UGA Football Coach Kirby Smart Gives The Latest On His Wide Receivers

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ATHENS - It’s no secret that the Georgia Bulldog offense has to take a big step forward in 2025.

But for that to happen, the Bulldogs need better play from their wide receivers. After a disappointing 2024 season, Kirby Smart and his staff made it a priority to upgrade that room as much as possible through the transfer portal and through their 2025 recruiting class.

Now, insiders say Georgia’s receivers could go from a weakness to one of the biggest strengths on the team.

Here’s what Kirby Smart had to say about his wide receivers on Monday...

"It's hard to compare from year to year”, Smart said. “Certainly there guys in that room that are contributing in many areas. When we rank players on our team, there's more receivers in the top 85 players than there has been in the past, because there are some good football players in there. I'm proud of the group, of what they've done so far, and I think they want to go out and prove it, put it on tape."

One receiver out to “prove it” is veteran Dillon Bell. An experienced leader back for his fourth season, Bell had a strong 2023 season but had some hiccups last year securing the football. Still, his versatility, toughness, and style of play should allow him to see the field and make a big impact this upcoming season.

"He brings size, toughness and experience”, Smart said about Bell. “He can play every position across the board. He lines up at X, Z, and F, and he's been a back. He catches the ball well out of the backfield. He's extremely tough, knowledgeable, good special teams' player. But more than anything, he embodies what we want at that position because he's got the ability to run after the catch, and he's got vertical speed. A great route runner. Dillon's an all-around really good football player."

Then there’s Colbie Young. A big body who can be a mismatch on the perimeter at 6-foot-3 215-pounds, Young flashed playmaking ability last season before a suspension cut his season short. He’s back this fall and he’s got a big chip on his shoulder to play with.

"He's been a tremendous leader throughout”, Smart said. “He's practiced with toughness. He understands that position in that room really well. I think [James] Coley and [Mike] Bobo have done a great job with him of putting him in positions to be successful. He's one of the leaders in the group, quietly. Just puts in really good days work every day, really physical. Can block just incredibly, and has been a vertical jump ball, really good player for us in camp. I want him to keep doing what he's doing and continue to lead that young group of guys in that room."

A new wideout that has Bulldog fans excited is Zachariah Branch. The former five-star prospect and USC transfer came to Georgia to play and to win. He’s one of the fastest and most explosive players across college football and should get many opportunities to make plays on weekly basis. He brings game-changing speed and the ability to score from anywhere on the field.

"He's been a really high energy, enthusiastic guy that loves football, enjoys practicing each day. He talked about that, that he wants to be part of a group that loves to compete and go at it every day and bring their best. The guy loves football, he loves working out, he loves taking care of his body. Very pleased with the energy he's brought to our team, the enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to seeing him play because he's had a good camp and I think he really enjoys football. Those are the kind of guys that really enjoy Saturdays."