Paul Finebaum Reveals His Biggest Concern for Georgia in 2025: What Could Hinder the Bulldogs’ Quest for Another Championship?

As the Georgia Bulldogs continue to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in college football under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart, the team’s expectations for the future couldn’t be higher. After winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, Georgia has solidified its place as one of the sport’s elite teams. Yet, even with their dominant performance over the past few seasons, there are still concerns lingering on the horizon.

Paul Finebaum, one of the most influential voices in college football, recently weighed in on Georgia’s prospects for the 2025 season, offering his thoughts on what could prevent the Bulldogs from maintaining their championship-caliber level. Finebaum, known for his insightful commentary and often candid opinions on college football, voiced his biggest concern for the Bulldogs heading into 2025, and the implications of that concern are something that Georgia fans and the college football world at large are paying close attention to.

In this article, we’ll explore Paul Finebaum’s biggest concern for Georgia in 2025, the possible roadblocks the Bulldogs could face in their pursuit of another national championship, and what changes the team may need to make to ensure they remain at the top of college football.

Georgia’s Dominance Under Kirby Smart

Before diving into Finebaum’s concerns, it’s important to first take a moment to recognize just how dominant Georgia has been under Kirby Smart. Since taking over as head coach in 2016, Smart has turned Georgia into a powerhouse program. The Bulldogs have won two national championships, multiple SEC titles, and have become a consistent playoff contender year after year. Their success has been built on a combination of elite recruiting, excellent player development, and a dominant defense that has set the standard in college football.

In recent years, the Bulldogs have developed a reputation for being an all-around team, excelling on both sides of the ball. With players like quarterback Stetson Bennett, defensive standouts like Jalen Carter and Nakobe Dean, and an ever-growing list of high draft picks, Georgia’s talent pipeline has shown no signs of slowing down.

As of 2024, Georgia remains one of the top contenders for another national championship. However, despite all the success, there are a few areas where the Bulldogs might face challenges in the near future. Paul Finebaum’s biggest concern for Georgia in 2025 addresses one of these critical issues.

Finebaum’s Concern: The Quarterback Situation

One of the most important areas of focus for any championship-caliber team is the quarterback position. As the leader of the offense, the quarterback is often the difference between winning and losing games. Over the years, Georgia has had some memorable quarterback performances, with Stetson Bennett leading the team to two national titles. However, with Bennett’s departure after the 2023 season, Georgia is left with significant questions about who will step into the role and whether they can maintain the high level of play at the position.

In 2025, the Bulldogs may face an uncertain quarterback situation, and Paul Finebaum has highlighted this as his primary concern moving forward. While Georgia has talent on the roster, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the position. Finebaum noted that in order for Georgia to continue their dominance, the team will need a quarterback who can not only manage the offense but elevate it to championship-winning levels.

At the time of writing, Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff are among the quarterbacks vying for the starting job. Both are highly touted prospects, but neither has the experience that a player like Bennett brought to the table. Beck, who has seen limited action in the past, will need to step up if he is named the starter. Vandagriff, on the other hand, is known for his physical tools but has also been limited in his game experience. Georgia also has Gunner Stockton, a highly ranked freshman, who could be a factor in the quarterback competition in the coming seasons.

The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position is something that could impact Georgia’s ability to repeat their past success in 2025. Finebaum specifically pointed out that the Bulldogs will need a leader who can step into a high-pressure environment and deliver on the big stage. The SEC, with its elite defenses and competitive nature, will provide a significant challenge for whoever starts under center. With programs like Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee continuing to rise in prominence, Georgia’s quarterback play could be the deciding factor in whether they are able to make another run at a national title.

Adjusting to New Offensive Philosophies

Another area of concern for Finebaum regarding Georgia’s 2025 campaign is the potential evolution of the offense. While Georgia has traditionally been known for its dominant defense under Smart, the offense has evolved in recent years to keep pace with the changing landscape of college football. However, there remains the question of whether Georgia’s offensive system can continue to evolve and keep up with the SEC’s increasingly high-powered offenses.

Finebaum noted that Georgia will need to continue adapting its offensive strategy to stay on top of the competition. While the Bulldogs have made strides in developing a more dynamic passing game, there is still room for improvement. With talented quarterbacks like Beck and Vandagriff, the Bulldogs have the opportunity to open up their offense even more, but they will need to rely on the right offensive coordinator and game plans to maximize their potential.

Georgia has recently made moves to address their offensive system by hiring a new offensive coordinator. Mike Bobo, who returned to Georgia as offensive coordinator, will have a big task ahead of him to continue developing a potent offense while maintaining the balance that has worked so well for the Bulldogs. The key will be finding the right balance between the run and pass game, ensuring that the offense can be both explosive and efficient.

With the SEC becoming increasingly focused on offensive prowess, teams like Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss have built powerful offenses, forcing Georgia to stay competitive on that side of the ball. If Georgia struggles to develop a more dynamic passing attack or can’t find a quarterback who can execute at a high level, Finebaum believes that could be a major hindrance to their chances of winning another national title.

Recruiting and Talent Development

Even as Georgia continues to recruit at an elite level, another challenge that Finebaum pointed out is the pressure to maintain its success in player development. Georgia has consistently ranked near the top of the recruiting rankings, bringing in some of the best talent in the country. The Bulldogs have a roster full of future NFL prospects, particularly on defense, and have been able to reload every season with high-level talent.

However, as Finebaum notes, there is always a risk that Georgia could face challenges in retaining top talent or dealing with injuries. The Bulldogs’ ability to develop players beyond their recruiting rankings will be a key factor in sustaining their dominance in 2025 and beyond. Smart’s reputation for developing players into high-level performers will continue to be tested as Georgia faces new challenges on and off the field.

Another aspect to consider is how Georgia handles the changing landscape of college football with the addition of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal. While Georgia has been successful in recruiting and developing talent, it’s important to acknowledge that the dynamics of college football are shifting rapidly. The competition for talent is only increasing, and maintaining a top-notch roster will be an ongoing challenge for Smart and his staff.

As Paul Finebaum revealed, the biggest concern for Georgia heading into the 2025 season lies in their quarterback situation, the need for offensive evolution, and maintaining their recruitment and player development excellence. While Georgia remains one of the most dominant programs in college football, these issues could be the key factors that either propel them to a third national championship or prevent them from continuing their reign at the top.

With Kirby Smart leading the way and the Bulldogs’ track record of success, Georgia is far from being in a bad position. However, addressing these concerns will be crucial if they are to fend off rising competitors and achieve continued greatness. The 2025 season will undoubtedly be a defining year for the Bulldogs, and how they adapt to these challenges could determine whether they can keep their place as college football’s elite program.