The Georgia Bulldogs have again another squad stocked with future NFL talent, which is a major reason why they are regarded the favorites to win the national championship this season. With the return of players such as quarterback Carson Beck, safety Malaki Starks, and defensive lineman Mykel Williams, Georgia is in a strong position to make a run this season. These estimates were also consistent with one major outlet’s preseason All-American selection.
ESPN issued its list of preseason first-team All-American players ahead of the season’s start, and the Bulldogs had three players on it, four if you count their second-team selections. Beck, Starks, and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge were all named to the first team, while Williams was included as a second-team nominee. Here’s what the outlet had to say about each of the first-team picks.
Carson Beck, QB
“In his debut season as a starter last year, Beck almost made it look too easy at times, leading the SEC and finishing third nationally in passing yards with 3,941. Some of his top playmakers, such tight end Brock Bowers, have gone on, but Beck is most effective when he spreads the ball and finds open targets. He completed 72.4% of his passes and was intercepted only six times out of 417 attempts.
Tate Ratledge, OG
“Georgia may have its strongest offensive line during Kirby Smart’s tenure, and Ratledge is one of the captains of that team after giving up an opportunity to enter the NFL draft. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound senior is a two-year starter at right guard. His first start came three years ago, but he hurt his foot in the opening game against Clemson, missing the remainder of the season. Ratledge was named second-team All-America by the Associated Press last year and returns as one of the greatest pass-blocking guards in the country.
Malaki Starks , S
“Starks might become Georgia’s first two-time All-American safety in over four decades. He has been a defensive stalwart for the Bulldogs since his true freshman season, excelling at both run defense and coverage. Last season, the 6-1, 205-pound junior ranked fourth on Georgia’s squad with 52 total tackles and three interceptions. When the Bulldogs needed a huge play, Starks delivered.”
ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently forecasted that Georgia will break their own NFL draft record by selecting 16 players in the 2025 draft, with three of them being first-round picks. The expectations for the Bulldogs’ roster this season are high, and it’s easy to understand why when you look around the roster and consider the additions they acquired via the transfer portal this offseason.
