ATHENS — Malaki Starks has called it a career in Athens, as he announced he will be declaring for the NFL draft.

Starks made the announcement on his Instagram. He becomes the third Bulldog to declare for the NFL draft today, joining outside linebacker Jalon Walker and defensive end Mykel Williams.

Starks was a two-time All-American in his time at Georgia, starting all but one game for the Bulldogs in his three-year career in Athens.

As a junior, Starks led the team in tackles with 77. He also had an interception, 4.0 tackles for loss and 3 pass breakups. He also stepped in as the team’s punt returner this season when Anthony Evans picked up an injury. Starks is widely expected to be the first safety taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Lewis Cine was the last first-round safety to come out of Georgia, as he was taken with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Reflecting on his career after the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame, Starks shared what he would remember the most.

“Just the people,” Starks said. “Like I said earlier. The people, man. Football will come and go. I may wake up tomorrow and never play football again. But the people who I have in my life are always going to be there. I think they’ve given me an opportunity to be blessed and see things through another lens that I do very much appreciate.”

Georgia will also lose safety Dan Jackson as well, as he is out of college eligibility. The Bulldogs do bring back KJ Bolden, who seems primed to follow in Starks’ footsteps. Georgia will also bring back Joenel Aguero and JaCorey Thomas. Georgia signed three defensive backs who project as safeties in the 2025 recruiting class. Georgia has also already landed a transfer addition in the form of USC safety Zion Branch.

Georgia’s 2024 season came to an end when the Bulldogs lost to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs went 11-3 this past season, winning the SEC.

Georgia opens the 2025 season against Marshall on Aug. 30. Players have until Jan. 15 to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Georgia football 2025 NFL Draft decisions

  • Offensive tackle Xavier Truss -- exhausted eligibility
  • Safety Dan Jackson -- exhausted eligibility
  • Outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss -- exhausted eligibility
  • Inside linebacker Smael Mondon -- exhausted eligibility
  • Defensive tackle Warren Brinson -- exhausted eligibility
  • Defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse -- exhausted eligibility
  • Wide receiver Dominic Lovett -- exhausted eligibility
  • Tight end Benjamin Yurosek -- exhausted eligibility
  • Quarterback Carson Beck -- declared for 2025 NFL Draft
  • Wide receiver Colbie Young
  • Wide receiver Arian Smith
  • Offensive guard Tate Ratledge -- declared for 2025 NFL Draft
  • Offensive guard Dylan Fairchild
  • Offensive guard Micah Morris
  • Center Jared Wilson
  • Running back Trevor Etienne
  • Tight end Oscar Delp
  • Wide receiver Dillon Bell
  • Defensive end Mykel Williams -- declared for the NFL draft
  • Defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
  • Defensive tackle Christen Miller -- staying at Georgia
  • Linebacker Jalon Walker -- declared for the NFL draft
  • Cornerback Daylen Everette
  • Safety Malaki Starks -- declared for the NFL draft
  • Punter Brett Thorson