College Football
Toothless Gators?
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After an encouraging 8–5 2024 campaign and a dominant Gasparilla Bowl win—Billy Napier and the Florida Gators are positioned for meaningful advancement in 2025.
With Napier entering his fourth season (19–19 overall), the program exudes renewed belief and confidence.
Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway emerged as a transformational presence in 2024.
Taking over mid-season, he posted a 6–1 record, including marquee wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and rival Florida State.
His dual-threat capabilities—combined with high-level recruiting pedigree—set the stage for a breakout season. Veteran observers, such as RJ Young, have Florida’s win total odds poised just above 7.5, signaling expectations of moderate improvement.
Florida’s 2025 slate is undeniably daunting, featuring road trips to LSU, Miami, Texas A&M, and Georgia, along with a home game against Texas.
Media projections place them third in the SEC behind Texas and Georgia, while coach Billy Napier confidently asserts that the team “can compete with any team in the nation”.
Across online forums, conservative fan projections cluster around 8 to 10 wins, with key losses expected against LSU, Texas, Ole Miss, or Georgia.
With Lagway’s development, Wilson’s emergence, and improving cohesion under Napier, Florida seems set to outperform 2024’s 8-win tally.
But the Gators’ gauntlet of a schedule realistically caps their ceiling—unless they pull big upsets.
Projected record: 9–3 regular season.
Potential losses: LSU (road), Texas or Texas A&M (depending on momentum), Georgia (tough SEC clash).
A likely SEC bowl berth, with a dark horse shot at a New Year’s Six game if they can steal one marquee upset.
Not so fast, Florida under Billy Napier does not have a marquee road win in his entire tenure.
With DJ Lagway under center, the Gators will have a chance in every game. Without DJ Lagway, Florida is a 5 to 6 win team.
Currently Lagway is nursing an ankle and shoulder injury. He has not been available in scrimmages and is limited during seven on seven drills.
This is a make or break season for Billy Napier and my prediction is: break.
I predict the Gators will go seven and five. Napier’s reign as head coach will come to an end.
Florida fans tune in for a competitive, rollercoaster season and on the other side of it: a big leap forward or another step back.
Eagles To Soar?
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As Clay Helton enters year four in Statesboro at the helm of the Georgia Southern Football program, one of the big themes (at least heading into the season) is consistency.
2025 will mark the first time since 2019 that Georgia Southern will begin the year with the same Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator and Director of Strength and Conditioning that they began the previous year with.
The other piece of consistency for Helton heading into 2025 is at quarterback. 2025 will mark the first time in Helton’s tenure that Georgia Southern returns the starting quarterback from a year ago with JC French slated to command the Eagle offense.
2024 wrapped up for the Blue and White with an 8-5 record and an appearance in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl against Sam Houston State.
In his first season as the field general, French completed a Georgia Southern record 65.6% of his passes while racking up over 2,800 yards and connecting for 17 touchdowns.
The former transfer from Memphis put a huge emphasis on the nutrition and conditioning programs in the offseason and has shed over 8% body fat and dropping about 15 pounds.
The Eagles bring back two key pieces of the backfield with running backs OJ Arnold and David Mbadinga returning after not going through spring ball due to rehabbing injuries but look to be full go when boot meets ball in 2025.
Arnold was the second leading rusher a year ago after the leading rusher, Jalen White, signed a free-agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.
Georgia Southern will lean on a number of returners on both sides of the ball but also brought in 17 transfers to the program.
Two guys that really impressed in the spring and look to make an impact defensively are Brendan Harrington (transferring in from rival App State), and Brandon Tyson (transferring from Elon) in the linebacker room.
The Eagles will open the 2025 season in a unique way. Clay Helton will return to familiar territory as the Eagles get the season going on a ten-day west coast trip that begins at Fresno State on August 30th.
The team will stay in California the following week as Southern will then face the USC Trojans in week 2 the following Saturday.
Coach Helton spent a combined 11 years (from 2010-2021) in Southern California as an assistant coach, interim head coach twice and Head Coach of the Trojans from 2015-2021.
After the left-coast swing, the Eagles open the home slate against Jacksonville State who burst on the scene in their first year as a member of Conference USA and appeared in the Cure Bowl last season.
With conference road trips coming to JMU, Arkansas State, App State, and Marshall, the Eagles welcome Southern Miss, Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, and ODU to Allen E. Paulson Stadium this season.
Georgia Southern showed flashes of greatness last season in the 8-5 campaign and again carry consistency into the new year.
It seems that year four under Coach Helton is set to be a jumping point for Georgia Southern in getting the program back to not only Sun Belt prominence, but also national excellency that Coach Helton has talked about since arriving in Statesboro.
Elite Or Not?
By: Joe Delaney
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
In 2024 the Georgia Bulldogs won the SEC Championship and went to the College Football Playoffs. They won 11 games and beat the 2025 consensus number 1 team Texas twice.
What a great year, right? Not hardly sports fans. Such are the expectations in Athens, Ga these days. It doesn’t matter that many of the 2024 starters are in NFL camps right now. And the 2025 schedule has top twenty teams all through it. The Dawgs are expected to win and win big!
This all starts with Kirby Smart. Widely acknowledged as one of if not the best college coach in America. Kirby has built a dynasty.
And while the Dawgs annually reload, this year’s edition has more young gunslingers than in the past. That means Kirby will have to be at his best. And that goes for Bobo, Schuman, and the rest of staff.
There are holes to fill and changes to be made. The talent is younger than ever. Georgia will be very good. But will they be elite? That is probably Kirby’s’ favorite phrase. With the schedule they play they had better be.
For me there are 4 critical keys for Georgia in 2025. If these end up positive then the Dawgs will be hell.
First is the offensive line. Georgia lost 4 linemen to the NFL this year. And yet they underachieved. Rushing per game was horrendous. Especially in the 3 losses.
Granted many of Georgia’s second teamers would start for many SEC schools. Well, it’s time for some young pups to get rabid.
Monroe Freeling, Micah Morris (Camden County), Drew Bobo, and Ernest Greene all have starting experience. Add in Daniel Calhoun and these guys have got to be better in the rushing game and protecting the QB.
Secondly is the defensive line. Kirby Smarts Dawg teams have regularly sent D linemen to the NFL. This year was no exception.
And while Christen Miller, Gabe Harris, Xavier McLeod and Jordan Hall have all played extensive minutes for the Red and Black. They and their cohorts will need to step it up in 2025. The linebackers and defensive backs should be solid. So how the defense plays will rest on how the line plays.
Next is Brett Thorson. What? The punter? YEAH…… Think how many times Thorson flipped the field against teams. It’s a big difference to have to drive 80 or 90 yards as opposed to 50. He was missed terribly in the Playoff loss to Notre Dame. How he returns from ACL surgery is critical for the Dawgs.
And last but not least is you guessed it……. Gunner.
Is he serviceable or is he elite? We’re about to find out. With an improved rushing game and receivers who don’t lead the nation in drops, Gunner could be very good.
They have brought in help for both of those shortcomings from last year. If he plays within himself and limits his mistakes, he could be very good.
Throw in the best tight end room in the nation and it’s there for him.
He is completely different from Carson Beck and the team loves the guy. How he held on to the ball on the run to inside the 5 against Texas I’ll never know.
The Dawgs need to run the ball and catch the ball. That’s bottom line. Do that and Gunner has a good chance to shine.
The schedule gets Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas at home.
Alabama and Texas will see Athens go completely crazy.
Road games at Tennessee and Auburn are scary.
Throw in the Gators and Jackets and the pups had better be DAWGS by the time they head to Knoxville.
The Dawgs have the talent. They also have two home games to start the season that should help them fix any issues. After that all hell will break loose one way or the other.
Rocky Top Playoff?
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Tennessee Volunteers enter the 2025 college football season with high expectations following a strong 2024 campaign that saw them reach the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Josh Heupel, now in his fifth year, the Vols aim to build on their recent success and contend for an SEC Championship and another playoff berth.
However, significant changes on offense and a challenging schedule present both opportunities and hurdles for a program striving to return to elite status.
The biggest storyline for Tennessee in 2025 is the transition at quarterback following the surprising transfer of former starter Nico Iamaleava to UCLA.
Stepping into the spotlight is Joey Aguilar, a senior transfer from Appalachian State, who brings notable experience with 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Aguilar’s dual-threat ability aligns with Heupel’s high-octane “Veer and Shoot” offense, but his adjustment to the SEC’s competitive landscape will be critical.
His interception issues at Appalachian State are a concern, and how quickly he masters Tennessee’s system will determine the offense’s ceiling.
The offense faces additional challenges with the departure of star running back Dylan Sampson to the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and a largely rebuilt offensive line.
Tennessee’s running game, a key component of their 8-0 record when rushing for 185 yards or more in 2024, must find new contributors.
The wide receiver room is young and thin, with sophomore Mike Matthews (seven receptions, two TDs in 2024) expected to emerge as a primary target. Transfer Chris Brazzell II, a deep threat with 29 catches for 333 yards last season, adds potential firepower. Developing chemistry among these pieces will be crucial for offensive coordinator Joey Halzle.
Tennessee’s defense, which was one of the best in the nation in 2024, remains the team’s backbone.
Coordinated by Tim Banks, the unit is poised to dominate again, led by senior edge rusher Joshua Josephs, who anchors a defensive front that recorded 100 tackles for loss in 2024.
Interior linemen Bryson Eason and Jaxson Moi provide depth, while Junior Linebacker Arion Carter is expected to lead the second level.
The secondary features talented cornerbacks Rickey Gibson III and Jermod McCoy, though McCoy’s recovery from an ACL injury is a key variable. Sophomore Boo Carter, a dynamic playmaker at the STAR position, could shine across all three phases, including special teams. This defense is capable of keeping Tennessee competitive in every game.
Special teams should be a strength, with kicker Max Gilbert and punter Jackson Ross returning as multi-year starters. Boo Carter’s explosiveness as a returner adds another dimension.
The 2025 schedule is manageable but includes critical tests.
The season opens against Syracuse in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta on August 30, followed by non-conference games against ETSU, UAB, and New Mexico State—games Tennessee is favored to win.
The SEC slate begins with a marquee home matchup against Georgia on September 13, a chance to snap an eight-game losing streak to the Bulldogs.
Tough road games at Alabama (October 18) and Florida (November 22) will challenge the Vols’ mettle, while home games against Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt offer better opportunities for a W.
Vegas projects Tennessee’s win total at 8.5, meaning the uncertainty on offense is more than compensated by the strength on defense.
A favorable schedule means that a record of 9-3 or 10-2 is achievable, but reaching the College Football Playoff again may hinge on upsetting Georgia at Neyland, or Alabama/Florida on the road. With a young roster—49% freshmen or redshirt freshmen—Tennessee is building for the future while remaining competitive in 2025.
If Aguilar adapts quickly and the offense finds rhythm, the Vols could exceed expectations and solidify their place among the SEC’s elite.
War Chant
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Florida State opens their season at home on August 30, 2025, hosting Alabama at a newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium.
In my opinion, this game is a litmus test for FSU’s season.
So far this off-season, FSU starting quarterback, Tommy Castellanos has been verbally battling with the Alabama defense.
This could turn out to be a positive or a catastrophic mistake on Castellanos’ part.
Aug 30 vs Alabama: A daunting opener against one of college football’s elite. FSU enters as substantial underdogs—Vegas favors Alabama by about 12.5 points. A loss seems likely, but a competitive showing could set a different tone.
Sep 6 vs East Texas A&M: A home game versus an FCS team. A near-certain win.
Sep 20 vs Kent State: Another winnable home non‑conference game, with high confidence in a victory.
Sep 26 @ Virginia: Virginia projects around 6.5 wins—FSU first road test, Nole should get the win.
Oct 4 vs Miami: The storied Florida State–Miami rivalry resumes. This matchup remains evenly matched—Miami holds a one-game edge historically. Expect an emotional game with FSU keeping it close, but the Canes have more talent. Noles take the L.
Oct 11 vs Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh projects around the 6.5-win mark. FSU should control at home, though not a guaranteed win.
Oct 18 @ Stanford: A late-night cross-country trip poses logistical challenges. Still, Stanford struggled in 2024 (3–9) and faces instability in coaching. If FSU handles travel, this is a likely win.
Nov 1 vs Wake Forest: Wake is forecasted around 4.5 wins. On home turf, FSU should prevail.
Nov 8 @ Clemson: A high-stakes rivalry game. Clemson is favored in the conference polls. FSU will get manhandled on both lines of scrimmage. Loss.
Nov 15 vs Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech projects around 6.5 wins. Another winnable ACC home fixture.
Nov 21 @ NC State: NC State also projected near 6.5 wins. Road environment adds difficulty, and another L.
Nov 29 @ Florida: The season finale against the Gators is a rivalry away game. Florida is the more physically talented team. The Noles leave Hogtown with an L.
Vegas has set FSU’s win total at 7.5 games for the 2025 season—many oddsmakers favor the under. Analysts widely project a 7–5 or 8–4 finish, highlighting FSU’s relatively soft schedule outside of marquee matchups.
One popular perspective: beating all assured opponents (East Texas, Kent State, Virginia, Stanford, Wake, Virginia Tech, Pitt) yields seven wins.
Winning one of the bigger matchups (Miami, NC State, Clemson, Florida) pushes them to a potential eight. Dropping all big tests will leave them at or below bowl eligibility.
In short: under new coordinators Gus Malzahn (offense) and Tony White (defense), Florida State’s 2025 campaign looks like a rebound opportunity. Avoiding the bottom of the ACC and reaching bowl eligibility is likely.
A strong push in November or early ACC games could ignite something more—but at least reaching 7 wins would represent real progress from The Seminole’s disastrous 2024.
I can see FSU winning eight games; I also can see them losing seven. Coach Norvel has an uphill battle in 2025 with keeping the games competitive on the field and keeping the noise down off the field.
FSU fans, buckle up. This season will be a bumpy ride. Let’s hope some of those are good bumps.
Geaux Tigers
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 LSU Tigers enter the season with both urgency and optimism.
After consecutive seasons falling short of the College Football Playoff, head coach Brian Kelly faces pressure to turn promise into postseason success. Fortunately for Tiger fans, the pieces might finally be in place.
Despite losing standout talents like left tackle Will Campbell and wide receiver Kyren Lacy, the Tigers return a battle-tested quarterback, a retooled and aggressive defense, and a mix of transfers and rising stars who are ready to bring LSU back to the national spotlight.
Senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is back for his final season and ready to prove he is more than just a bridge between Jayden Daniels and the future of the program.
In 2024, he passed for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, showing he can compete with the best in the country. However, turnovers and red zone issues hurt in key moments.
With a strong group of receivers and a deep backfield, Nussmeier has everything he needs to lead an offense that scored 24 or more points in all nine of its wins last season. In each of the four losses, they failed to reach that mark.
The offseason loss of Kyren Lacy was a tragic blow, but LSU is still loaded with playmakers at wide receiver. Aaron Anderson returns after a breakout 2024 campaign where he totaled 61 receptions for 884 yards. Transfers Nic Anderson from Oklahoma, Barion Brown from Kentucky, and Destyn Hill from Florida State bring elite speed and big-play ability.
At tight end, Trey’Dez Green and Oklahoma transfer Bauer Sharp will battle for the starting role. Sharp caught 42 passes last season and brings experience to the position.
Sophomore running back Caden Durham returns after rushing for 753 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is expected to take the lead role in a backfield that also features 235-pound power runner Kaleb Jackson.
Replacing a top five NFL Draft pick like Will Campbell at left tackle is no easy task, but Tyree Adams has the size, experience, and potential to take on the role. DJ Chester returns at center, and Braelin Moore, a transfer from Troy, is expected to fill a starting guard spot.
The offensive line ranked among the best in the SEC last season in both sack prevention and run blocking. Despite a few new faces, the expectation remains high.
LSU’s defense improved from 108th to 61st in total yards allowed last season. This year, the goal is to climb even higher and generate more turnovers.
The Tigers were undefeated in games where they recorded an interception and had a losing record when they failed to do so.
Newcomer Patrick Payton from Florida State brings 16 career sacks to the defensive edge and could make an instant impact.
Whit Weeks returns at linebacker after making 125 tackles in 2024. Harold Perkins Jr., one of the most talented defenders in the country, is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to return to his dominant form.
In the secondary, Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane, DJ Pickett, and Ashton Stamps form a deep cornerback rotation.
LSU has lost five straight season openers since the 2019 national championship season.
This year, they open at Clemson in a game that could shape the narrative for the rest of the season. They also face tough road trips to Alabama, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss, with a critical home game against Florida.
I think that in order to be a serious playoff contender, the Tigers likely need to go at least 4-1 in those five marquee games.
Brian Kelly enters his third year at LSU with a team that looks more physical and complete than in previous seasons. With a seasoned quarterback, explosive skill players, and a defense full of emerging talent, the Tigers have the tools to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff.
If LSU can avoid early stumbles and stay healthy, this could be the season Tiger fans have been waiting for.
Atlanta Buzz
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The college football season kicks off this month. We are going to take a look at Georgia Tech and see what we should expect in 2025.
The Yellow Jackets finished the 2024 season 7-6. They lost the season finale to #7 Georgia in eight overtimes, 44-42.
Surprisingly, they created rings to celebrate the season. They did defeat two top 10 teams, #10 Florida State and #4 Miami but that’s not a reason to get rings.
Expectations are higher going into this season. The media has picked them to finish fourth in the ACC. The last time they were picked in the ACC preseason poll to finish higher than fourth was in 2015.
“Before I got here we were 3-9 (in 2021). And then 5-7 (in 2022). It’s a steady progression,” senior safety Clayton Powell-Lee said. “So just knowing that I was a part of that foundation and knowing where this team is going to, where this program is going to skyrocket to? You better buy in now because we gonna be gone in a minute.”
They have some talented players returning on both sides of the ball. On offense they have quarterback Haynes King, running back Jamal Haynes, wide receiver Malik Rutherford and guards Keylan Rutledge and Joe Fusile returning.
“I think the biggest difference is the buy-in. Everyone is bought in, especially starting off in the spring with the guys coming in and NIL (name, image and likeness) taking a big turn — you’re never gonna have the same team over the years. It’s just inevitable,” Haynes said.
“Then us building a bond over the spring and the summer, you definitely see the change in the program. Then on top of that, we have a great locker room. And as long as you have a great locker room, you have great people surrounding your team, you’ll have a great team.”
On defense they have Powell-Lee, corner back Ahmari Harvey, linebacker Kyle Efford and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg returning.
They have also added talent in recruiting and the transfer portal. Some of the players they added through the transfer portal are WR Evan Haynes (North Carolina), DL Akelo Stone (Ole Miss), CB Jon Mitchell (Penn State), S Jyron Gilmore (Georgia State), S Savion Riley (Colorado), Edge A.J. Hoffler (Clemson), LB Melvin Jordan IV (Oregon State), OT Andrew Rosinski (North Carolina) and WR Debron Gatling (South Carolina). Their 2025 transfer portal recruiting class is ranked 32nd nationally.
“Look, we got good football players, right? We got good football players that work their butts off,” Tech coach Brent Key. “So, they should have confidence, right?”
The schedule does not look tough. They only have two opponents that are ranked in the preseason top 25, #6 Clemson and #4 UGA.
They will start the season on Friday, August 29th at Colorado. The Buffaloes lost several talented players to the NFL Draft like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders.
They play FCS Gardner-Webb in Week 2.
On paper Tech should be favored against teams like Temple, Wake Forest, Duke, Syracuse, Pitt and Boston College.
I’m not a fan of the rivalry game with Georgia being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic this season.
I believe they will win eight games if they stay relatively healthy.
Schedule
8/29 @ Colorado
9/6 Gardner-Webb
9/13 #6 Clemson
9/20 Temple
9/27 @ Wake Forest
10/11 Virginia Tech
10/18 @ Duke
10/25 Syracuse
11/1 @ NC State
11/15 @ Boston College
11/22 Pitt
11/28 #4 Georgia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mr. Glass?
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Florida starting quarterback DJ Lagway has suffered a new lower-body injury that’s forced him into a walking boot heading into the Gators fall training camp.
Lagaway’s injury marks the latest offseason ailment, and one of the many; Lagway has a hurt throwing shoulder and a lower body injury, which dated back to his high school time and was never disclosed.
Accordingly, Lagway had limited participation in the Gators’ spring training camp in March and April. He did not throw passes, instead simulating his footwork, handing the ball off to running backs.
Per Billy Napier, Lagway aided the coaching staff with communicating with quarterbacks and occasionally called plays during team drills.
At SEC Media Days in Atlanta on July 16, Lagway asserted his shoulder and lower-body injuries were behind him and that he anticipated being available for fall camp.
DJ Lagway enters his first season as Florida’s unquestioned starting quarterback in 2025 after 12 appearances and seven starts as a freshman, with 59.9 completion percent of his 192 passing attempts for 1,915 yards.
He counted 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He finished the year with a 95.6 deep passing grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked No. 3 among 150 qualifying FBS passers.
UF won every game Lagway started and finished in 2024; the only loss on his first-team record came against No. 2 Georgia, when he exited just before halftime with a hamstring injury, while Florida held a 10-3 lead.
Lagway was named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America, ESPN, and various other outlets for his performance in 2024. He earned a spot on the Maxwell Award preseason watch list; a trophy delivered annually since 1937 to the College Player of the Year.
I don’t think it’s this bad, but I do think there’s cause for concern. We know heading into this SEC schedule, especially since it’s the hardest in the nation, there’s likely more injuries to come. Especially if he isn’t 100% healthy by August 30th.
Backup QB development right now might be the most important thing happening at practice for the Florida Gators.
Lagway missed one week when it looked like it was a much more serious injury.
Then the guy has a tender shoulder and hernia surgery this spring thus they take it slow with him and we have people panicking that he’s made of glass.
So far he’s missed one game in his career because of injury, for some that’s a reason to jump off a cliff.
For me, Lagway is QB1 and expectations are high.
It’s About Protection
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Georgia lost four starters from an offensive line that allowed the most sacks (25) during the Kirby Smart era, leading the Bulldogs’ coach to tell his group to “grow up and play” this offseason.
Three under-the-radar players have stepped up to meet the challenge, led by a towering 6-foot-7 offensive tackle.
Junior Monroe Freeling is in line to be a starter at Georgia.
Based on his physical growth since last season, Georgia feels like he is in position to not only hold his own at left tackle, but to have a year that could land him an early NFL Draft pick.
Freeling is ranked No. 33 overall and No. 6 among offensive tackles in his 2023 recruiting class. He had an up-and-down first season with Georgia.
The former four-star recruit started the final five games at left tackle, surrendering 12 pressures, including four pressures and three sacks in the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame.
Despite missing spring practice due to offseason shoulder surgery, NFL scouts are optimistic about Freeling’s potential to elevate his game during his junior year.
The coaching staff holds the same confidence and optimism to right tackle Earnest Greene and center Drew Bobo.
Earnest Greene hasn’t started yet at his new right tackle position but he’s in line to start this year, and a lot of folks feel really good about him.
Drew Bobo is another candidate to feel good about as the starting center. Internally, Georgia feels like Drew is a significantly better player than most people realize.
The strength of the offensive line is in the interior. Georgia is starting inexperienced tackles on both sides.
On the inside, Bobo played 183 snaps at center last season and allowed just three pressures and zero sacks.
Left guard Micah Morris allowed four pressures and zero sacks across 432 total snaps last season, while right guard Daniel Calhoun surrendered zero pressures in 26 snaps. This might be the most talented returning interior O-Lines in the NCAA.
This is a big year for Stacked Searels’ group: they’re tasked with protecting a first-time starting quarterback. Looking into this season, this group can provide adequate play up front, but that does not feel like a confident statement to make. I guess we’ll wait and see?
Smart downplayed Georgia’s rushing numbers from last year and explained that those numbers were a product of the teams the Bulldogs played.
Even with a padded stat sheet, Smart made it clear that the Georgia Bulldogs must run the ball better in 2025. Can they make it happen?
The SEC is a line of scrimmage conference and Georgia’s offensive line should be among the best. The Dawgs OLine will determine how they fair in the College Football Playoff.
Pirate To Gator
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Florida has landed a commitment from four-star tight end Heze Kent.
Kent is a 6-foot-6, 310-pound tight end from Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Georgia.
He chose the Gators over Florida State Miami and Texas, and ranks as the No. 11 athlete in the country, the No. 18 recruit in Georgia and the No. 167 overall recruit in the 2026 class.
What Kent looked for most in a school throughout his recruitment is a place where he can feel comfortable, but he also wanted a place where he’s seen as a true, pass-catching tight end at the next level.
Because of his size at 310 pounds, not all schools that recruited him looked for him to line up at tight end.
Kent’s top four schools in Florida, Florida State, Miami and Texas all saw him as a tight end, which brought each school into his final cut.
What helped separate Florida, however, was Kent’s relationship with offensive coordinator and tight ends’ coach, Russ Callaway.
“That’s like a father or a brother to me,” Kent said. “My coach had told me how he was as a person, like the same person he is on the field is the same person he is off.”
Kent was able to have some familiarity with Callaway before Florida began recruiting him heavily. Callaway played football at Valdosta State with Kent’s high school coach, so that gave Kent a unique perspective on what to expect from Callaway.
The relationship grew on its own, however, and that combined with how Florida sees him in the offense gave Kent a lot to like about the Gators.
Kent kept his recruitment relatively private and even keeled, especially down the stretch. Florida State made a push close to his decision, especially after his official visit with the Seminoles.
“Everything has been good over there,” Kent said ahead of his decision. “I talk to Coach [Chris] Thomsen and Coach [Mike] Norvell.”
What helped give Florida the nod, however, was the fact that the staff not only treated him as a priority, but as a priority tight end throughout much of his recruitment
“They say no other tight end that they’re recruiting has the same skillset as me,” Kent said.
Here is what National High School Scouting Analyst Hudson Standish had to say in late June on Kent’s game.
“One of the more unique evaluations in the 2026 cycle. Jumbo athlete hovering around 6-foot-6, 310 pounds who primarily plays tight end at the prep level but likely projects to offensive tackle or defensive tackle on Saturdays. Shows significant developmental blocking upside when asked to stay attached, possesses nimble movement skills and redirection ability that directly translate from his work as a forward on the basketball court. Uncommon movement skills from a player of his size in the open field and will make acrobatic ladder-climbing snags in the red zone. Dominates South Georgia 5A competition in a variety of ways and has even found success as a ball carrier. Could start his career as a specialty tight end in 12/13 personnel groupings before transitioning to a long-term positional home. Sheer size and athleticism point to obvious long-term NFL upside, especially if he embraces a role along the offensive or defensive line at the next level.”
The Gators landed a unique unicorn with size and athleticism. Kent adds to an impressive group Coach Napier is bringing in for 2026.
