These Georgia Bulldog Defenders Could Have "Breakout" Seasons In 2025
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ATHENS - The Georgia Bulldog defense will look a lot different in 2025.
The Dawgs will have to replace the best linebacker in college football, one of the best safeties in college football, one of the game’s best defensive linemen, and several other veteran defenders.
It won’t be easy, but Kirby Smart, Glenn Schumann, and the rest of Georgia’s defensive staff have plenty of talent waiting in the wings.
Here’s a look at some Bulldog defenders who could have “breakout” seasons in 2025...
DL Jordan Hall -
The time is now for this former 5-star defensive tackle. The Bulldogs need game-changers on the defensive line, and if Hall can stay healthy and continue his development over the next six months, he has the potential to be that guy. You can’t win big without elite defensive linemen, and Hall needs to be that guy for the Bulldogs in 2025.
Battling through injuries all last season, Hall played in only six games in 2024 with 4 tackles. Obviously, the Bulldogs need more from Hall in year three if they want to dominate the trenches on defense.
DL Joseph Jonah Ajonye
A promising defender who saw the field early on last year as a freshman, the former 5-star from Texas only started playing football a few years ago but still found a way to see the field with several experienced linemen in front of him. It wasn’t always pretty when he was out there, but he got his feet wet, and that should give him some confidence heading into the spring. He played in four games and made one tackle, but those numbers should increase in a big way next season. The 6-foot-4 275-pounder has an incredibly high ceiling, and if he can stay healthy, don’t be surprised if he turns into a strong, reliable defender sooner than later.
EDGE Quintavius Johnson
This young Atlanta native has a massive opportunity in front of him this fall in year two. With the Dawgs needing new EDGE defenders to step up and make an impact, this 6-foot-4 255-pounder brings size, athleticism, and the potential to open a lot of eyes next season. As a freshman last fall, Johnson played in 12 of 14 games, making four tackles along the way. His talent is easy to see, and with a strong off-season, Johnson could make a big name for himself this fall. Sources behind the scenes say the staff have high expectations for him, so don’t be surprised if he pushes for a starting role on the EDGE.
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EDGE Gabe Harris
Speaking of EDGE defenders, Gabe Harris appears to be the clear leader in that room. Now a veteran entering his third season in the program, Harris is an outstanding athlete with plenty of size at 6-foot-4 260-pounds. He played in all 14 games last fall, making 14 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, two sacks and two forced fumbles. He’s one of the best pass-rushers on the roster and has the potential to turn into one of the best EDGE defenders in the SEC this fall. If Harris can take advantage of this giant opportunity, look for him to make an immediate impact early next season.
Linebacker Chris Cole
While it’s tough to see him starting over CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson in the middle of the field, it’s going to be extremely hard to keep Chris Cole on the bench this fall. While fellow linebacker Justin Williams will also push for significant playing time, Cole’s length, athleticism, and experience from last year should give him an opportunity to take a big step forward next fall as a sophomore. The 6-foot-3 225-pounder from Virginia earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2024 as he played in all 14 games, making 16 tackles, two TFLs and two fumble recoveries. He also brings some versatility, allowing him to play on the outside too in certain situations.
Safety Joenel Aguero
With the Bulldogs having to replace Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson next season, all eyes turn to safety Joenel Aguero who needs to make big impact in year three this fall. The hard-hitting safety played in 11 games last year, making five starts and securing 26 tackles. He’s got size, experience, talent, and the potential to have a true “breakout” season in 2025. The Bulldogs added multiple safeties in the transfer portal to provide depth and competition, but it’s go-time for Joenel Aguero. They need him to step up in a big way, and he’s certainly capable of getting the job done. He just has to do it.
Cornerbacks Ellis Robinson/Demello Jones
The Bulldogs have two starting cornerback returning in Daylen Everette and Daniel Harris, but it’s only a matter of time before Ellis Robinson and Demello Jones see significant playing time. Robinson was a top-5 recruit out of high school with outstanding length, natural instincts, and the ability to cover bigger receivers on the outside. As good as Robinson is, Georgia fans still need to keep an eye on Demello Jones. A naturally gifted athlete with impressive ball-skills, Jones did a little bit of everything in high school and should take a big step forward after a year of strictly focusing on the cornerback spot. At some point, one of these cornerbacks are going to emerge and make a big name for themselves. Don’t be surprised if it happens in 2025.