Georgia Bulldogs Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Since winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, Georgia hasn’t been able to reach college football’s summit again. However, college football expert Phil Steele believes that might change in the 2025 campaign. The Bulldogs’ success will start with their offense.

Offense

“Last year the Dogs offense was below expectations with just 31.5 [points per game] and 405 [yards per game],” Steele wrote. “This year they lose QB [Carson] Beck, their top two WR’s and 4 starting OL but should actually have improved numbers and get back to their normal production.”

It won’t be easy for the Bulldogs. Carson Beck stunned college football fans across the nation this offseason when he transferred to Miami. Gunner Stockton is expected to start behind center this fall in Beck’s place.

Stockton played a pivotal role in Georgia’s win over Texas in the SEC Championship after Beck suffered an injury. Subsequently, Stockton started in Georgia’s showdown against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff.

Stockton’s performance against the Fighting Irish wasn’t nearly as stellar, and the Bulldogs fell 23-10. With an entire offseason for Stockton to grow more comfortable as Georgia’s QB1, hopes are high for the junior QB.

Along with Stockton, Georgia is returning four starters on offense from last season, including wide receiver Dillon Bell. Additionally, Georgia picked up several offensive weapons in the transfer portal, highlighted by receivers Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas.

Defense

Of course, Georgia can’t win its first national title in three seasons by solely relying on its offense. Steele is also confident the Bulldogs’ defense will be immensely successful this fall.

“This year’s group may not have the star power of the past few years but the schedule is more manageable,” Steele wrote. “They have stockpiled talent for years and my computer calls for 18.8 ppg.”

For reference, Georgia’s defense allowed 20.6 points per game last season, ranking No. 23 in the country. Only 15 teams last year gave up fewer 19 points per game. Thus, Steele is placing the Bulldogs into elite company.

Of course, if the Bulldogs want to win a national championship, that’s exactly the type of company they need. Georgia is only returning three defensive starters from last season, but the Bulldogs were deep and experts are predicting previous backups to make major waves this fall.

2025 Forecast

To further plug the holes left by its losses, Georgia reeled in commitments from several defensive transfers this offseason, including linebacker Elo Modozie. If all goes well, Steele has faith that Georgia could put together a standout season.

“This is still one of the most talented teams and they get Texas, Bama and Ole Miss at home with just 3 true SEC road games,” Steele wrote. “Stockton adds the QB run game to the offense and the WR corps should be much improved.

“This team may lack some of the star power of past editions but is still loaded with VHT’s at every position, has my #2 special teams and figures to be favored in every game this year including home games vs Texas, Bama and Ole Miss and is a prime contender to get a 3rd National Title in 5 years.”