Georgia Bulldogs thought they had their guy. A quarterback with elite arm talent, a veteran presence… at least for the starting weeks. But just when it seemed like Carson Beck was set to lead the Bulldogs into 2025, he stunned Athens and everyone, bolting for Miami and leaving Dawgs HC Kirby Smart scrambling for answers. Now, the pressure shifts to a young 21-year-old face under center, one who doesn’t have the luxury of easing into the job. The expectations in Athens don’t change, and neither do the stakes. There’s a double-trouble pond for Dawgs emerges, not just with regards to news starters passing, but also in his security details.

Kirby Smart might have to rely on a larger cohort of young playmakers on both sides of the ball this year. Gunner Stockton is stepping into a firestorm. A 21-year-old signal-caller with talent but minimal experience. Not his fault, but he’s inheriting an offense with major questions along the line of scrimmage. The Bulldogs were supposed to be built to withstand departures, but cracks in the foundation were already visible last year. Beck masked a lot of issues with his quick decision-making and pocket awareness, but now those flaws are harder to ignore. “There’s no other way around it,” an insider from UGA Football on Dawg Post admitted.

“Georgia’s offensive line has got to do better in 2025. They took a step backward last year from 2023.” For Gunner Stockton to have any shot at thriving, those concerns need to be addressed — and fast. There’s plenty of intrigue in how Georgia reshapes #14’s protection. “At left tackle, I believe it’s either going to be Monroe Freeling, who is only going to get better, or Ernest Green, who held down that left tackle job and was a little banged up last year,” the insider explained. Green was supposed to be a rock but struggled through an injury-plagued campaign.

If he can return to form, that’s a major boost. If not, Freeling, a young but high-upside option, has to take a leap. “At left guard, I think you could slide Micah Morris right in there… this will be his fifth season with the program.” The UGA insider, although, was positive on the 6’4″, 330 pounder’s ability at LT as “he should slide in there nicely he’s a good talented player so I’m not too concerned”. That kind of veteran presence is valuable, but the real battle is happening at right guard, a position that remains a mystery heading into spring is. “Someone’s got to come up and take it, and I think this spring you’ll see a few guys emerge.”

Georgia isn’t just dealing with uncertainty; they’re replacing key leadership up front. Xavier Truss and Dylan Fairchild are gone to the NFL, taking with them the experience and chemistry that held this group together. Even with experienced options like, #74 305 pounder, Drew Bobo at center—“he’s not some young pup who just got there, right?” — the Bulldogs can’t afford to let their protection become a liability. Stockton, as talented as he is, showed some promise against Notre Dame finishing 20 of 32 for 234 and a TD. Sadly, won’t have the benefit of years of experience to bail himself out the way Beck did.

Kirby Smart knows how to build a roster, but this is a different challenge. The Bulldogs have reloaded at nearly every position in recent years, yet the offensive line hasn’t played up to its own standard. Additionally, not going for an elite QB from the portal. Their new quarterback under center, the margin for error, is even thinner.

Stockton has the tools to succeed, but if Georgia can’t get its protection sorted out, it won’t matter.

Kirby Smart’s next essential move to protect Gunner Stockton

Protection is everything, and the Bulldogs know it. With their “right guard job remains up for the grab”, the good news is, Kirby Smart and his staff are making major moves on the 2026 recruiting trail, and some key targets are starting to take notice.

One of the biggest potential wins for Georgia came on Monday when five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho confirmed that the Bulldogs are one of his top choices. And when a talent like Iheanacho is giving you serious consideration, you know you’re doing something right.

Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. Georgia is in a heated battle with Oregon for his commitment, while Penn State is lurking as another possible contender. Most experts believe it’s ultimately coming down to the Dawgs and Ducks, setting the stage for a recruiting showdown. With Georgia gaining momentum in the 2026 class, it’s clear Smart is focused on keeping the Bulldogs’ trenches strong.