passing Game

While Georgia’s quarterback room has been solid, elevating the position to a more consistent, dynamic level is essential. Brock Vandagriff, a talented dual-threat quarterback, or a transfer portal addition from a high-powered program can provide the spark needed to unlock the offense’s full potential.

**Why They Matter:**
A quarterback who can extend plays, make accurate throws under pressure, and execute in clutch moments directly impacts offensive explosiveness and pass protection. Their mobility can help mitigate pass rushes and create additional options for offensive scheming.

—

**How These Players Will Address Georgia’s Biggest Problems**

**1. Fixing Pass Protection:**
The offensive line’s stability is paramount. Talented tackles and interior linemen like Freeling, Van Pran, and emerging young players can improve pass blocking schemes. Their experience, technique, and leadership will reduce sacks, prevent costly penalties, and provide the quarterback time to find open receivers like Wingo or Harbor. These players also set the tone for physicality and discipline, which are core values of Georgia football.

**2. Enhancing Offensive Explosiveness:**
The addition of dynamic receivers Wingo and Harbor adds vertical threat and big-play capability. When defenses are forced to respect the deep ball, it opens up intermediate and running options, making Georgia’s offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend. The tight end, Oscar Delp, further complements this by creating mismatches and providing a reliable target in tight coverage.

**3. Elevating Quarterback Play:**
A mobile, accurate quarterback like Vandagriff or a transfer with proven experience can extend plays, buy extra seconds in the pocket, and make decisive throws. This helps overcome pass protection lapses and turns designed plays into explosive gains. A dual-threat QB also forces defenses to alter their schemes, creating additional opportunities for big plays.

—

**Additional Considerations: Supporting Cast and Development**

While these five players are central to addressing Georgia’s core issues, the overall success depends on the continued development of the roster, coaching adjustments, and strategic play-calling. Georgia’s coaching staff, led by Kirby Smart, emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, and adaptability—all crucial for maximizing these players’ impact.

Furthermore, emerging players such as freshmen or transfer portal additions could develop into key contributors by 2025, providing depth and flexibility. The program’s focus on player development ensures that these five players, along with their teammates, can collectively elevate the team’s performance.

The Path to Continued Dominance**

Georgia’s road to sustained success in 2025 hinges on solving the issues of pass protection and offensive explosiveness. The five players identified—whether through existing roster assets, transfers, or future development—are uniquely positioned to address these challenges. Their contributions will be critical in maintaining Georgia’s status as a national powerhouse, ensuring that the team can compete at the highest level in every game, especially in critical championship moments.

By investing in offensive line stability, acquiring explosive playmakers, and elevating quarterback play, Georgia can create a balanced, dynamic offense capable of overcoming their biggest hurdles. The strategic deployment and development of these five players will not only fix current problems but also set the foundation for sustained excellence in the years to come. As Georgia continues to evolve and refine its roster, these key figures will be instrumental in shaping the team’s trajectory toward more titles and a legacy of dominance in college football.