Saturday, September 6
Athens, Ga.
2:30 p.m.
University of Georgia
vs
Austin Peay
Bulldogs Welcome Governors to Sanford Stadium
September 01, 2025 | Football
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One of Georgia's main themes during the preseason and now into 2025 will be to play with "FPE." Fifty-four percent of Georgia's roster is made of players in their first or second seasons in Athens, and they have displayed youthful exuberance throughout spring, fall camp and in the opener.
After posting a 45-7 win over Marshall last Saturday, Georgia is 102-27-3 in season openers including 10-0 in the Kirby Smart era. The Bulldogs have won 12 straight openers.
In the season opener, the Bulldogs tallied 488 yards of total offense and led 45-0 until the Thundering Herd scored with 10:27 remaining in the contest.
Last Saturday marked only the second career start and first at home for quarterback Gunner Stockton, and he provided four scores, two through the air and two on the ground.
In the opener, Georgia went 3-for-3 on 4th Down conversion attempts and scored two touchdowns. On Georgia's first posession of the season, the Bulldogs had a 4th-and-2 from the Marshall 31 when Stockton kept the ball on a zone read for 14 yards. Georgia would score one play later for a 7-0 lead. Then on their second possesion, the Bulldogs had a 4th-and-1 at the Marshall 13. Stockton scampered in from 13 yards out for a 14-0 advantage The third conversion came with the Bulldogs up 31-0 late in the 3rd quarter. On 4th-and-Goal, Stockton completed a two-yard TD strike to London Humphreys.
A total of 21 true freshmen Bulldogs made their debut and two drew a starting assignment (Ethan Barbour, one of two tight ends, and Juan Gaston Jr., at right guard. Under Smart, 13 true freshmen have started a season opener.
The Branch brothers, Zachariah and Zion, made an immediate impact in their Bulldog debut after transferring from USC. Zachariah, a junior wideout/return specialist, had a team-high 95 yards on three catches including a 47-yard touchdown plus had three punt returns for 24 yards. Zion, a junior safety, was the co-leader in tackles with a career-high seven, all solo stops.
This will be the second meeting between the two schools. Austin Peay is under the direction of second-year coach Jeff Faris. The Govs opened at Middle Tennessee last Saturday and registered their second win over an FBS opponent in school history, posting a 34-14 victory. The Govs only other FBS win came in the 1987 season opener when they upset Kansas State. APSU, located in Clarksville, Tenn., went 4-8 last year. The Govs 2025 roster features 73 newcomers (50 transfers, 23 true freshmen), 28 returning lettermen and 10 players that redshirted last season.
Georgia opened the 2018 season here with a 45-0 win over the Govs. It was the first season-opening shutout since 2003 and the 42nd time a Bulldog squad had done that to start a campaign. Georgia built a 38-0 halftime lead as three quarterbacks would see action on the day in Jake Fromm (12-1, 157 yards, 2 TDs), Justin Fields (7-8, 63 yards, TD) and Matthew Downing (2-3, 4 yards). Overall, the Bulldog defense limited AP to 152 total yards (91 rushing, 61 passing) on 50 plays.
Kirby Smart is in his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater with a 106-19 mark. He is one of only two active coaches (Dabo Swinney, Clemson) with multiple national championships. Georgia is the only team in the CFP-era to win back-to-back national titles, doing it in 2021-2022.
In 2024, the Bulldogs made their fourth straight appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) and seventh overall trip under Smart. After a 22-19 overtime win over then No. 2 Texas, the Bulldogs claimed their 15th SEC title in school history and the No. 2 seed in the CFP.
Georgia owns the nation's longest active bowl streak at 28 seasons. Since 2019, the Bulldogs are 7-1 in their past eight bowl/CFP matchups after a CFP quarterfinal loss to #5 Notre Dame in the 2025 Sugar Bowl.
Georgia is 40-3 against non-conference teams in the Smart era including 23-1 at home. The only losses have been in the 2025 CFP quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl (#5 Notre Dame 23-10), the 2019 Sugar Bowl (Texas 28-21) and in 2016 in Athens (Ga. Tech 28-27).
Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Tiger, Ga., enters the 2025 season as the veteran quarterback with rookies behind him in redshirt freshmen Ryan Puglisi and Colter Ginn plus true freshmen Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender all preparing for their opportunity.
Stockton posted a successful home debut in 2025 opening win over Marshall as team's leading rusher (73 yards on 10 attempts with 2 scores) plus threw for 190 yards and 2 TDs
2024 Stockton Highlights: Delivered when called upon to start the second half of the 2024 SECCG against Texas who had the No. 1 rated pass defense (No. 3 total defense)....He led the Bulldogs on scoring drives of 75, 61 and 72 yards in three of the first four possessions and then the game-winning TD in OT. He finished 12-for-16 for 71 yards and one INT...Before the SECCG win over then No. 2 Texas, Stockton was 13-for-16 for 135 yards with two rushing yards on nine attempts...Stockton made his first career start versus No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP Quarterfinal Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 and was 20-for- 32 for 234 yards and a touchdown despite being sacked four times.
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Puglisi made his Bulldog debut in the 45-7 win over Marshall, directing four possession in the second half with one TD drive covering 80 yards in eight plays...Finished the game 5-for-8 for 59 yards and one TD, a 23-yard strike to freshman TE Elyiss Williams
Longest Rush by Georgia: 21-yd by Chauncey Bowens (MU)
Longest Rush by Opp.: 11-yd by Zion Turner (MU)
Longest Completion by Georgia: 47-yd TD (Stockton to Branch vs. MU)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 44-yd (Turner to Bradshaw, MU)
RUSHING
#14 Gunner Stockton, QB 73 yards, 10 att., 7.3 avg., 2 TD, 14 long
#20 Dwight Phillips, Jr, RB 60 yards, 5 att., 12.0 avg., 1 TD, 18 long
#3 Nate Frazier, RB 47 yards, 11 att., 4.3 avg., 0 TD, 12 long
PASSING
#14 Gunner Stockton, QB 14 comp., 24 att., 190 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 47 long
#12 Ryan Puglisi, QB 5 comp., 8 att., 59 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 23 long
RECEIVING
#1 Zachariah Branch, WR 3 rec., 95 yards, 31.7 avg., 1 TD, 47 long
#16 London Humphreys, WR 3 rec., 8 yards, 2.7 avg., 1 TD, 4 long
#4 Oscar Delp, TE 2 rec., 33 yards, 16.5 avg., 0 TD, 28 long
#8 Colbie Young, WR 2 rec., 30 yards, 15.5 avg., 0 TD, 24 long
TACKLES
#2 Zion Branch, DB 7 total tackles, 7 solo, 0 assist, 0 INT, 0 PBU
#5 Raylen Wilson, ILB 7 total tackles, 6 solo, 1 assist, 2 TFL, 0 sacks
#9 Chris Cole, ILB 5 total tackles, 4 solo, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 0 sacks
#3 CJ Allen, ILB 4 total tackles, 4 solo, 0 assist, 0 TFL, 0 sacks
Tight ends always have played a significant role in the Bulldog offense with seven currently in the NFL, and the 2025 group should be no different. Junior Lawson Luckie and senior Oscar Delp are expected to play the lead roles. Redshirt freshmen Jaden Reddell and Colton Heinrich are ready too.
Highly-touted freshmen Ethan Barbour and Elyiss Williams contributed on offense and special teams. Barbour joined Delp in the starting lineup while Williams notched a 23-yard TD on his first career catch. Incidentally, the last Bulldog to do that was Delp in 2022 against South Carolina.
In the win over Marshall, the tight ends had four catches for 62 yards and one score. Delp had the longest catch, a 28-yarder, while Williams had the score. Did You Know? Luckie is a second generation Bulldog as his father Mike (LB) was part of Bulldog triplets from 1996-98 with uncles Dustin (LB) and Miles (OL).
Georgia has had 55 players drafted over the past five seasons, including 30 on defense and 11 of those defenders have gone in the first round.
2025 Scoring Defense: 7.0 ppg; Rushing Defense: 79.0: Pass Defense: 129.0
Began the 2025 season by blanking Marshall for three quarters
The 2024 unit ranked 23rd nationally in Scoring Defense (20.6 ppg).
Did not allow a TD until the fourth game of the 2024 season and forced at least one turnover in 12 of 14 games.
Posted first half shutouts in 2024 versus #14 Clemson, Tennessee Tech and at #1 Texas and a second half shutout of #7 Tennessee
One of the hallmarks of an elite defense is stopping the run, and that starts up front. In 2025, Georgia is replacing a host of seasoned veterans now playing in the NFL like Mykel Williams, Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
Marshall was limited to 78 rushing yards on 31 attempts as Georgia built a 24-0 lead by halftime on its way to a 45-7 win. There were no sacks.
Redshirt junior Christen Miller and junior Jordan Hall will help set the tone. Miller started 10 games last year. Hall battled leg injuries, limiting him to six games and has admitted that rehabbing the mental side more than the physical has been the toughest part. Hall made his first career start in the 2025 season opener against Marshall.
Along with Miller and Hall, look for redshirt freshmen Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Nasir Johnson, Nnamdi Ogboko, and Jordan Thomas, redshirt sophomore transfer Josh Horton (Miami) and freshmen Elijah Griffin and JJ Hanne to be in the rotation.
In 2024, junior CJ Allen ranked second in tackles behind Malaki Starks (1st round pick of Baltimore) with 76 while fellow junior Raylen Wilson posted 47 stops with seven tackles for loss. In the 2025 season opener, Wilson tied for the team-high with seven stops while Allen, a preseason All-America selection, chipped in with four tackles.
Freshmen All-SEC selections Chris Cole and Justin Williams stepped up last year when 2024 senior Smael Mondon was hurt, and that duo should be even better in 2025. Cole had a career-high five tackles in the win over Marshall to open his sophomore campaign. Cole has elite speed and flexibility to help him cover along with great length. Last year, he scooped up a fumble and returned it 28 yards for a TD against UMass.
One of the most veteran linebackers, junior Gabe Harris Jr., will anchor another group including redshirt junior Terrell Foster, sophomore Quintavius Johnson, RFr. Kris Jones and freshmen Darren Ikinnagbon, Isaiah Gibson, Chase Linton, Zayden Walker and Anthony Kruah. Foster led this bunch with three tackles against Marshall.
Junior transfer Elo Modozie (Army) is predicted to play an immediate role for Georgia's defense after tallying 34 stops, including eight tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, last year.
Despite losing All-American safety Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia returns a talented corps in the defensive backfield. In the opener, Marshall was 11-for-21 for 120 yards and no TDs or INTs.
USC transfer Zion Branch led the team with a career-high seven stops.
Senior Daylen Everette, the MVP of the SEC Championship Game, emerged last season with a team-high three INTs plus ranked sixth with 58 tackles. He entered 2025 with a team-best 28 consecutive starts but that was snapped when he missed the season opener against Marshall due to an injury.
KJ Bolden, who was named a 2024 Freshman All-American, tallied four tackles and blocked a punt in the win over Marshall.
Junior DB Daniel Harris joined Bolden, junior Star Joenel Aguero, plus first-time starters redshirt freshman Ellis Robinson IV and redshirt sophomore Kyron Jones to start the game versus Marshall.
Also, look for Adrian Maddox (UAB), Jaden Harris (Miami), Demello Jones and Ondre Evans to complement first-year DBs Rasean Dinkins and Dominick Kelly as they all saw action in the opener.
In 2024, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that had its punter (Brett Thorson), placekicker (Peyton Woodring) and snapper (Beau Gardner) named a semifinalist for a national award at their position, and all three are back! Thorson and Gardner were named finalists for the Ray Guy Award and Patrick Mannelly Award, while Woodring was up for the Groza Award.
In the Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have a 64% success rate on 4th Down Conversion attempts (84-for-132) with 16 TDs.
In 2025, Georgia is 3-for-3 with 2 TDs on 4th Down Attempts.
In 2024, Georgia led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in 4th Down Conversions at 67% (18-for-27 with 4 TDs).
With elite distance, hang time, placement and a strong coverage unit, All-America punter Brett Thorson and the Bulldogs ranked 5th nationally in Net Punting (43.5) in 2024. However in the SEC Championship Game, Thorson's season ended due to a knee injury during a return after a punt. He finished with four punts for a 53.5 average in the game including a 60-yarder.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson was a 2024 finalist for the Ray Guy Award. Thorson won the fan vote but Eddie Czaplicki (USC) claimed the trophy. USC led the nation in Net Punting at 45.4. In 2024, Thorson averaged 47.6 yards on 42 punts, the second best mark in school history. His average would've ranked 3rd nationally in 2024, but the NCAA's minimum for leaders is 3.6 punts a game (Min. 47 punts in 13 games).
Thorson's career average of 45.6 ranks 2nd best in school history, trailing only Jake Camarda's record mark of 45.8 set from 2018-21.
Thorson is known for his comedic slant about his lack of playing time because the Bulldogs punted a record low 32 times in 2023 after just 36 punts in 2022 (15 games), the two lowest totals dating to at least 1948.
Thanks in part to Thorson's punts and the entire punt coverage team including gunners Arian Smith, Dominic Lovett and Cole Speer, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that did not allow a punt return in 2023, the first school to do that since 2020 when COVID limited the amount of games teams played. Along with Speer, gunners in 2025 have included KJ Bolden, London Humphreys, Daniel Harris and Jeremy Bell.
Georgia had its streak of not allowing a positive yard on a punt return end at #16 Ole Miss last year, a span of 28 games. Prior to a two-yard return by Rebel Micah Davis, the last one came in a 45-19 road win over Miss. State on Nov. 12, 2022 when Zavion Thomas took one 63 yards for a score.
Georgia allowed its first significant punt return since 2022 when Boo Carter (Tennessee) posted a 26-yarder last year and was promptly tackled to save a TD by Thorson. Opponents tallied 57 yards on 11 PR last year.
With Thorson out for the CFP last year, Georgia turned to then true freshman Drew Miller in the Sugar Bowl. In his debut, he had four punts for a 39.8 average with a long of 48. Miller handled punting duties against Marshall in the 2025 season opener, posting a 48.0 average on six punts.
Punts: 6 (UK24)
Long: 75 (Tenn22)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 54.0 on four (@ #1 Texas24) with minus 5 PR yards
Punts: 6 (MU25)
Long: 54 (MU 25)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 48.0 on six (MU25) with 14 PR yards
#at least two punts
Junior All-SEC specialist Peyton Woodring, a native of Lafayette, La., returns as a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist. In the win over Marshall, he made a 43-yard FG, six PATs and handled the first seven kickoffs. Did You Know? After missing three of his first seven field goal attempts as a freshman in 2023, he's been good on 39 of his past 42 FG (all three misses from 50 yards). He's made all 125 PATs too.
His 91.3 FG% in 2024 ranked 2nd in the SEC and 3rd best in Georgia history.
Team-high 111 points in 2024, going 21-for-23 on FGs (both misses from 50+), 48-for-48 on PATs and handled kickoffs too (80 of 85 overall with a 63.7 avg.).
Points: 15 (UK23)
PATs: 9 (vs. FSU23, Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
FGA: 3 (6x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
FGM: 3 (5x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
LG: Clemson 24 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Redshirt senior Liam Badger and freshman Connor Ferguson are options too. Ferguson made his debut with the final kickoff versus Marshall.
In 2024, San Franicsco native Beau Gardner, a graduate transfer from UCLA, became Georgia's first finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award (nation's best long snapper, annual award began in 2019). He is back in 2025.
Snapped on all field goals, PATs and punts in 2025.
Snapped on a combined 71 field goal attempts and PATs as well as each of the 46 punts in 2024.
The experienced kickoff returners include graduate Cash Jones (4-for-58 yards in 2024) along with USC transfer junior Zachariah Branch (Career: 29-for-547 yards, 1 TD). At punt returner, Branch has done this as well during his days with the Trojans (23-for-406 yards, 1 TD). In 203, Branch won The Jet Award for the nation's top returner.
In the season opener against Marshall, the Bulldogs did not have any kick returns while Branch had three PR for 24 yards. KJ Bolden was credited with a two-yard return on a blocked punt.
Did You Know? Georgia's last punt return for a TD came in 2023 (Mekhi {MUH-kye} Mews vs. Ball State, 69 yards)
Did You Know? Georgia's last KOR for a TD came in 2016 (Terry Godwin @ South Carolina, 43 yards)
Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have blocked eight punts and eight field goals. There's two players on the current squad with a block for Georgia. Junior DB Joenel Aguero blocked a Florida punt in 2023 that resulted in a safety. In the 2025 season opener against Marshall, KJ Bolden blocked a punt that led to an eventual TD after the Bulldogs recovered it at the MU20. Junior transfer OLB Elo Modozie blocked field goal attempts by Rice and Notre Dame in 2024 while playing for Army. Senior transfer DB Adrian Maddox blocked a field goal attempt by Prairie View A&M in 2022 while playing for Alabama State. Georgia's last blocked field goal came in 2024 by Dan Jackson against Auburn. He is now with the Detroit Lions on IR.
Georgia ranks 3rd in NCAA history for consecutive games scoring and among schools with active streaks:
Florida 463 games (1988-present)
TCU 407 games (1991-present)
Georgia 388 games (1995-present)
Home: 2-2; Away: 4-2; Neutral: 4-3
Bowl Game/CFP: 3-2 *SEC Games: 4-4
Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
The Bulldogs are 3-2 in overtime games under Kirby Smart. Georgia's complete overtime history can be found on page 110 of the media guide.
Jan. 1, 2018: #3 Georgia beat #2 Oklahoma 54-48 (2-OT) in Pasadena, Calif. (CFP Semifinal: Rose Bowl Game)
Jan. 8. 2018: #4 Alabama beat #3 Georgia 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. (CFP National Championship, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Oct. 12, 2019: South Carolina beat #3 Georgia 20-17 (2-OT) in Athens, Ga.
Nov. 29, 2024: #7 Georgia beat Ga. Tech 44-42 (8-OT, SEC Record) in Athens, Ga.
Dec. 7, 2024: #2 Georgia beat #5 Texas 22-19 in Atlanta, Ga. (SEC Championship, Mercedez-Benz Stadium)
CJ Allen, ILB
SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council; *SEC Football Leadership Council Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN; Preseason All- SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Butkus and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Dillon Bell, WR
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300; Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Drew Bobo, OL
Preseason Watch List: Rimington Trophy
KJ Bolden, DB
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Coaches, SEC Media Second Team; Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Maxwell and Jim Thorpe Awards, Nagurski Trophy
Zachariah Branch, WR / KR
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media (KR/PR), SEC Coaches (All Purpose); Third Team – Athlon (KR/PR); Preseason Watch Lists: Jet Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Chris Cole, ILB
Preseason Watch List: Butkus Award
Oscar Delp, TE
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches, Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award
Daylen Everette, DB
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Jim Thorpe Award, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Senior Bowl Top 300, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Nagurski Trophy
Nate Frazier, RB
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – Athlon; Third Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award
Monroe Freeling, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Beau Gardner, SN
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Patrick Mannelly Award
Earnest Greene, III, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lombardi Award
Elijah Griffin, DL
Preseason Watch List: Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
Jordan Hall, DL
Preseason Watch List: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Cash Jones, RB
Preseason Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Lawson Luckie, TE
Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Josh McCray, RB
Preseason Watch List: Doak Walker Award
Christen Miller, DL
Preseason All-America: Second Team – ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Second Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Outland Trophy, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Gunner Stockton, QB
Preseason Watch List: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Noah Thomas, WR
Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Brett Thorson, P
Preseason All-America: First Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Ray Guy Award, College Football Comeback Player of the Year, Senior Bowl Top 300
Raylen Wilson, ILB
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Peyton Woodring, PK
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Sporting News, AP Third Team – Athlon; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media (PK/KS), SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lou Groza Award
Colbie Young, WR
Preseason Watch List: Senior Bowl Top 300
Georgia is Even in Turnover Margin.
Georgia has no points off no turnovers.
Opponents have no points off no turnovers.
MU: No turnovers by either team
AP:
Georgia has no INTs in 2025:
Opponents have no INTs.
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Georgia has no FR in 2025; Opponents have no FR.
^on Offense; #on Special Teams
Georgia has no sacks in 2025; Opponents have none.
MU (7): E. Barbor (TE), Z. Branch (WR), J. Gaston, Jr. (RG), J. Hall (DL), Q. Johnson (OLB), K. Jones (FS), E. Robinson IV (CB). Last year, there were 21 firsttime starters during the season
AP: TBA
#4-5 (includes 2017-19, '21, '22, '23, '24' SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)
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%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship
Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC in Atlanta (9/3/16);
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK
(11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma in CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards vs. AU (10/8/22); Trevor Etienne @ #1 Texas (10/19/24); Nate Frazier vs. UMass (11/23/24);
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D'Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 459, Carson Beck vs. MSU (10/13/24);
Passing TDs: 5, C. Beck (TT-9/7/24, GT-11/29/24), S. Bennett (UAB-9/11/21);
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton vs. MSU (11/21/20);
Receiving TDs: 2, by nine Bulldogs multiple times;
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers vs. UAB (9/11/21);
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF in Jacksonville (11/7/20);
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16);
Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24);
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20), vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Trenton Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24) & #2 Texas in SECCG (12/7/24);
The Bulldogs are 28-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart.
In 2024, freshman LB Chris Cole returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD; In 2023, freshman DB Kyron Jones returned an INT versus UT Martin 26 yards for a score; redshirt sophomore Mekhi Mews took a punt return 69 yards for a TD against Ball State; and Joenel Aguero blocked a punt for a safety versus Florida.
114 Points: 17 TDs, 6 Safeties
2016: 14 points in 3 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety);
2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.);
2018: 12 points in 2 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.);
2019: 18 points in 3 different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.);
2020: 22 points in 4 different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties);
2021: 28 points in 6 different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties);
2022: none
2023: 8 points in two games (Pick-Six, Safety)
2024: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)
2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR);
2017: none;
2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.);
2019: none;
2020: none;
2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt);
2022: 8 points in 2 games (Safety/Blocked Punt; Blocked FG Ret.).
2023: 8 points in 2 games (PR, Safety)
2024: none;
"Kirby Smart All Access Presented by Piedmont Healthcare" – This half-hour program will air Monday at 7 p.m. during football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.
"Bulldogs Final" – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week's game.
"Bulldogs Now Presented by Hoffman Financial" – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.
Game & Broadcast Info
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- Kickoff: Saturday, September 6 - 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium (93,033) | Athens, Ga.
- 2024 Records: Georgia (1-0, 0-0), Austin Peay (1-0, 0-0)
- 2025 Preseason Rankings: Georgia #5, Austin Peay NR
- TV: None
- Video Stream: ESPN+/SECN+ (Clay Matvick, Madison Fitzpatrick)
- Radio: 95.5 FM WSB - Bulldog Network | Affiliates | Scott Howard (PxP), Josh Brock (Analyst), D.J. Shockley (Sideline)
- Audio Stream: georgiadogs.com
- Satellite: SiriusXM 84
- Web Stats: georgiadogs.com
- Twitter: #PEAYvsUGA
- SECN ReBroadcast: TBA
- GameCenter: View
- History: Georgia vs. Austin Peay All-Time Series Results: UGA 1-0
- Last Meeting: UGA won 45-0 in Athens, 9/1/2018
- Tickets: SeatGeek
Georgia-Austin Peay Quick Comparison
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| Georgia | Austin Peay | |
| Scoring Offense/Game: | 45.0 | 34.0 |
| Rushing Offense/Game: | 239.0 | 150.0 |
| Passing Offense/Game: | 249.0 | 193.0 |
| Total Offense/Game: | 488.0 | 343.0 |
| Scoring Defense/Game: | 7.0 | 14.0 |
| Rushing Defense/Game: | 79.0 | 44.0 |
| Passing Defense/Game: | 129.0 | 109.0 |
| Turnover Margin: | Even | Even |
Playing With FPE (Fire, Passion & Energy)
One of Georgia's main themes during the preseason and now into 2025 will be to play with "FPE." Fifty-four percent of Georgia's roster is made of players in their first or second seasons in Athens, and they have displayed youthful exuberance throughout spring, fall camp and in the opener.
After posting a 45-7 win over Marshall last Saturday, Georgia is 102-27-3 in season openers including 10-0 in the Kirby Smart era. The Bulldogs have won 12 straight openers.
In the season opener, the Bulldogs tallied 488 yards of total offense and led 45-0 until the Thundering Herd scored with 10:27 remaining in the contest.
Last Saturday marked only the second career start and first at home for quarterback Gunner Stockton, and he provided four scores, two through the air and two on the ground.
In the opener, Georgia went 3-for-3 on 4th Down conversion attempts and scored two touchdowns. On Georgia's first posession of the season, the Bulldogs had a 4th-and-2 from the Marshall 31 when Stockton kept the ball on a zone read for 14 yards. Georgia would score one play later for a 7-0 lead. Then on their second possesion, the Bulldogs had a 4th-and-1 at the Marshall 13. Stockton scampered in from 13 yards out for a 14-0 advantage The third conversion came with the Bulldogs up 31-0 late in the 3rd quarter. On 4th-and-Goal, Stockton completed a two-yard TD strike to London Humphreys.
A total of 21 true freshmen Bulldogs made their debut and two drew a starting assignment (Ethan Barbour, one of two tight ends, and Juan Gaston Jr., at right guard. Under Smart, 13 true freshmen have started a season opener.
The Branch brothers, Zachariah and Zion, made an immediate impact in their Bulldog debut after transferring from USC. Zachariah, a junior wideout/return specialist, had a team-high 95 yards on three catches including a 47-yard touchdown plus had three punt returns for 24 yards. Zion, a junior safety, was the co-leader in tackles with a career-high seven, all solo stops.
Georgia-Austin Peay History Features Only 2018 Matchup
This will be the second meeting between the two schools. Austin Peay is under the direction of second-year coach Jeff Faris. The Govs opened at Middle Tennessee last Saturday and registered their second win over an FBS opponent in school history, posting a 34-14 victory. The Govs only other FBS win came in the 1987 season opener when they upset Kansas State. APSU, located in Clarksville, Tenn., went 4-8 last year. The Govs 2025 roster features 73 newcomers (50 transfers, 23 true freshmen), 28 returning lettermen and 10 players that redshirted last season.
Georgia opened the 2018 season here with a 45-0 win over the Govs. It was the first season-opening shutout since 2003 and the 42nd time a Bulldog squad had done that to start a campaign. Georgia built a 38-0 halftime lead as three quarterbacks would see action on the day in Jake Fromm (12-1, 157 yards, 2 TDs), Justin Fields (7-8, 63 yards, TD) and Matthew Downing (2-3, 4 yards). Overall, the Bulldog defense limited AP to 152 total yards (91 rushing, 61 passing) on 50 plays.
SMART Football
Kirby Smart is in his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater with a 106-19 mark. He is one of only two active coaches (Dabo Swinney, Clemson) with multiple national championships. Georgia is the only team in the CFP-era to win back-to-back national titles, doing it in 2021-2022.
In 2024, the Bulldogs made their fourth straight appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) and seventh overall trip under Smart. After a 22-19 overtime win over then No. 2 Texas, the Bulldogs claimed their 15th SEC title in school history and the No. 2 seed in the CFP.
Georgia owns the nation's longest active bowl streak at 28 seasons. Since 2019, the Bulldogs are 7-1 in their past eight bowl/CFP matchups after a CFP quarterfinal loss to #5 Notre Dame in the 2025 Sugar Bowl.
Georgia is 40-3 against non-conference teams in the Smart era including 23-1 at home. The only losses have been in the 2025 CFP quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl (#5 Notre Dame 23-10), the 2019 Sugar Bowl (Texas 28-21) and in 2016 in Athens (Ga. Tech 28-27).
Stockton Ranks As The Veteran Signal-Caller
Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Tiger, Ga., enters the 2025 season as the veteran quarterback with rookies behind him in redshirt freshmen Ryan Puglisi and Colter Ginn plus true freshmen Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender all preparing for their opportunity.
Stockton posted a successful home debut in 2025 opening win over Marshall as team's leading rusher (73 yards on 10 attempts with 2 scores) plus threw for 190 yards and 2 TDs
2024 Stockton Highlights: Delivered when called upon to start the second half of the 2024 SECCG against Texas who had the No. 1 rated pass defense (No. 3 total defense)....He led the Bulldogs on scoring drives of 75, 61 and 72 yards in three of the first four possessions and then the game-winning TD in OT. He finished 12-for-16 for 71 yards and one INT...Before the SECCG win over then No. 2 Texas, Stockton was 13-for-16 for 135 yards with two rushing yards on nine attempts...Stockton made his first career start versus No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP Quarterfinal Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 and was 20-for- 32 for 234 yards and a touchdown despite being sacked four times.
Stockton's Career Highs
| Passing Yards | 234 vs. #5 ND, '25 |
| Completions | 20 vs. #5 ND |
| Attempts | Attempts: 32 vs. #5 ND,'25 |
| TD Passes | 2 vs. MU, '25, #5FSU'23 |
| Passing Yards | 439 @ #4 UA, '24 |
| Longest Pass Play | 67 vs. #5 ND, '25 |
| Longest TD Pass | Longest TD Pass: 47 vs. MU, '25 |
| Long Rush | 73/10 vs. MU '25 |
| Interceptions | 1 (2x, last vs. #2 TX-2,'24) |
Stockton's Career Passing Statistics
| Year | G/GS | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | Eff. | LG |
| 2023 | 4/0 | 12 | 19 | 63.2 | 148 | 1 | 2 | 152.8 | 31 FSU |
| 2024 | 5/1 | 45 | 64 | 70.3 | 440 | 1 | 1 | 130.1 | 67 ND |
| 2025 | 1/1 | 14 | 24 | 58.3 | 190 | 0 | 2 | 152.3 | 47TD MU |
| Total | 10/2 | 71 | 107 | 66.4 | 778 | 2 | 5 | 139.1 | 67 ND |
Stockton's Career Game-By-Game
| Game | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | SK | EFF | LG |
| 2023 | |||||||||
| UT Martin | 3 | 5 | 60.0 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 108.7 | 20 |
| Ball State | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 133.6 | 4 |
| UAB | 2 | 3 | 66.7 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 53.2 | 15 |
| #4 FSU (Orange) | 6 | 10 | 60.0 | 96 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 206.6 | 31 |
| 2024 | |||||||||
| #14 Clemson | 0 | 0 | 00.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Tenn. Tech | 10 | 12 | 83.3 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 146.3 | 21 |
| UMass | 3 | 4 | 75.0 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 169.5 | 23 |
| #2 Texas (SEC) | 12 | 16 | 75.0 | 71 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 99.8 | 18 |
| #5 ND(CFP Qtr.) | 20 | 32 | 62.5 | 234 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 134.2 | 67 |
| 2024 | |||||||||
| Marshall | 14 | 24 | 58.3 | 190 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 152.3 | 47TD |
| Career Total | 71 | 107 | 66.4 | 778 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 139.1 | 67 |
Puglisi's Career Passing Statistics
| Year | G/GS | Cmp. | Att. | Pct. | Yds. | INT | TD | Eff. | LG |
| 2025 | 1/0 | 5 | 8 | 62.5 | 59 | 0 | 1 | 165.7 | 23 TD |
| Total | 1/0 | 5 | 8 | 62.5 | 59 | 0 | 1 | 165.7 | 23 TD |
Puglisi made his Bulldog debut in the 45-7 win over Marshall, directing four possession in the second half with one TD drive covering 80 yards in eight plays...Finished the game 5-for-8 for 59 yards and one TD, a 23-yard strike to freshman TE Elyiss Williams
Georgia's Explosive Plays In 2025 (12-yd Rush, 16-yd Comp.)
| Game | Georgia | Opp. | Final (AP rank then CFP) |
| MU | 10 (6R, 4P) | 2 (0R, 2P) | #5 Georgia, 45-7 |
Longest Rush by Georgia: 21-yd by Chauncey Bowens (MU)
Longest Rush by Opp.: 11-yd by Zion Turner (MU)
Longest Completion by Georgia: 47-yd TD (Stockton to Branch vs. MU)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 44-yd (Turner to Bradshaw, MU)
2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS
RUSHING
#14 Gunner Stockton, QB 73 yards, 10 att., 7.3 avg., 2 TD, 14 long
#20 Dwight Phillips, Jr, RB 60 yards, 5 att., 12.0 avg., 1 TD, 18 long
#3 Nate Frazier, RB 47 yards, 11 att., 4.3 avg., 0 TD, 12 long
PASSING
#14 Gunner Stockton, QB 14 comp., 24 att., 190 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 47 long
#12 Ryan Puglisi, QB 5 comp., 8 att., 59 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 23 long
RECEIVING
#1 Zachariah Branch, WR 3 rec., 95 yards, 31.7 avg., 1 TD, 47 long
#16 London Humphreys, WR 3 rec., 8 yards, 2.7 avg., 1 TD, 4 long
#4 Oscar Delp, TE 2 rec., 33 yards, 16.5 avg., 0 TD, 28 long
#8 Colbie Young, WR 2 rec., 30 yards, 15.5 avg., 0 TD, 24 long
TACKLES
#2 Zion Branch, DB 7 total tackles, 7 solo, 0 assist, 0 INT, 0 PBU
#5 Raylen Wilson, ILB 7 total tackles, 6 solo, 1 assist, 2 TFL, 0 sacks
#9 Chris Cole, ILB 5 total tackles, 4 solo, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 0 sacks
#3 CJ Allen, ILB 4 total tackles, 4 solo, 0 assist, 0 TFL, 0 sacks
Delp, Luckie Lead Loaded TE Room
Tight ends always have played a significant role in the Bulldog offense with seven currently in the NFL, and the 2025 group should be no different. Junior Lawson Luckie and senior Oscar Delp are expected to play the lead roles. Redshirt freshmen Jaden Reddell and Colton Heinrich are ready too.
Highly-touted freshmen Ethan Barbour and Elyiss Williams contributed on offense and special teams. Barbour joined Delp in the starting lineup while Williams notched a 23-yard TD on his first career catch. Incidentally, the last Bulldog to do that was Delp in 2022 against South Carolina.
In the win over Marshall, the tight ends had four catches for 62 yards and one score. Delp had the longest catch, a 28-yarder, while Williams had the score. Did You Know? Luckie is a second generation Bulldog as his father Mike (LB) was part of Bulldog triplets from 1996-98 with uncles Dustin (LB) and Miles (OL).
Defensive Playmakers at Each Level
Georgia has had 55 players drafted over the past five seasons, including 30 on defense and 11 of those defenders have gone in the first round.
2025 Scoring Defense: 7.0 ppg; Rushing Defense: 79.0: Pass Defense: 129.0
Began the 2025 season by blanking Marshall for three quarters
The 2024 unit ranked 23rd nationally in Scoring Defense (20.6 ppg).
Did not allow a TD until the fourth game of the 2024 season and forced at least one turnover in 12 of 14 games.
Posted first half shutouts in 2024 versus #14 Clemson, Tennessee Tech and at #1 Texas and a second half shutout of #7 Tennessee
Setting The Tone Up Front
One of the hallmarks of an elite defense is stopping the run, and that starts up front. In 2025, Georgia is replacing a host of seasoned veterans now playing in the NFL like Mykel Williams, Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
Marshall was limited to 78 rushing yards on 31 attempts as Georgia built a 24-0 lead by halftime on its way to a 45-7 win. There were no sacks.
Redshirt junior Christen Miller and junior Jordan Hall will help set the tone. Miller started 10 games last year. Hall battled leg injuries, limiting him to six games and has admitted that rehabbing the mental side more than the physical has been the toughest part. Hall made his first career start in the 2025 season opener against Marshall.
Along with Miller and Hall, look for redshirt freshmen Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Nasir Johnson, Nnamdi Ogboko, and Jordan Thomas, redshirt sophomore transfer Josh Horton (Miami) and freshmen Elijah Griffin and JJ Hanne to be in the rotation.
Allen Makes Tackles Along with His Fellow 'Backers
In 2024, junior CJ Allen ranked second in tackles behind Malaki Starks (1st round pick of Baltimore) with 76 while fellow junior Raylen Wilson posted 47 stops with seven tackles for loss. In the 2025 season opener, Wilson tied for the team-high with seven stops while Allen, a preseason All-America selection, chipped in with four tackles.
Freshmen All-SEC selections Chris Cole and Justin Williams stepped up last year when 2024 senior Smael Mondon was hurt, and that duo should be even better in 2025. Cole had a career-high five tackles in the win over Marshall to open his sophomore campaign. Cole has elite speed and flexibility to help him cover along with great length. Last year, he scooped up a fumble and returned it 28 yards for a TD against UMass.
One of the most veteran linebackers, junior Gabe Harris Jr., will anchor another group including redshirt junior Terrell Foster, sophomore Quintavius Johnson, RFr. Kris Jones and freshmen Darren Ikinnagbon, Isaiah Gibson, Chase Linton, Zayden Walker and Anthony Kruah. Foster led this bunch with three tackles against Marshall.
Junior transfer Elo Modozie (Army) is predicted to play an immediate role for Georgia's defense after tallying 34 stops, including eight tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, last year.
Talented Corps Returns in Secondary
Despite losing All-American safety Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia returns a talented corps in the defensive backfield. In the opener, Marshall was 11-for-21 for 120 yards and no TDs or INTs.
USC transfer Zion Branch led the team with a career-high seven stops.
Senior Daylen Everette, the MVP of the SEC Championship Game, emerged last season with a team-high three INTs plus ranked sixth with 58 tackles. He entered 2025 with a team-best 28 consecutive starts but that was snapped when he missed the season opener against Marshall due to an injury.
KJ Bolden, who was named a 2024 Freshman All-American, tallied four tackles and blocked a punt in the win over Marshall.
Junior DB Daniel Harris joined Bolden, junior Star Joenel Aguero, plus first-time starters redshirt freshman Ellis Robinson IV and redshirt sophomore Kyron Jones to start the game versus Marshall.
Also, look for Adrian Maddox (UAB), Jaden Harris (Miami), Demello Jones and Ondre Evans to complement first-year DBs Rasean Dinkins and Dominick Kelly as they all saw action in the opener.
Did You Know This About the Specialists?
In 2024, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that had its punter (Brett Thorson), placekicker (Peyton Woodring) and snapper (Beau Gardner) named a semifinalist for a national award at their position, and all three are back! Thorson and Gardner were named finalists for the Ray Guy Award and Patrick Mannelly Award, while Woodring was up for the Groza Award.
Are We Punting? We're Going For It!
In the Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have a 64% success rate on 4th Down Conversion attempts (84-for-132) with 16 TDs.
In 2025, Georgia is 3-for-3 with 2 TDs on 4th Down Attempts.
In 2024, Georgia led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in 4th Down Conversions at 67% (18-for-27 with 4 TDs).
G'day Mate! Thorson Returns
With elite distance, hang time, placement and a strong coverage unit, All-America punter Brett Thorson and the Bulldogs ranked 5th nationally in Net Punting (43.5) in 2024. However in the SEC Championship Game, Thorson's season ended due to a knee injury during a return after a punt. He finished with four punts for a 53.5 average in the game including a 60-yarder.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson was a 2024 finalist for the Ray Guy Award. Thorson won the fan vote but Eddie Czaplicki (USC) claimed the trophy. USC led the nation in Net Punting at 45.4. In 2024, Thorson averaged 47.6 yards on 42 punts, the second best mark in school history. His average would've ranked 3rd nationally in 2024, but the NCAA's minimum for leaders is 3.6 punts a game (Min. 47 punts in 13 games).
Thorson's career average of 45.6 ranks 2nd best in school history, trailing only Jake Camarda's record mark of 45.8 set from 2018-21.
Thorson is known for his comedic slant about his lack of playing time because the Bulldogs punted a record low 32 times in 2023 after just 36 punts in 2022 (15 games), the two lowest totals dating to at least 1948.
Thanks in part to Thorson's punts and the entire punt coverage team including gunners Arian Smith, Dominic Lovett and Cole Speer, Georgia was the only team in the FBS that did not allow a punt return in 2023, the first school to do that since 2020 when COVID limited the amount of games teams played. Along with Speer, gunners in 2025 have included KJ Bolden, London Humphreys, Daniel Harris and Jeremy Bell.
Georgia had its streak of not allowing a positive yard on a punt return end at #16 Ole Miss last year, a span of 28 games. Prior to a two-yard return by Rebel Micah Davis, the last one came in a 45-19 road win over Miss. State on Nov. 12, 2022 when Zavion Thomas took one 63 yards for a score.
Georgia allowed its first significant punt return since 2022 when Boo Carter (Tennessee) posted a 26-yarder last year and was promptly tackled to save a TD by Thorson. Opponents tallied 57 yards on 11 PR last year.
With Thorson out for the CFP last year, Georgia turned to then true freshman Drew Miller in the Sugar Bowl. In his debut, he had four punts for a 39.8 average with a long of 48. Miller handled punting duties against Marshall in the 2025 season opener, posting a 48.0 average on six punts.
Single Game Career Highs For Thorson
Punts: 6 (UK24)
Long: 75 (Tenn22)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 54.0 on four (@ #1 Texas24) with minus 5 PR yards
Single Game Career Highs For Miller
Punts: 6 (MU25)
Long: 54 (MU 25)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 48.0 on six (MU25) with 14 PR yards
#at least two punts
Geaux Dawgs
Junior All-SEC specialist Peyton Woodring, a native of Lafayette, La., returns as a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist. In the win over Marshall, he made a 43-yard FG, six PATs and handled the first seven kickoffs. Did You Know? After missing three of his first seven field goal attempts as a freshman in 2023, he's been good on 39 of his past 42 FG (all three misses from 50 yards). He's made all 125 PATs too.
His 91.3 FG% in 2024 ranked 2nd in the SEC and 3rd best in Georgia history.
Team-high 111 points in 2024, going 21-for-23 on FGs (both misses from 50+), 48-for-48 on PATs and handled kickoffs too (80 of 85 overall with a 63.7 avg.).
Single Game Career Highs For Woodring
Points: 15 (UK23)
PATs: 9 (vs. FSU23, Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
FGA: 3 (6x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
FGM: 3 (5x, last vs. #2 Texas at SECCG, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
LG: Clemson 24 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Redshirt senior Liam Badger and freshman Connor Ferguson are options too. Ferguson made his debut with the final kickoff versus Marshall.
Snap Judgment: Gardner Named Finalist
In 2024, San Franicsco native Beau Gardner, a graduate transfer from UCLA, became Georgia's first finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award (nation's best long snapper, annual award began in 2019). He is back in 2025.
Snapped on all field goals, PATs and punts in 2025.
Snapped on a combined 71 field goal attempts and PATs as well as each of the 46 punts in 2024.
Back Deep For The Bulldogs
The experienced kickoff returners include graduate Cash Jones (4-for-58 yards in 2024) along with USC transfer junior Zachariah Branch (Career: 29-for-547 yards, 1 TD). At punt returner, Branch has done this as well during his days with the Trojans (23-for-406 yards, 1 TD). In 203, Branch won The Jet Award for the nation's top returner.
In the season opener against Marshall, the Bulldogs did not have any kick returns while Branch had three PR for 24 yards. KJ Bolden was credited with a two-yard return on a blocked punt.
Did You Know? Georgia's last punt return for a TD came in 2023 (Mekhi {MUH-kye} Mews vs. Ball State, 69 yards)
Did You Know? Georgia's last KOR for a TD came in 2016 (Terry Godwin @ South Carolina, 43 yards)
It's Blocked
Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have blocked eight punts and eight field goals. There's two players on the current squad with a block for Georgia. Junior DB Joenel Aguero blocked a Florida punt in 2023 that resulted in a safety. In the 2025 season opener against Marshall, KJ Bolden blocked a punt that led to an eventual TD after the Bulldogs recovered it at the MU20. Junior transfer OLB Elo Modozie blocked field goal attempts by Rice and Notre Dame in 2024 while playing for Army. Senior transfer DB Adrian Maddox blocked a field goal attempt by Prairie View A&M in 2022 while playing for Alabama State. Georgia's last blocked field goal came in 2024 by Dan Jackson against Auburn. He is now with the Detroit Lions on IR.
Putting Points On The Board
Georgia ranks 3rd in NCAA history for consecutive games scoring and among schools with active streaks:
Florida 463 games (1988-present)
TCU 407 games (1991-present)
Georgia 388 games (1995-present)
Georgia's All-Time Overtime Record (10-7)
Home: 2-2; Away: 4-2; Neutral: 4-3
Bowl Game/CFP: 3-2 *SEC Games: 4-4
Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)
The Bulldogs are 3-2 in overtime games under Kirby Smart. Georgia's complete overtime history can be found on page 110 of the media guide.
Jan. 1, 2018: #3 Georgia beat #2 Oklahoma 54-48 (2-OT) in Pasadena, Calif. (CFP Semifinal: Rose Bowl Game)
Jan. 8. 2018: #4 Alabama beat #3 Georgia 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. (CFP National Championship, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Oct. 12, 2019: South Carolina beat #3 Georgia 20-17 (2-OT) in Athens, Ga.
Nov. 29, 2024: #7 Georgia beat Ga. Tech 44-42 (8-OT, SEC Record) in Athens, Ga.
Dec. 7, 2024: #2 Georgia beat #5 Texas 22-19 in Atlanta, Ga. (SEC Championship, Mercedez-Benz Stadium)
Bulldog Honor Roll
CJ Allen, ILB
SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council; *SEC Football Leadership Council Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN; Preseason All- SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Butkus and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Dillon Bell, WR
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300; Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Drew Bobo, OL
Preseason Watch List: Rimington Trophy
KJ Bolden, DB
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Coaches, SEC Media Second Team; Preseason Watch Lists: Bednarik, Maxwell and Jim Thorpe Awards, Nagurski Trophy
Zachariah Branch, WR / KR
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media (KR/PR), SEC Coaches (All Purpose); Third Team – Athlon (KR/PR); Preseason Watch Lists: Jet Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Chris Cole, ILB
Preseason Watch List: Butkus Award
Oscar Delp, TE
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches, Third Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award
Daylen Everette, DB
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Jim Thorpe Award, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Senior Bowl Top 300, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Nagurski Trophy
Nate Frazier, RB
Preseason All-SEC: Second Team – Athlon; Third Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award
Monroe Freeling, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Beau Gardner, SN
Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Patrick Mannelly Award
Earnest Greene, III, OL
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lombardi Award
Elijah Griffin, DL
Preseason Watch List: Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
Jordan Hall, DL
Preseason Watch List: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Cash Jones, RB
Preseason Watch List: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Lawson Luckie, TE
Preseason Watch Lists: John Mackey Award, Senior Bowl Top 300
Josh McCray, RB
Preseason Watch List: Doak Walker Award
Christen Miller, DL
Preseason All-America: Second Team – ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Second Team – Athlon; Preseason Watch Lists: Outland Trophy, Bednarik and Maxwell Awards, Nagurski Trophy, Senior Bowl Top 300
Gunner Stockton, QB
Preseason Watch List: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Noah Thomas, WR
Preseason Watch Lists: Senior Bowl Top 300, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
Brett Thorson, P
Preseason All-America: First Team – Athlon, Sporting News, ESPN, AP; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media, SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch Lists: Ray Guy Award, College Football Comeback Player of the Year, Senior Bowl Top 300
Raylen Wilson, ILB
Preseason All-SEC: Third Team – Athlon
Peyton Woodring, PK
Preseason All-America: Second Team – Sporting News, AP Third Team – Athlon; Preseason All-SEC: First Team – Athlon, SEC Media (PK/KS), SEC Coaches; Preseason Watch List: Lou Groza Award
Colbie Young, WR
Preseason Watch List: Senior Bowl Top 300
Points Off Turnovers In 2025
Georgia is Even in Turnover Margin.
Georgia has no points off no turnovers.
Opponents have no points off no turnovers.
MU: No turnovers by either team
AP:
Bulldog Career INTs & Pick-Six
Georgia has no INTs in 2025:
Opponents have no INTs.
| Bulldog | INT | TD | Last INT |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 3 | 0 | #2TX-SECCG24 |
| CJ Allen, LB | 1 | 0 | vs. UF24 |
| KJ Bolden, S | 1 | 0 | MSU24 |
| Kyron Jones, Star | 1 | 1 | UTM23 |
Bulldog Career Fumble Recoveries
Georgia has no FR in 2025; Opponents have no FR.
| Bulldog | FR | Last FR |
| Chris Cole, LB | 2 | UMass24/td> |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 1 | @ #1 TX24/td> |
| Raylen Wilson, LB | 1 | UMass24/td> |
| Cole Speer, WR | #1 | vs. #4 FSU23 |
^on Offense; #on Special Teams
Bulldog Career Sacks
Georgia has no sacks in 2025; Opponents have none.
| Bulldog | '25 | '24 | '23 | '22 | '21 | Total |
| Christen Miller, DL | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | n/a | 2.5 | |
| Gabe Harris Jr., LB | 2 | 0 | n/a | n/a | 2 | |
| Raylen Wilson, LB | 1.5 | 0.5 | n/a | n/a | 2 | |
| CJ Allen, LB | 0 | 1 | n/a | n/a | 1 | |
| KJ Bolden, S | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | |
| Daylen Everette, CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | n/a | 1 | |
| Daniel Harris, CB | 0 | 1 | n/a | n/a | 1 | |
| Jordan Thomas, DL | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 |
A Total of 7 First-Time Starters In 2025
MU (7): E. Barbor (TE), Z. Branch (WR), J. Gaston, Jr. (RG), J. Hall (DL), Q. Johnson (OLB), K. Jones (FS), E. Robinson IV (CB). Last year, there were 21 firsttime starters during the season
The True Freshman Experience
The Bulldogs had 21 true freshmen make their debut in the 2025 season-opening win over Marshall: Ethan Barbor (TE), Juan Gaston, Jr. (RG) started while 19 others saw action: Elyiss Williams (TE), Zayden Walker (ILB), Talyn Taylor (WR), Darren Ikinnagbon (OLB), Tyler J. Williams (WR), Anthony Kruah (ILB), Bo Walker, (RB) Dominick Kelly (CB), Rasean Dinkins (S), Isaiah Gibson (OLB), Cortez Smith (OL), CJ Wiley (WR), Dontrell Glover (OL), Mason Short (OL), Landon Roldan (WR), Thomas Blackshear (WR), Elijah Griffin (DL), JJ Hanne (DL) and Connor Ferguson (K). Last year, 13 true freshmen made their debut in the opening win over No. 14 Clemson
The Bulldog Captains In 2024
MU: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Earnest Greene IIIAP: TBA
HEAD COACH KIRBY SMART QUICK FACTS
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- 10th season as Georgia coach
- Career Record: 106-19 (.848)
- 2021 & 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
- 2017 CFP national runner-up
- One of just two active coaches with multiple national titles (Dabo Swinney-Clemson, '16 & '18)
- T5th fastest coach in NCAA FBS history to win 100 games, doing it in 117; Fastest to do it in SEC history
- Best record & winning percentage (85-15, .850) after his first 100 games of any coach in SEC history
- 2017, 2022 & 2024 SEC Champions
- Georgia has been ranked in the top five nationally in Scoring Defense five times including leading the nation in 2019 & 2021; Been ranked in the top 10 in Scoring Offense three times (2021-23)
- 2017 George Munger award (National Coach of the Year by Maxwell Club)
- Three-Time SEC Coach of the Year, 2017, 2021-22
- Bulldogs have won three Butkus Awards and two Mackey Awards, One Outland Trophy, Bednarik Award, Thorpe Award, Groza Award, Manning Award & Burlsworth Trophy; Two NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards, One Heisman Trophy finalist
- 25 1st-team All-Americans
- 76 NFL Draft Picks
- 20 First Round NFL Draft picks
- 290 players on SEC Academic Honor Rolls, including a high of 48 on the 2024 team
THE KIRBY SMART RECORD
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| Year | W | L | Pct. | SEC | Bowl | AP Rank |
| 2016 | 8 | 5 | .615 | 4-4 | Liberty | NR |
| 2017 | 13 | 2 | .867 | 8-2# | CFP Rose/NCG | 2nd |
| 2018 | 11 | 3 | .786 | 7-2# | Sugar | T7th |
| 2019 | 12 | 2 | .857 | 7-2# | Sugar | 4th |
| 2020 | 8 | 2 | .800 | 7-2 | Chick-fil-A | 7th |
| 2021 | 14 | 1 | .933 | 9-1# | CFP Orange/NCG | 1st |
| 2022 | 15 | 0 | 1.000 | 9-0# | CFP Peach/NCG | 1st |
| 2023 | 13 | 1 | .929 | 8-0 | Orange | 4th |
| 2024 | 11 | 3 | .786 | 7-2 * | CFP Sugar (Qtr.) | 6th |
| 2025 | ||||||
| Total | 105 | 19 | .847 | *66-16 |
#4-5 (includes 2017-19, '21, '22, '23, '24' SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)
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16 VICTORIES WHEN TIED OR TRAILING LATE
| SEASON | OPPONENT | START OF 4TH QUARTER OR DEFICIT | FINAL |
| 2016 | % #22 UNC | Trailed 24-23 | 33-24 |
| 2016 | @ Missouri | Trailed 27-21 | 28-27 |
| 2016 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 21-16 | 27-24 |
| 2016 | #8 Auburn | Tied 7-7 | 13-7 |
| 2016 | ^TCU | Trailed Trailed 23-21 | 31-23 |
| 2017 | @ #24 Notre Dame | Trailed 17-16, trailed 19-17 with 10:21 left | 20-19 |
| 2017 | $ #2 Oklahoma | Tied 31-31, trailed 45-38 with 0:55 left | 54-48 2ot |
| 2020 | ~ #8 Cincinnati | Trailed 21-10, trailed 21-19 with :03 left | 24-21 |
| 2022 | ! #1 Alabama | Trailed 18-13 with 10:14 left | 33-18 |
| 2022 | @ Missouri | Trailed 19-12, trailed 22-12 with 14:09 left | 26-22 |
| 2022 | ~ #4 Ohio State (CFP Semi) | Trailed 38-24, trailed 41-35 with 2:43 left | 42-41 |
| 2023 | @ Auburn | Tied 17-17, tied 20-20 with 6:21 left | 27-20 |
| 2024 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 9-6 | 13-12 |
| 2024 | @ Kentucky | Trailed 9-6 | 13-12 |
| 2024 | vs. Florida in Jax. | Tied 20-20 with 7:29 left | 34-20 |
| 2024 | Ga. Tech | Trailed 17-6; then 27-13 with 5:37 left; 40-34 in 2nd OT | 44-42 (8-OT) |
| 2024 | #2 Texas (SECCG) | Trailed 19-16 in OT | 22-19 |
%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship
TOP IND. SINGLE GAME PERFORMANCES UNDER SMART
 Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC in Atlanta (9/3/16);
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK
(11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma in CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards vs. AU (10/8/22); Trevor Etienne @ #1 Texas (10/19/24); Nate Frazier vs. UMass (11/23/24);
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D'Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 459, Carson Beck vs. MSU (10/13/24);
Passing TDs: 5, C. Beck (TT-9/7/24, GT-11/29/24), S. Bennett (UAB-9/11/21);
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton vs. MSU (11/21/20);
Receiving TDs: 2, by nine Bulldogs multiple times;
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers vs. UAB (9/11/21);
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF in Jacksonville (11/7/20);
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16);
Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24);
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20), vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Trenton Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24) & #2 Texas in SECCG (12/7/24);
31 DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS SCORES UNDER SMART
The Bulldogs are 28-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart.
In 2024, freshman LB Chris Cole returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD; In 2023, freshman DB Kyron Jones returned an INT versus UT Martin 26 yards for a score; redshirt sophomore Mekhi Mews took a punt return 69 yards for a TD against Ball State; and Joenel Aguero blocked a punt for a safety versus Florida.
DEFENSIVE SCORING IN THE SMART ERA
 114 Points: 17 TDs, 6 Safeties
2016: 14 points in 3 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety);
2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.);
2018: 12 points in 2 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.);
2019: 18 points in 3 different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.);
2020: 22 points in 4 different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties);
2021: 28 points in 6 different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties);
2022: none
2023: 8 points in two games (Pick-Six, Safety)
2024: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)
48 POINTS ON SPECIAL TEAMS IN THE SMART ERA
 2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR);
2017: none;
2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.);
2019: none;
2020: none;
2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt);
2022: 8 points in 2 games (Safety/Blocked Punt; Blocked FG Ret.).
2023: 8 points in 2 games (PR, Safety)
2024: none;
UGA COVERAGE ON WAGA FOX 5 ATLANTA TO INCLUDE:
 "Kirby Smart All Access Presented by Piedmont Healthcare" – This half-hour program will air Monday at 7 p.m. during football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.
"Bulldogs Final" – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week's game.
"Bulldogs Now Presented by Hoffman Financial" – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.
Players Mentioned
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/ FootballGeorgia Football - Monroe Freeling - Post Practice Press Conference
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Georgia Football - Kyron Jones - Post Practice Press Conference
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Georgia Football - Coach Smart - Post Practice Press Conference
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Kirby Smart All Access vs Austin Peay - 2025
Monday, September 08
