Georgia OL Tate Ratledge announces decision to return for 2024 season

In a big boost for the Georgia offense in 2024, stalwart offensive lineman Tate Ratledge announced on Friday that he will return to Athens for a fourth season. Ratledge was eligible to declare for the NFL draft as an underclassman.

“There’s nothing like being a football player at UGA, and I don’t want my time here to end just yet,” Ratledge said. “I am excited to return for one more year in Athens!”

Ratledge has been a stud on the inside of the offensive line for the Bulldogs, starting the last two years at right guard. He earned first team All-SEC honors and second team AP All-American nods for his play in 2023.

His return, along with retaining quarterback Carson Beck, should help Georgia start the 2024 campaign as favorites to win the SEC and compete for a national title again. And with a stalwart final year on the line, Ratledge can potentially push his draft stock even higher.

Ratledge played high school football at Rome (Ga.) Darlington School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 41 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.