Many successful seasons for Georgia have been foreshadowed by key leaders choosing to forgo the NFL draft.
The latest example might’ve occurred on Tuesday when tight end Oscar Delp declared his intention to return in 2025.
Candidly, this is a bigger deal than it might seem.
Delp had just 248 yards receiving last season, but he posted strong numbers down the stretch -- catching four touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ final three regular season games and recording five of his 21 catches in UGA’s two postseason games.
When Delp first arrived in Athens, he was often hyped as the “next Brock Bowers.” That’s not an easy label for anyone to live up to, but in 2025, don’t be surprised if Delp demonstrates some of the reasons those comparisons were made.
For the rest of the news, check out the coverage below.
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Trivia time
Georgia has seen plenty of first-round talent defenders leave its program via the transfer portal and dominate at other programs. Whether they remain in the SEC or head to other conferences, former Bulldogs find their way on to defenses all over the country.
Question: Who was the last Georgia defender to transfer and later be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Delp is on the way
Another key piece is returning for Georgia’s offense in 2025, as starting tight end Oscar Delp will be back for his senior season.
Delp, who sat behind Bulldog legend Brock Bowers for his first two seasons on campus, stepped into the No. 1 spot in the position room this season. The Cumming native caught 21 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns on the season. Delp also helped in many run blocking packages.
The tight end caught fire late in the year, snagging all four touchdowns in UGA’s last three regular season games. His best statistical performance came in a pivotal tilt with Tennessee where he snagged four passes for 56 yards with two touchdowns.
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Trevor to the draft
Georgia also lost a key piece of its 2024 offense on Tuesday, as running back Trevor Etienne announced his plan to enter the NFL Draft.
Etienne, who transferred from Florida before last season, led UGA on the ground with 609 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on 122 carries. The talented runner was a key part of a Georgia running attack that never seemed to reach its full potential, suffering from offensive line struggles through much of the season.
Etienne will be remembered for several moments in a Georgia uniform, but none were more cinematic than his overtime touchdown to clinch the SEC Championship over Texas. The running back plowed through the Longhorn front and across the goal line to hand UGA its first SEC Championship victory since 2022.
Etienne signed off as an SEC champion in his announcement on social media, again showing his pride for his accomplishment as a Bulldog. Trevor’s older brother, Travis, finished his third year in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Damon’s Destination
Perhaps Georgia’s most painful transfer of the first cycle of the offseason announced his destination on Tuesday.
Former Georgia linebacker Damon Wilson is headed to play for SEC foe Missouri, where he is sure to start immediately, much like he was expected to do in Athens next season. Wilson became the third UGA transfer to remain in the SEC, with fellow defenders Julian Humphrey and Samuel M’Pemba heading to Texas A&M.
A former 5-star talent, Wilson totaled 24 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in his first two seasons of limited action in Athens. With the departure of veterans like Chaz Chambliss and Jalon Walker, Wilson appeared to be next in line to start at outside linebacker for the Bulldogs.
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Photo of the day
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Rocky top opportunity for hoop dawgs
Georgia basketball has proven it can beat the SEC’s top-shelf competition and will try to do it again on Wednesday. The Bulldogs are shooting for a primetime upset of No. 6 Tennessee at 8 p.m. in Knoxville.
UGA has not won in Knoxville since 2017, and faces quite the challenge as it attempts to do so on Wednesday. The Volunteers have the top scoring defense in the SEC, allowing just over 57 points per game.
Georgia will enter Knoxville sporting an AP top 25 ranking next to its name for the first time since 2011. The No. 23-ranked Bulldogs will try to earn their fourth win over a ranked opponent this season.
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Quote of the day
“There was a time, a few years ago, where if we wanted a kid from Atlanta, we’ve had like six or seven guys go to the NBA out of Atlanta alone, and now Georgia is right there with us in the area of recruiting,” Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl said, comparing UGA basketball to its recent past.
“They obviously believe and the players believe. Mike has always done a great job coaching.”
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Trivia answer
Answer: Jermaine Johnson II (New York Jets, 2022)
