Where Georgia ranks in 10-plus preseason college football rankings

“Quarterback uncertainty loomed until Stetson Bennett decided to return, causing J.T. Daniels to transfer and pushing off the battle between backups Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff for another season. Running back should be fine with Kendal Milton and Kenny McIntosh taking over duties. Brock Bowers is a star at tight end and the offensive line looks promising. The losses are huge on defense, especially in the front seven. Watching the NFL draft highlighted that. However, Kirby Smart has plenty of elite recruits waiting to step in to join veterans Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. The same script from last year could unfold – an unbeaten regular season and loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.”

“One of our voters ranked the Bulldogs in the No. 2 spot, three placed Kirby Smart’s team at No. 3 and another slotted Georgia at No. 4 in the preseason just behind Texas A&M. With half of the defense’s impact guys expect to go in the first round this week, that side of the ball for the Bulldogs’ may take some getting used to in September.”

At least the Bulldogs bring back D-tackle Jalen Carter, who might be even better than the first-rounders who left. There’s plenty of firepower coming back on offense, especially if one-time LSU transfer Arik Gilbert continues to progress after missing all of last season because of personal reasons. All-American tight end Brock Bowers missed the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery, but he should be ready by the start of preseason camp.

 

“Don’t assume the Bulldogs are out of the national title hunt after losing all that superstar talent to the NFL. Years of great recruiting classes – and holdovers from last year – have restocked the shelves. This won’t be the 2021 team, but it’ll be right back in the hunt for the College Football Playoff.”

Georgia broke its national championship drought, and the pieces remain in place for another title run. Stetson Bennett returned at quarterback, and running back Kenny McIntosh and tight end Brock Bowers lead what should be an improved offense. Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo are the next wave of first-round picks off the defense. The opener against Oregon in Atlanta will be a good barometer.

“Even if the defense takes a small step back, the Bulldogs don’t lack for firepower on the other side of the ball. Under coordinator Todd Monken’s watch, Georgia led the SEC in scoring offense (37.8 points a game) in conference-only matchups last year. Quarterback Stetson Bennett returns, with a talented group of playmakers on the outside, including tight ends Brock Bowers, Darnell Washington and Arik Gilbert, along with receivers Kearis Jackson and Adonai Mitchell. Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton headline the backfield, running behind an offensive line poised to be among the best in the nation.”

“An absurd amount of elite talent understandably left Georgia for the NFL after the team won the national title. That Bulldog defense was the best PFF has ever seen, and it boasted first-round-caliber talent all over the place. It’s not going to be easy to overcome all of the losses, but if any staff can do it, it’s this one.”

“The key this year will be the defense. The Bulldogs rotate a lot of players and were very deep at all spots on the D but do lose an amazing nine NFL draft picks off the defense including five first rounders. Last year’s title win will give them confidence and they remain a title contender.”

“The Bulldogs attempt to run it back after losing the core of a generational defense and a generational team (15 players taken in the NFL draft).”

“There should be a slight step back here, but Kirby Smart has recruited so well that Georgia has more than enough size and speed to plug in those holes this season.”