Game & Broadcast Info

 

Georgia-Auburn Quick Comparison

	Georgia	Auburn
Scoring Offense/Game:	34.6	27.6
Rushing Offense/Game:	206.8	169.0
Passing Offense/Game:	231.8	173.2
Total Offense/Game:	438.6	342.2
Scoring Defense/Game:	18.4	16.4
Rushing Defense/Game:	82.0	88.0
Passing Defense/Game:	231.2	227.6
Turnover Margin:	-2	+4

Fast Facts On The Georgia-Auburn Series

Saturday will mark the 130th meeting between Georgia and Auburn, and the Bulldogs lead the Deep South’s oldest rivalry 65-56-8. Georgia is 19-12-2 against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Georgia has won eight straight in the series and 19 of the past 26 contests since 2000.

Georgia’s longest winning streak in the series is nine from 1923-1931 with eight of those games in Columbus and one in Athens. The series was played in Columbus from 1916-28 and 1930-58.

Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs are 9-1 against the Tigers including 3-1 on the Plains.

The Bulldogs are allowing 18.4 points a game while the Tigers surrender just 16.4.

The Bulldogs rank sixth nationally in Red Zone Defense, allowing points just 67 percent of the time. The Tigers lead the nation in Red Zone Scoring, going 14-for-14 with 10 TDs and 4 field goals.

Georgia and Auburn rank among the league’s best in stopping the run with the Bulldogs allowing 82 rushing yards a game (4th in SEC) while the Tigers check in at 88.0 (6th in SEC).

Georgia has given up three rushing touchdowns this season. The Tigers have recorded 12 rushing touchdowns this year after having a total of 13 last year.

Georgia has registered seven sacks and allowed six this year while Auburn has tallied 16 sacks but has allowed an SEC-leading 21 this season.

Simply The Best (Since 2021)

Georgia owns the best record in the FBS since 2021 at 57-6. This run includes back-to-back CFP national titles (2021-22) and two SEC titles (2022 & 2024).

Georgia and Ohio State are the only FBS schools to win 11+ games in each of the past four seasons.

Rank	School	Record
1.	GEORGIA	57-6
2.	Ohio State	52-8
3.	Michigan	52-9
4.	Oregon	50-10

 

Playing With FPE (Fire, Passion & Energy)

One of Georgia’s main themes during the preseason and now in 2025 will be to play with “FPE.”

Fifty-four percent of Georgia’s roster consists of players in their first or second season here.

The Bulldog defense is allowing just 18.4 points a game and has posted 10 scoreless quarters this season. Opponents have scored 55 points in the first half and just 34 in the second half of regulation. Georgia blanked then No. 17 Alabama in the second half while Kentucky managed seven points.

After falling behind in its first two SEC games in the first quarter and at halftime, Georgia led the entire game against Kentucky.

Due to injuries, Georgia has started five different offensive line units this season.

In the 35-14 win over Kentucky in Athens last Saturday, the Bulldogs started a pair of true freshmen offensive lineman (Juan Gaston Jr., and Dontrell Glover) for the first time since 2008. Georgia posted 425 yards of total offense and did not allow a sack.

Against No. 17 Alabama, the Bulldogs rushed for 227 yards on 33 carries for a 6.9 average. UA registered one sack. With 13:25 left in the contest, Georgia was in position to tie or take its first lead of the night when it turned it over on downs at the UA 11 and eventually lost 24-21.

Redshirt junior quarterback Gunner Stockton is in his first season as a starter, and he has accounted for 11 touchdowns, a team-high five on the ground plus has thrown six. He had a streak of 157 consecutive passing attempts without an interception end in the UK game.

Stockton helped Georgia pass its first SEC road start, leading the Bulldogs to a 44-41 win in overtime against No. 15 Tennessee in front of a crowd of 101,915. Georgia trailed five different times including in OT. The Auburn game will be only the second road game this season.

Georgia registered 502 yards of offense (198-rushing, 304-passing) on 87 plays in the road win over No. 15 UT while the Vols tallied 496 yards (125-rushing, 371-passing) on 70 plays. Georgia is 4-6 when allowing 40 points in the Smart era including 3-1 since 2022.

SMART Football

Kirby Smart is in his 10th season at the helm of his alma mater with a 109-20 mark. He is one of only two active coaches (Dabo Swinney, Clemson) with multiple national championships. *Georgia is the only team in the CFP-era to win back-to-back national titles, doing it in 2021-2022.

In 2024, the Bulldogs made their fourth straight appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) and seventh overall trip under Smart. After a 22-19 overtime win over then No. 2 Texas, the Bulldogs claimed their 15th SEC title in school history and the No. 2 seed in the CFP.

Georgia is 35-3 in its last 38 SEC regular season games. The 2024 Bulldogs finished 6-2 in the SEC including making road trips to #1 Texas (W), #4 Alabama (L) and #16 Ole Miss (L) plus a home game against #7 Tennessee (W). This year, Georgia is 2-1 in league play, beating No. 15 Tennessee in Knoxville, saw its 33-game home winning streak snapped by No. 17 Alabama and then bouncing back with a victory over Kentucky.

Bulldogs Scoring With Stockton’s Arm and Legs

Redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Tiger, Ga., is 4-2 as starter in his career. He has six passing TDs and five rushing scores.

Directed 35-14 win over UK and completed 15-for-23 for 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT and 48 rushing yards on six attempts with 2 TDs.

Finished 13-for-20 for 130 yards and 1 TD plus ran five times for 22 yards in a 24-21 home loss to No. 17 UA on Sept. 27.

Won first SEC road start at No. 15 Tennessee in front of a crowd of 101,915.

Named Davey O’Brien National QB of the Week after 44-41 overtime win over #15 UT. Georgia trailed five times, including 21-7 after the 1st quarter, 38-30 with 6:40 left in regulation, and in OT.

Successful home debut in the 2025 opening win over Marshall as the team’s leading rusher (73 yards on 10 attempts with 2 scores) plus threw for 190 yards and 2 TDs…First Georgia player to have two passing TDs and two rushing scores in a season opener in the past 80 years per ESPN Stats.

2024 Highlights: Started the 2nd half of the 2024 SECCG against Texas who had the No. 1 rated pass defense and No. 3 total defense after Carson Beck was injured…Led the Bulldogs on scoring drives of 75, 61 and 72 yards in three of the first four possessions and then the game-winning TD in OT…Made first career start versus No. 5 Notre Dame in the CFP Quarterfinal Allstate Sugar Bowl (20-for-32 for 234 yards, 1 TD despite being sacked four times).

Stockton’s Career Highs

Passing Yards	304 @ #15 UT, ’25
Completions	26 vs. AP, ’25
Attempts	34 vs. AP,’25
TD Passes	3x/last @ #15 UT,’25
Passing Yards	439 @ #4 UA, ’24
Longest Pass Play	67 vs. #5 ND, ’25
Longest TD Pass	Longest TD Pass: 47 vs. MU, ’25
Long Rush	73/10 vs. MU ’25
Interceptions	1 (3x, last vs. UK ’25)

   

Stockton’s Career Passing Statistics

Year	G/GS	Cmp.	Att.	Pct.	Yds.	INT	TD	Eff.	LG
2023	4/0	12	19	63.2	148	1	2	152.8	31 FSU
2024	5/1	45	64	70.3	440	1	1	130.1	67 ND
2025	5/5	91	132	68.9	1,047	1	6	149.1	47MU (TD)
Total	14/6	148	215	68.8	1,635	3	9	146.5	67 ND

Stockton’s Career Game-By-Game

Game	Cmp.	Att.	Pct.	Yds.	INT	TD	SK	EFF	LG
2023
UT Martin	3	5	60.0	29	0	0	0	108.7	20
Ball State	1	1	100.0	4	0	0	1	133.6	4
UAB	2	3	66.7	19	1	0	0	53.2	15
#4 FSU (Orange)	6	10	60.0	96	0	2	0	206.6	31
2024
#14 Clemson	0	0	00.0	0	0	0	0	–	–
Tenn. Tech	10	12	83.3	90	0	0	1	146.3	21
UMass	3	4	75.0	45	0	0	0	169.5	23
#2 Texas (SEC)	12	16	75.0	71	1	0	2	99.8	18
#5 ND(CFP Qtr.) (L)	20	32	62.5	234	0	1	4	134.2	67
2025
Marshall (W)	14	24	58.3	190	0	2	0	152.3	47TD
Austin Peay (W)	26	34	76.5	227	0	0	0	132.6	19
@ #15 UT (W)	23	31	74.2	304	0	2	3	177.9	45
#17 Alabama (L)	13	20	65.0	130	0	1	1	136.1	38TD
Kentucky (W)	15	23	65.2	196	1	1	0	142.5	36
Career Total	148	215	68.8	1,635	3	9	12	146.5	67

   

Puglisi’s Career Passing Statistics

Year	G/GS	Cmp.	Att.	Pct.	Yds.	INT	TD	Eff.	LG
2025	4/0	9	15	60.0	112	2	1	118.1	27 UK
Total	4/0	9	15	60.0	112	2	1	118.1	27 UK

Puglisi made his debut in a 45-7 win over Marshall, directing four possessions in the second half with one TD drive covering 80 yards in eight plays… Finished the game 5-for-8 for 59 yards and one TD, a 23-yard strike to freshman TE Elyiss Williams…Went 1-for-2 for 4 yards versus Austin Peay…Tried Hail Mary on final play of first half at No. 15 UT and resulted in INT.

Georgia’s Explosive Plays In 2025 (12-yd Rush, 16-yd Comp.)

Game	Georgia	Opp.	Final (AP rank then CFP)
MU	10 (6R, 4P)	2 (0R, 2P)	#5 Georgia, 45-7
AP	5 (2R, 3P)	6 (3R, 3P)	#4 Georgia 28-6
@ #15 UT	12 (4R, 8P)	7 (1R, 6P)	#6 Georgia 44-41 (OT)
#17 UA	10 (7R, 3P)	8 (0R, 8P)	#17 UA 24-21
UK	11 (4R, 7P)	4 (0R, 4P)	#12 Georgia 35-14

Longest Rush by Georgia: 43-yd by Dillon Bell & Chauncey Bowens (#17 UA)
Longest Rush by Opp.: 27-yd by Star Thomas (#15UT)
Longest Completion by Georgia: 47-yd TD (Stockton to Branch vs. MU)
Longest Completion by Opp.: 72-yd TD (Aguilar to Brazzell II, #15UT)

2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS

RUSHING
#33 Chauncey Bowens 310 yards, 56 att., 5.5 avg., 3 TDs, 43 LG
#3 Nate Frazier 253 yards, 50 att., 5.1 avg., 2 TD, 24 LG
#14 Gunner Stockton (QB) 194 yards, 39 att., 5.0 avg., 5 TDs, 21 LG
PASSING
#14 Gunner Stockton 91 comp., 132 att., 1,047 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, 47 LG
#12 Ryan Puglisi 9 comp., 15 att., 112 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 27 LG
RECEIVING
#8 Colbie Young 18 rec., 247 yards, 13.7 avg., 1 TD, 45 LG
#1 Zachariah Branch 18 rec., 234 yards, 13.0 avg., 2 TD, 47 LG
#16 London Humphreys 11 rec., 140 yards, 12.7 avg., 2 TD, 31 LG
TACKLES
#3 CJ Allen, ILB 36 total tackles, 18 solo, 18 assist, 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks
#5 Raylen Wilson, ILB 32 total tackles, 14 solo, 18 assist, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack
#4 KJ Bolden, DB 27 total tackles, 10 solo, 17 assist, 1 INT, 2 PBU

Bowens And Frazier Providing 1-2 Punch

Georgia is averaging 206.8 rushing yards per game with 16 TDs.

Redshirt freshman Chauncey Bowens made his first career start in the win over UK and provided 70 yards on a career-high 15 carries. He enjoyed a breakout performance against No. 17 UA, posting a career-best 119 yards on 12 carries (9.9 average) including a 43-yard scamper.

Bowens is the only Bulldog to go over 100 rushing yards in a game this year.

Sophomore Nate Frazier started the first four games. He ranks second on the team with 253 yards on 50 attempts and two scores.

Sophomore Dwight Phillips Jr., senior Cash Jones and redshirt senior Josh McCray, provide various looks too. McCray has three TDs in 21 attempts.

The Bulldogs had 55 rushes for 198 yard in the win at No. 15 UT. Frazier had a team-long 21-yard burst on the first play in overtime to set up the game-winning score by McCray who notched a pair of scores in the triumph.

Jones is known for breaking tackles, being a solid blocker and receiver with a 16-yard TD catch against UK.

Phillips finished with 55 yards on seven carries including a team-best 23- yard scamper against Austin Peay. He is averaging 7.5 yards per carry.

Ready To Receive

The Bulldogs are averaging 231.8 receiving yards a game.

Georgia’s leading receivers have been senior Colbie Young (18-for-247 yards, 1 TD), junior Zachariah Branch (18-for-234 yards, 2 TDs) and junior London Humphreys (11-for-140 yards, 2 TDs). Branch has the longest reception of the season, a 47-yarder for a TD against Marshall.

Young had seven catches for 76 yards in the win over Austin Peay and then followed that up with four receptions for 73 yards at No. 15 UT. He led the team with four catches for 59 yards and a score against No. 17 UA.

Branch had a team-high five catches for 69 yards in the road win over No. 15 UT. Against the Vols, he registered a 36-yard TD and caught the game-tying two-point conversion with 2:32 left in the contest.

Humphreys had THE catch of the season. Down 38-30 with 2:38 remaining in the game at No. 15 UT, it was 4th-and-6. He hauled in a 28-yard touchdown strike from Gunner Stockton.

Senior Noah Thomas had three catches for 24 yards against the Govs, and those are his only receptions on the year. Still, he’s proven to be a team player.

For Whom The Bell Totes

Senior Dillon Bell has shown he can catch it, run it and even throw it.

As a wideout this year, he has 11 catches for 89 yards with most of that coming against UK when he had four for 68 yards including an impressive 33-yard grab down the sideline. Bell has nine career TD receptions.

Bell has flashed in the running game too with a 43-yard dash on a reverse against No. 17 UA. He had two scores in the win against UK. For the year, he has five carries for 42 yards. Bell has five career rushing TDs in 39 attempts. *In 2023, he threw an 18-yard TD in a road win over Tennessee.

Next Man Up Again On The Line

Georgia was banged up on the offensive line in 2024 while facing the nation’s toughest schedule per ESPN’s FPI. Still, the Bulldogs won another SEC title. This year, the Bulldogs have a retooled group because All-American Tate Ratledge, Dylan Fairchild, Jared Wilson and Xavier Truss are all in the NFL.

Due to injuries, Georgia has used a different starting unit in all five games. While the left side has been the same with Monroe Freeling (LT) and redshirt senior Micah Morris (LG) plus Drew Bobo (C) in the middle, the Bulldogs have employed three different starting right guards and four different starting right tackles. Freeling has longest the starting streak on the line at 10 games, but he left the UK game in the first quarter with a leg injury and did not return.

Bobo earned Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors for his performance in leading the line in the road win over No. 15 UT.

True freshman Juan Gaston Jr. has started at right guard and most recently right tackle while true freshman Dontrell Glover has started the last three games at right guard.

Redshirt junior Earnest Greene III (RT), who has 25 career starts, has been hampered with a back injury, missing three games including the past two.

Redshirt freshmen Bo Hughley saw action at right tackle late in the win at No. 15 UT and made his first career start there against No. 17 UA.

The Bulldogs did not allow a sack in their first two games before the Vols collected three. Still, when the UT game was on the line, the offensive line came through. In overtime, it was three rushing plays for 25 yards that rallied the No. 6 Bulldogs to victory. Also of note, when Georgia trailed No. 15 UT 21-17 to start the 3rd quarter, the Bulldogs leaned on their running game, going 75 yards for a TD on 14 plays (13 rushes) to take their first lead.

Did You Know? Gaston joined Andrew Thomas (RT, 2017) as the only true freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener in the Smart era. Thomas went on to be a first round pick (fourth overall selection) in the 2020 NFL draft by the New York Giants. He remains a starter for the Giants.

Tight Ends Always In The Game Plan

Currently, six former Bulldog tight ends are in the NFL, most notably Brock Bowers (Las Vegas). The current Bulldogs aim to continue that trend.

Junior Lawson Luckie (4 rec., 31 yards) and senior Oscar Delp (4 rec., 87 yards) are playing the lead roles. Redshirt freshmen Jaden Reddell has appeared in all five games this year. Highly-touted freshmen Ethan Barbour and Elyiss Williams (4 rec., 71 yards, 1 TD) have contributed too.

Barbour joined Delp in the starting lineup in the opener while Williams notched a 23-yard TD on his first career catch. Incidentally, the last Bulldog to do that was Delp in 2022 against South Carolina. Barbour injured his left leg at the end of the first half against Austin Peay. He is now out.

In the road win over No. 15 UT, Luckie had three catches for 25 yards while Delp had one for 18 yards. Georgia posted a season-high 502 yards of offense.

A tight end did not have a catch against Austin Peay, marking the first time that happened since a 2021 win over Arkansas. Georgia was 7-for-11 that day.

Did You Know? Luckie is a second generation Bulldog. His father Mike (LB) was part of Bulldog triplets from 1996-98 (uncles Dustin-LB and Miles-C).

Did You Know? Delp is a 2025 semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy.

Defense Making Adjustments

Georgia has had 55 players drafted over the past five seasons, including 30 on defense and 11 of those defenders have gone in the first round.

Opponents have scored 92 points this year (18.4 ppg).

In 2025, opponents have scored 28 points in the 1st quarter (21 of those at #15 UT) and 27 in the 2nd quarter. However, in the 2nd half, the Bulldogs have allowed just 34 points (plus 3 points in OT).

Blanked No. 17 UA in the 2nd half after it scored 24 points in the first half.

UK had seven points in the 1st half, and it’s final TD came courtesy of a 23- yard drive following a turnover with 1:51 left and Georgia up 35-7.

Stopping The Run Starts Up Front

One of the hallmarks of an elite defense is stopping the run. Georgia ranks 13th nationally, allowing only 82.0 yards a game.

Marshall was limited to 78 rushing yards on 31 attempts while Austin Peay gained just 45 rushing yards on 28 attempts.

No. 15 UT came in averaging 252.5 rushing ypc and 605 yards of total offense/ game; UT posted 125 rushing yards (34 att.) and 496 yards of total offense.

No. 17 UA was limited to 117 yards (38 att.) for a 3.1 average while UK averaged 188 yards and finished with only 45 yards on 22 attempts.

Redshirt junior Christen Miller and juniors Jordan Hall and Gabe Harris Jr., are the veterans up front. Miller had two tackles and three QB pressures versus No. 15 UT. Hall battled leg injuries last year that limited him to six games and admitted that rehabbing the mental side more than the physical was the toughest part. Hall made his first career start in the 2025 opener against Marshall, made three tackles against No. 15 UT and tied his career-high with four stops versus No. 17 UA.

Redshirt freshmen Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, Nnamdi Ogboko, and Jordan Thomas, redshirt sophomores Xzavier McLeod and Josh Horton (Miami) and freshmen Elijah Griffin and JJ Hanne are in the rotation.

Jonah-Ajonye and Griffin posted a career-high three stops versus Austin Peay while Horton made three tackles against No. 17 UA. Ogboko got his first career sack versus UK.

Allen, Wilson And Johnson Leading the Second Level

Juniors CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson are the top two tacklers while sophomore Quintavius Johnson is coming off a career-best five stops in the win over UK. This trio of linebackers has started every game this season.

Allen (36 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 Sacks) notched his first career forced fumble and fumble recovery in the latest victory over UK. He collected a team-best eight stops against No. 17 UA. Wilson has 32 tackles and 2.5 TFL on the year.

In the win at No. 15 UT, Allen made a career-high 11 stops with two QB pressures and Wilson collected a career-best nine stops and three QB pressures.

Sophomore Justin Williams posted a career-high six stops versus UK.

Sophomore Chris Cole has a team-best three sacks. He made a career-high six tackles with one sack and two QB pressures against No. 15 UT.

A Passing Grade

Georgia’s opponents are averaging 231.2 passing yards per game and have thrown for eight TDs this season.

The Bulldog defense has four interceptions and generated seven sacks.

The top passing attack came at No. 15 Tennessee as the Vols were averaging 352 yards, and Joey Aguilar tallied 371 yards in a shootout. Coming in to that game, the Bulldogs had not allowed a passing TD, and the Vols collected four on the day including three big ones that covered 32, 56 and 72 yards.

Junior Joenel Aguero, who made a career-best seven tackles versus the Vols, and sophomore KJ Bolden came up with interceptions in the road win.

Ty Simpson and No. 17 UA netted 280 passing yards, completing 25 of 39 attempts plus featured a 68% conversion rate (13-of-19) on 3rd Down.

Kentucky aired it out in Athens, completing 25-of-41 passes for 225 yards and two scores. Redshirt freshman Ellis Robinson IV notched his second INT of the year to go with a career-high four tackles.

Senior Daylen Everette, the MVP of the 2024 SEC Championship Game, entered 2025 with a team-best 28 consecutive starts but that was snapped when he missed the opener against Marshall due to an injury. He returned to his starting role in week two. He made six stops against No. 17 UA.

Sophomore Kyron Jones, senior JaCorey Thomas, junior Daniel Harris, redshirt freshman Demello Jones and true freshman Rasean Dinkins have seen the most action. Jones, who was a running back in high school and recruited to play defensive back, posted a career-high 10 stops at UT and then had seven versus No. 17 UA.

Redshirt junior Zion Branch led the team with a career-high seven stops versus Marshall while Bolden had six stops against Austin Peay. Bolden blocked a punt against Marshall too.

We’re Going For It!

In the Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have a 63% success rate on 4th Down Conversion attempts (86-for-136) with 17 TDs.

In 2025, Georgia is 5-for-7 with 3 TDs on 4th Down to rank 24th nationally in 4th Down Conversion Percentage.

Down 38-30 with 2:38 remaining in the game against No. 15 Tennesseee in Knoxville, Georgia converted a 4th-and-6 at the UT 28 for a TD (Stockton pass-to-Humphreys). Also that day, Georgia trailed 21-7 in the 1st quarter and converted a 4th-and-3 at the UGA 48.

Did You Know? The only other fourth quarter 4th down conversion featuring a TD pass when Georgia was behind under Smart came in 2016 at Missouri. The Bulldogs trailed 27-21 with 1:31 left in the game and faced a 4th-and-10. Jacob Eason hit Isaiah McKenzie for a 20-yard TD in a 28-27 win.

In 2024, Georgia led the SEC and ranked 16th nationally in 4th Down Conversions at 67% (18-for-27 with 4 TDs).

G’day Mate! Thorson Returns

With elite distance, hang time, placement and a strong coverage unit, All-America punter Brett Thorson and the Bulldogs rank 11th nationally in Net Punting at 45.9. He boomed a 60-yarder against Kentucky.

Thorson’s career average of 45.7 (5,575/122) ranks 2nd best in school history, trailing only Jake Camarda’s record mark of 45.8 set from 2018-21.

In his first two games back in 2025, Thorson was named to the “Ray’s 8,” the weekly Ray Guy Award group. At #15 Tennessee, he had three punts for a 47.7 average including a long of 52 with two placed inside the 20 and no return yards.

In the 2024 SEC Championship Game, Thorson’s season ended due to a knee injury during a return after a punt. He missed the 2025 opener while still recovering with redshirt freshman Drew Miller serving as the punter. Thorson returned to his starting role in week two versus Austin Peay.

A native of Melbourne, Australia, Thorson was a 2024 finalist for the Ray Guy Award after averaging 47.6 yards on 42 punts, the second best mark in school history.

Thorson’s social media features a comedic slant about his lack of playing time because the Bulldogs punted a record low 32 times in 2023 after just 36 punts in 2022 (15 games), the two lowest totals dating to at least 1948.

Along with Cole Speer, gunners in 2025 have included KJ Bolden, London Humphreys, Daniel Harris, Jeremy Bell and Talyn Taylor.

Single Game Career Highs For Thorson

Punts: 6 (UK24)
Long: 75 (Tenn22)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 54.0 on four (@ #1 Texas24) with minus 5 PR yards

Single Game Career Highs For Miller

Punts: 6 (MU25)
Long: 54 (MU 25)
Avg. (Min 2 punts): 48.0 on six (MU25) with 14 PR yards
#at least two punts

Geaux Dawgs

Junior All-SEC specialist Peyton Woodring, a native of Lafayette, La., is a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist.

In 2025, he has a team-high 33 points (4-4 on FGs, 21-for-21 on PATs, 30 Kickoffs, 24 Touchbacks)

Named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week in 44-41 OT road win versus #15 Tennessee, accounted for 12 points including a 48-yard FG plus eight kickoffs, all touchbacks. Did You Know? After missing three of his first seven field goal attempts as a freshman in 2023, he’s been good on 42 of his past 45 FG (all three misses from 50 yards). He’s made all 140 PATs too.

His 91.3 FG% in 2024 ranked 2nd in the SEC and 3rd best in Georgia history.

Single Game Career Highs For Woodring

Points: 15 (UK23)
PATs: 9 (vs. FSU23, Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.)
FGA: 3 (7x, last @ #15 Tennessee ’25)
FGM: 3 (6x, last @ #15 Tennessee ’25)
LG: 55 (vs. Clemson ’24 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Redshirt senior Liam Badger and freshman Connor Ferguson are options too. Ferguson made his debut with the final kickoff versus Marshall.

Did You Know?

Georgia’s last game-winning field goal with two minutes or less to play came in the 2021 Peach Bowl against undefeated and No. 8 Cincinnati. Jack Podlesny hit a 53 yarder with three seconds left for a 22-21 lead, and the Bulldogs woud register a safety on the final play for a 24-21 final.

Snap Judgment: Gardner Named Finalist

In 2024, San Franicsco native Beau Gardner, a graduate transfer from UCLA, became Georgia’s first finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award (nation’s best long snapper, annual award began in 2019). He is back in 2025.

Snapped on a combined 71 field goal attempts and PATs as well as each of the 46 punts in 2024.

Back Deep For The Bulldogs

The experienced kickoff returners include USC transfer junior Zachariah Branch (Career: 33-for-614 yards, 1 TD including 4 for 67 yards for UGA) and graduate Cash Jones (4-for-58 yards in 2024; None in 2025).

Branch was named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance in the road win over No. 15 Tennessee. He had five catches for 69 yards including a 36-yard TD, caught the game-tying two-point conversion with 2:32 left in regulation, had one KOR for 28 yards and one rush for four yards.

At punt returner, Branch has done this as well during his career with the Trojans and Bulldogs (Career: 34-for-463 yards, 1 TD including 5 for 57 yards for UGA). In 2023, Branch won The Jet Award for the nation’s top returner. Also, redshirt-freshman Sacovie White-Helton has one PR for 12 yards.

In the season opener against Marshall, the Bulldogs did not have any kick returns while Branch had three PR for 24 yards. KJ Bolden blocked a Marshall punt and was credited with a two-yard return.

Did You Know? Georgia’s last punt return for a TD came in 2023 (Mekhi {MUH-kye} Mews vs. Ball State, 69 yards)

Did You Know? Georgia’s last KOR for a TD came in 2016 (Terry Godwin @ South Carolina, 43 yards)

It’s Blocked

Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have blocked eight punts and eight field goals. There’s two players on the current squad with a block for Georgia.

In the 2025 season opener against Marshall, KJ Bolden blocked a punt that led to an eventual TD after the Bulldogs recovered it at the MU20. Junior DB Joenel Aguero blocked a Florida punt in 2023 that resulted in a safety.

Junior transfer OLB Elo Modozie blocked field goal attempts by Rice and Notre Dame in 2024 while playing for Army. Senior transfer DB Adrian Maddox blocked a field goal attempt by Prairie View A&M in 2022 while playing for Alabama State.

Did You Know? Georgia’s last blocked field goal came in 2024 by Dan Jackson against Auburn. He is now with the Detroit Lions on IR.

Putting Points On The Board

Georgia ranks 3rd in NCAA history for consecutive games scoring and among schools with active streaks: Florida: 467 games (1988-present); TCU: 412 games (1991-present); Georgia: 392 games (1995-present)

Georgia’s All-Time Overtime Record (11-7)

Home: 2-2; Away: 5-2; Neutral: 4-3
Bowl Game/CFP: 3-2 !SEC Games: 4-4

!Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)

The Bulldogs are 3-2 in overtime games under Kirby Smart. Georgia’s complete overtime history can be found on page 110 of the media guide.

Home: 1-1; Away: 1-0; Neutral: 2-1
(Bowl Game/CFP: 1-1; *SEC Games: 2-2)

Includes SECCG & CFP National Championship)

Jan. 1, 2018: #3 Georgia beat #2 Oklahoma 54-48 (2-OT) in Pasadena, Calif. (CFP Semifinal: Rose Bowl Game)

Jan. 8. 2018: #4 Alabama beat #3 Georgia 26-23 in Atlanta, Ga. (CFP National Championship, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Oct. 12, 2019: S.C. beat #3 Georgia 20-17 (2-OT) in Athens, Ga.

Nov. 29, 2024: #7 Georgia beat Ga. Tech 44-42 (8-OT, SEC Record) in Athens, Ga.

Dec. 7, 2024: #2 Georgia beat #5 Texas 22-19 in Atlanta, Ga. (SEC Championship, Mercedez-Benz Stadium)

Sept. 13, 2025: #6 Georgia beat #15 Tennessee 44-41 in Knoxville, Tenn.

Bulldog Honor Roll

CJ Allen, ILB
Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List
Drew Bobo, C
Outland Trophy National Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game)
Zachariah Branch, WR/Return Specialist
Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll (@ #15 UT game)
Oscar Delp, TE

Campbell Trophy, Semifinalist (For Academic & Athletic Excellence, Sept. 24)

Gunner Stockton, QB Davey O’Brien National QB of the Week, also Davey O’Brien Great 8 in Week 3, SEC Offensive Player of the Week, Manning Award Star of the Week, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game);

Brett Thorson, P

“Ray Guy, Ray’s 8” For Week Two, Three and Four (AP, @ #15 UT, #17 UA games);

Peyton Woodring, PK

SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (@ #15 UT game);

Points Off Turnovers In 2025

Georgia is -2 in Turnover Margin.

Georgia has 10 points off five turnovers.

Opponents have 16 points off seven turnovers.

MU: No turnovers by either team

AP: No points off 1 TO; AP got 3 points off 2 TO

UT: 3 points off 2 TO; UT got 3 points off 2 TO

UA: No Turnovers; UA got 3 points 1 TO

UK: 7 points off 2 TO; UK got 7 points off 2 TO

Bulldog Career INTs & Pick-Six

Georgia has 4 INTs in 2025: Ellis Robinson IV-2 (AP, UK), Joenel Aguero-1 (UT), KJ Bolden-1 (UT);

Opp. have 3 INTs.

 

Bulldog Career Fumble Recoveries

Georgia has 1 FR in 2025; Opponents have three FR.

^on Offense; #on Special Teams

Bulldog Career Sacks

Georgia has 7 sacks in 2025; Opponents have 6.

Bulldog	’25	’24	’23	’22	Total
Chris Cole, LB	3	0	n/a	n/a	3
CJ Allen, LB	2	0	1	n/a	3
Raylen Wilson, LB	1	1.5	0.5	n/a	3
Christen Miller, DL	0	1.5	1	0	2.5
Gabe Harris Jr., LB	0	2	0	n/a	2
KJ Bolden, S	0	1	n/a	n/a	1
Daylen Everette, CB	0	1	0	0	1
Daniel Harris, CB	0	0	1	n/a	1
Nnamdi Ogboko, DL	1	0	n/a	n/a	1
Jordan Thomas, DL	0	1	n/a	n/a	1

12 First-Time Starters In 2025

MU (7): E. Barbor (TE), Z. Branch (WR), J. Gaston, Jr. (RG), J. Hall (DL), Q. Johnson (OLB), K. Jones (FS), E. Robinson IV (CB);
AP (2): Jahzare Jackson (RT), Michael Uini (RG);
@ #15 UT (1): Dontrell Glover (RG);
#17 UA (1): BoHugley (RT);
UK (1): Chauncey Bowens (RB)

Last year, there were 21 first-time starters during the season.

True Freshmen Getting A Taste

The Bulldogs had 22 true freshmen make their debut in the 2025 season-opening win over Marshall: Ethan Barbor (TE), Juan Gaston, Jr. (RG) started while 20 others saw action: Elyiss Williams (TE), Zayden Walker (ILB), Talyn Taylor (WR), Darren Ikinnagbon (OLB), Tyler J. Williams (WR), Anthony Kruah (ILB), Bo Walker, (RB) Dominick Kelly (CB), Rasean Dinkins (S), Isaiah Gibson (OLB), Cortez Smith (OL), London Seymour (DT), CJ Wiley (WR), Dontrell Glover (OL), Mason Short (OL), Landon Roldan (WR), Thomas Blackshear (WR), Elijah Griffin (DL), JJ Hanne (DL) and Connor Ferguson (K). Last year, 13 true freshmen made their debut in the opening win over No. 14 Clemson.

The Bulldog Captains In 2025

MU: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Earnest Greene III
AP: AP: Gunner Stockton, Colbie Young, KJ Bolden, Raylen Wilson
@ #15UT: CJ Allen, Christen Miller, Drew Bobo, Oscar Delp
#17 UA: Zachariah Branch, Micah Morris, Jordan Hall, Gabe Harris Jr.
UK: Monroe Freeling, Lawson Luckie, Daylen Everette Quintavius Johnson

HEAD COACH KIRBY SMART QUICK FACTS

 

• 10th season as Georgia coach
• Career Record: 109-20 (.845)
• 2021 & 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
• 2017 CFP national runner-up
• One of just two active coaches with multiple national titles (Dabo Swinney-Clemson, ’16 & ’18)
• T5th fastest coach in NCAA FBS history to win 100 games, doing it in 117; Fastest to do it in SEC history
• Best record & winning percentage (85-15, .850) after his first 100 games of any coach in SEC history
• 2017, 2022 & 2024 SEC Champions
• Georgia has been ranked in the top five nationally in Scoring Defense five times including leading the nation in 2019 & 2021; Been ranked in the top 10 in Scoring Offense three times (2021-23)
• 2017 George Munger award (National Coach of the Year by Maxwell Club)
• Three-Time SEC Coach of the Year, 2017, 2021-22
• Bulldogs have won three Butkus Awards and two Mackey Awards, One Outland Trophy, Bednarik Award, Thorpe Award, Groza Award, Manning Award & Burlsworth Trophy; Two NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards, One Heisman Trophy finalist
• 25 1st-team All-Americans
• 76 NFL Draft Picks
• 20 First Round NFL Draft picks
• 290 players on SEC Academic Honor Rolls, including a high of 48 on the 2024 team

 

THE KIRBY SMART RECORD

 

Year	W	L	Pct.	SEC	Bowl	AP Rank
2016	8	5	.615	4-4	Liberty	NR
2017	13	2	.867	8-2#	CFP Rose/NCG	2nd
2018	11	3	.786	7-2#	Sugar	T7th
2019	12	2	.857	7-2#	Sugar	4th
2020	8	2	.800	7-2	Chick-fil-A	7th
2021	14	1	.933	9-1#	CFP Orange/NCG	1st
2022	15	0	1.000	9-0#	CFP Peach/NCG	1st
2023	13	1	.929	8-0	Orange	4th
2024	11	3	.786	7-2 *	CFP Sugar (Qtr.)	6th
2025	4	1	.800	2-1
Total	109	20	.845	*68-17

#4-5 (includes 2017-19, ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24’ SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)
 

17 VICTORIES WHEN TIED OR TRAILING LATE

SEASON	OPPONENT	START OF 4TH QUARTER OR DEFICIT	FINAL
2016	% #22 UNC	Trailed 24-23	33-24
2016	@ Missouri	Trailed 27-21	28-27
2016	@ Kentucky	Trailed 21-16	27-24
2016	#8 Auburn	Tied 7-7	13-7
2016	^TCU	Trailed Trailed 23-21	31-23
2017	@ #24 Notre Dame	Trailed 17-16, trailed 19-17 with 10:21 left	20-19
2017	$ #2 Oklahoma	Tied 31-31, trailed 45-38 with 0:55 left	54-48 2ot
2020	~ #8 Cincinnati	Trailed 21-10, trailed 21-19 with :03 left	24-21
2022	! #1 Alabama	Trailed 18-13 with 10:14 left	33-18
2022	@ Missouri	Trailed 19-12, trailed 22-12 with 14:09 left	26-22
2022	~ #4 Ohio State (CFP Semi)	Trailed 38-24, trailed 41-35 with 2:43 left	42-41
2023	@ Auburn	Tied 17-17, tied 20-20 with 6:21 left	27-20
2024	@ Kentucky	Trailed 9-6	13-12
2024	@ Kentucky	Trailed 9-6	13-12
2024	vs. Florida in Jax.	Tied 20-20 with 7:29 left	34-20
2024	Ga. Tech	Trailed 17-6; then 27-13 with 5:37 left; 40-34 in 2nd OT	44-42 (8-OT)
2024	#2 Texas (SECCG)	Trailed 19-16 in OT	22-19
2025	@ #15 Tennessee	Trailed 28-27; then 38-30 with 6:40 left; 41-38 in OT	44-41 (OT)

%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship

TOP IND. SINGLE GAME PERFORMANCES UNDER SMART

 
Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC in Atlanta (9/3/16);
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel vs. UK
(11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma in CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards vs. AU (10/8/22); Trevor Etienne @ #1 Texas (10/19/24); Nate Frazier vs. UMass (11/23/24);
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D’Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 459, Carson Beck vs. MSU (10/13/24);
Passing TDs: 5, C. Beck (TT-9/7/24, GT-11/29/24), S. Bennett (UAB-9/11/21);
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton vs. MSU (11/21/20);
Receiving TDs: 2, by nine Bulldogs multiple times;
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers vs. UAB (9/11/21);
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF in Jacksonville (11/7/20);
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16);
Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24);
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #7 AU (10/3/20), vs. #8 UC in Peach Bowl (1/1/21); Trenton Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21); Jalon Walker @ #1 Texas (10/19/24) & #2 Texas in SECCG (12/7/24);

31 DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS SCORES UNDER SMART

The Bulldogs are 28-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart.

In 2024, freshman LB Chris Cole returned a fumble 28 yards for a TD; In 2023, freshman DB Kyron Jones returned an INT versus UT Martin 26 yards for a score; redshirt sophomore Mekhi Mews took a punt return 69 yards for a TD against Ball State; and Joenel Aguero blocked a punt for a safety versus Florida.

DEFENSIVE SCORING IN THE SMART ERA

 
114 Points: 17 TDs, 6 Safeties

2016: 14 points in 3 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety);

2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.);

2018: 12 points in 2 different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.);

2019: 18 points in 3 different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.);

2020: 22 points in 4 different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties);

2021: 28 points in 6 different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties);

2022: none

2023: 8 points in two games (Pick-Six, Safety)

2024: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)

48 POINTS ON SPECIAL TEAMS IN THE SMART ERA

 
2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR);
2017: none;
2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.);
2019: none;
2020: none;
2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt);
2022: 8 points in 2 games (Safety/Blocked Punt; Blocked FG Ret.).
2023: 8 points in 2 games (PR, Safety)
2024: none;

UGA COVERAGE ON WAGA FOX 5 ATLANTA TO INCLUDE:

 
“Kirby Smart All Access Presented by Piedmont Healthcare” – This half-hour program will air Monday at 7 p.m. during football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.

“Bulldogs Final” – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week’s game.

“Bulldogs Now Presented by Hoffman Financial” – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.