ATHENS — Georgia’s season ended earlier than it would have liked. The Bulldogs lost 23-10 to Notre Dame in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, going one and done in the new 12-team format.

That give Georgia a longer offseason to get ready and prepare for the coming season. And following the conclusion of its 2024 season, ESPN’s David Hale had no problem identifying Georgia’s biggest question moving forward.

“Georgia’s offense was a mixed bag in 2024,” Hale wrote. “At times, it was brilliant, but just as often, the Dawgs struggled to move the ball. Whether it was Carson Beck’s interceptions or a stalled ground game or a bevy of drops by the receivers, there was ample fodder for complaints from fans.

“For 2025, the job of revamping the offense is a big one, but no position looms larger over the discussion than quarterback.”

Georgia ranked 102nd in the country in rushing offense this past season, while giving up 25.0 sacks. The Bulldogs also led the country in drops, with 36 according to ESPN Stats and Info.

That is a lot for Gunner Stockton to potentially fix. Stockton made his first career start in the loss to Notre Dame. He completed 20 of his 32 pass attempts for 234 yards and a touchdown. Stockton did have a costly fumble as well.

Stockton also helped lead Georgia to a win over Texas in the SEC championship game. But for as much will be made about Stockton and his performance moving forward, Georgia knows it needs to do a better job around Stockton moving forward.

“There’s a lot of things we can do better to help our offense, but we certainly have to play better and do better,” Smart said after the Notre Dame game. “And a lot of that has to do with health and the schedule we play and having some playmakers that can make some plays, too.”

Georgia has used the transfer portal to try and help add around Stockton. The Bulldogs brought in wide receivers Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch from the transfer portal in hopes of giving Stockton more weapons.

Dillon Bell announced that he would be returning for another season, while tight end Oscar Delp and running back Trevor Etienne have the option of coming back as well. Georgia did sign five wide receivers in the 2025 recruiting class, led by 5-star prospect Talyn Taylor. Georgia will hope Taylor can make an immediate impact in his first season at Georgia. He will enroll early with the Bulldogs.

The biggest position of worry for Georgia, aside from Stockton, will be the offensive line. Georgia must replace four starters from the 2024 group, one that did not play up to expectations. Georgia does return tackles Monroe Freeling and Earnest Greene.

Georgia’s 2024 offense was a step back from where it was in 2023. If the Bulldogs are to make a deeper run into the College Football Playoff in 2025, it clearly needs more from its offense.