Georgia Bulldog CJ Allen Listed as Top-10 Returning Linebacker in College Football
In college football, the linebacker position often serves as the backbone of a team’s defense, combining athleticism, leadership, and football IQ to disrupt opposing offenses. The University of Georgia, one of the most successful and dominant football programs of the past decade, has produced a slew of outstanding linebackers, and the 2025 season is no exception. Among the rising stars at Georgia, linebacker CJ Allen has garnered significant attention, being listed as one of the top-10 returning linebackers in college football. This recognition is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the high expectations placed on his shoulders as he looks to build on an already impressive career.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into CJ Allen’s journey to becoming one of college football’s most highly regarded linebackers, examining his background, skills, and potential impact on the upcoming season. We will also explore why Allen’s inclusion among the top-10 returning linebackers is so significant for both his personal development and for the Georgia Bulldogs’ quest to remain among the elite teams in college football.
1. CJ Allen’s Rise to Prominence
CJ Allen’s journey to becoming one of the top linebackers in college football didn’t happen overnight. The 6’1”, 230-pound linebacker hails from Georgia, a state that has consistently produced some of the nation’s most elite football talent. Raised in a football-centric culture, Allen quickly made a name for himself at the high school level, where his performances on the field showed his potential to play at the highest levels of college football.
Playing for his high school team, Allen demonstrated the traits that would become the foundation of his success: speed, instincts, and a relentless motor. He was not only a dominant force on defense but also a vocal leader on the field. His ability to read offenses, diagnose plays, and make crucial tackles allowed him to stand out among his peers, even in a state known for producing top-tier talent.
Allen’s stellar high school career attracted the attention of college scouts from across the country, but his commitment to the University of Georgia was a natural fit. With Georgia’s longstanding reputation as a powerhouse in college football, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Allen knew that playing for the Bulldogs would provide the best platform for his development. His choice to play for Georgia was also influenced by the program’s history of producing NFL-caliber linebackers and its commitment to defensive excellence under head coach Kirby Smart.
2. The 2024 Season: Proving Himself as a Top-10 Linebacker
In his first full season as a starter for Georgia in 2024, CJ Allen showcased his ability to perform at the highest level. Playing in the competitive SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college football, Allen quickly adjusted to the speed of the game, demonstrating that he belonged among the elite linebackers in the nation.
During the 2024 season, Allen’s playmaking ability was evident in every game. He finished the season with impressive statistics, racking up over 100 tackles, including a significant number of tackles for loss and sacks. His ability to rush the quarterback, drop into coverage, and make stops at or behind the line of scrimmage made him an invaluable asset to Georgia’s defense. His versatility as a linebacker allowed him to be deployed in a variety of ways, whether it was lining up on the edge, in the middle of the field, or covering running backs and tight ends in pass coverage.
Allen’s ability to be effective in all phases of the game—against the run, in pass coverage, and as a rusher—set him apart from other linebackers in college football. His relentless pursuit of the ball carrier and his high football IQ allowed him to anticipate plays before they unfolded, earning him a reputation as a playmaker who could change the course of a game with a single tackle.
Perhaps most notably, Allen demonstrated a high level of leadership and poise as a young player. In big moments, when Georgia’s defense needed a spark, Allen rose to the occasion. His vocal leadership, combined with his on-field performance, made him a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ defense, earning him praise from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike. By the end of the 2024 season, Allen had cemented his status as one of the top linebackers in college football, garnering recognition from several media outlets for his consistent, high-level performances.
3. Why CJ Allen is Ranked as a Top-10 Returning Linebacker
CJ Allen’s inclusion among the top-10 returning linebackers in college football for the 2025 season speaks to his skill set, his impact on Georgia’s defense, and his potential to continue growing into one of the best players in the country. So, what sets Allen apart and makes him deserving of such high recognition?
Elite Physical Tools
One of the first things that stands out about CJ Allen is his physical profile. At 6’1” and 230 pounds, he has the ideal build for a modern linebacker—compact, powerful, and fast. His size allows him to take on blockers in the box while maintaining the agility to chase down ball carriers on the outside. Moreover, his speed and quickness give him an edge when dropping into coverage or rushing the passer. His combination of size, speed, and strength allows him to cover a vast amount of ground on the field and make plays from sideline to sideline.
Football IQ and Awareness
Football IQ is often one of the most undervalued aspects of a linebacker’s game, but it is a critical factor in CJ Allen’s success. His ability to read offenses, identify plays, and quickly react in coverage or against the run has been a key part of his game since his high school days. Allen’s instincts allow him to position himself in the right place at the right time, making him a consistent tackler and a disruptive force for opposing offenses.
In addition to his physical and mental tools, Allen’s awareness on the field makes him an asset in any defensive scheme. Whether it’s recognizing a screen pass or diagnosing a zone read, Allen’s ability to anticipate plays gives him an edge over many of his peers.
Versatility in Georgia’s Defensive System
Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has developed one of the most sophisticated and aggressive defenses in college football. As a linebacker, Allen plays a key role in Smart’s defense, and his versatility has been critical to the success of the Bulldogs’ defense. In Georgia’s system, linebackers are asked to perform a variety of tasks, from rushing the passer to covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Allen’s ability to excel in all areas of the game, particularly in the pass rush and coverage, has made him a weapon in multiple defensive schemes. Whether he’s lining up as a traditional inside linebacker or being used as an edge rusher in certain situations, Allen’s adaptability makes him a key cog in Georgia’s defensive machine.
Leadership and Intangibles
In addition to his on-field prowess, CJ Allen possesses the leadership qualities that are so crucial to a successful defense. A linebacker is often seen as the quarterback of the defense, tasked with making adjustments and ensuring everyone is aligned correctly. Allen’s ability to lead by example, both on and off the field, makes him a player his teammates can rely on.
His vocal leadership and work ethic have earned him the respect of his coaches and peers, and his impact extends beyond his individual performances. The success of Georgia’s defense in 2024 was in part due to Allen’s leadership and the confidence he instilled in his fellow defenders. With another year of development, Allen is poised to further grow into a player who can take control of the defense and lead Georgia to even greater success in 2025.
4. CJ Allen’s Potential Impact in 2025
As a top-10 returning linebacker, CJ Allen’s presence will be felt throughout the 2025 college football season. With a talented roster around him and Georgia’s continued dominance in the SEC, Allen will play a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ efforts to remain one of the top teams in the country.
One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 season will be how Allen builds on his breakout performance from the previous year. While he already established himself as a key player in Georgia’s defense, the 2025 season offers him the chance to further cement his legacy as one of the premier linebackers in college football. As he develops, expect Allen to take on more responsibility and further elevate his play.
Georgia’s defense has consistently been a strength of the team, and with Allen leading the charge, they will look to continue their dominance. The combination of Allen’s playmaking ability, leadership, and football IQ makes him a central figure for Georgia as they look to maintain their place among the college football elite.
A Bright Future for CJ Allen and Georgia Football
CJ Allen’s inclusion among the top-10 returning linebackers in college football is a well-deserved recognition of his skill set, leadership, and potential. As he enters the 2025 season, Allen is poised to further elevate his game and continue his development into one of the nation’s top defensive players. His impact on Georgia’s defense will be critical as the Bulldogs look to remain a force in the SEC and on the national stage.
With Allen leading the defense, Georgia is positioned to once again compete for a national championship. His ability to play in all phases of the game—whether in the run game, pass coverage, or as a rusher—makes him one of the most complete linebackers in college football today. As he continues to grow and refine his game, CJ Allen has the potential to become one of the best linebackers in the country and leave a lasting legacy at the University of Georgia.
