Kirby Smart has built the Dawgs into a powerhouse, stacking titles and cementing their place among college football’s elite. Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia secured two consecutive national titles, which solidified their status as a powerhouse. There’s no doubt about it – he created a dominant team. But what about the setbacks of last season? The defeat to Notre Dame in the Bowl game still stings. But one challenging season doesn’t dismantle their success. Georgia continues to produce top NFL talent at a remarkable rate despite 32 pro teams doubting their caliber, just like a gushing fire hydrant in July.
People often miss out on what kind of program Kirby Smart is building. And Georgia’s history says about their dominance. That’s exactly what UGA Football on DawgPost host meant when he said Georgia is a powerhouse of producing talented pass rushers in the NFL. If that’s the shocking part, then wait for the stats to blow your mind. As the host says, “If you’re an NFL GM and you need a pass rusher, the first place you need to look is Athens, Georgia. Now, I’m not just saying that—I’ve got the numbers to back it up. Listen to this: Since the year 2000, no college program has produced more NFL sacks than the Georgia Bulldogs.” That’s a straight fact.
Since 2000, no other college program boasts more NFL sacks than the Bulldogs’ impressive 1,024. That’s only counting linebackers and defensive linemen. Georgia leads, with Ohio State significantly behind at 715. Now, talking about other teams, the host pointed out the major difference in the number produced by other CFB players and Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs, saying, “The Florida Gators are third with 699, Florida State is fourth with 666, USC is fifth, Purdue is sixth, Miami is seventh, Michigan is eighth, Alabama is ninth, and Penn State is tenth. You will not find Auburn or Tennessee or Georgia Tech on this list, so you don’t have to look.” Well, that’s a massive difference.
Many Bulldogs have terrorized quarterbacks throughout NFL history. Justin Houston, Geno Atkins, and Richard Seymour defined the standard. Leonard Floyd, Travon Walker, and Roquan Smith have continued this legacy of dominating offense and elite sack production. And talking about their excellence, the host says, “Justin Houston, number one. Geno Atkins number two. Charles Johnson number three with 67.5 sacks.” So it’s pretty clear if an NFL team needs a pass rusher, history says Athens is the place to look first.
When it comes to sack artists hailing from Georgia, one name rises above the rest – Justin Houston. He wreaked havoc on quarterbacks during his college days and has continued to do so in the NFL, amassing an impressive 112 sacks. Houston showcased his dominance while playing for the Bulldogs from 2008 to 2010, proving he deserved a first-round draft pick. The Kansas City Chiefs struck gold by acquiring him, and he has become one of the most outstanding defensive players in the team’s history.
Following close behind is Geno Atkins with 75.5 sacks, an extraordinary achievement for a defensive tackle. Atkins was a game-changer for the Cincinnati Bengals, solidifying his place as one of their top defenders. Leonard Floyd, now with the Atlanta Falcons, boasts 66.5 sacks, showcasing his elite pass-rushing skills both in college and the pros. Richard Seymour isn’t far off with 57.5 sacks, an impressive feat for a defensive tackle.
The list continues with a mix of legendary players and underrated talents. Charles Grant was a force for the New Orleans Saints, finishing his career with 47 sacks. Robert Geathers (34) and Marcus Stroud (29.5) complete the list. It’s evident that Georgia has a history of producing top-tier pass rushers, and this year’s draft class appears to be no exception. But is it enough for the Bulldogs?
Kirby Smart’s offense in trouble?
Georgia’s defense continues to produce top-notch pass rushers, and the 2025 draft class seems poised to contribute to that tradition. Linebacker Smael Mondon Jr., along with defensive linemen Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Jalon Walker, and Mykel Williams, possesses the skills to excel at the professional level. The Bulldogs have maintained a leading position in the NFL for sacks since 2000, and with this talented group, that trend is expected to continue.
However, while Georgia’s defense remains formidable, the offense is grappling with a significant issue – running the ball. The team struggled with rushing last season, ranking near the bottom of the SEC in rushing yards per game. The departures of running back Trevor Etienne to the NFL and quarterback Carson Beck to the transfer portal have exacerbated the problem. The team has now lost 45% of its rushing production, creating a substantial gap in an offense that requires balance.
All eyes are on Nate Frazier, the anticipated starting running back, to shoulder the load. Frazier delivered solid performances last season with 671 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, but he will need to assume a greater responsibility this time. Apart from Frazier, Georgia needs to explore innovative solutions. Wide receiver Dillon Bell may see increased carries, much like in 2023, and Branson Robinson, returning from injury, must step up. Failure to address their ground game could lead to a challenging season for first-year starting QB Gunner Stockton.
While Georgia boasts plenty of talent, a weak run game remains a problem. Bulldog championship hopes hinge on achieving consistent ground success.
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