ESPN named the strength for 2025's Georgia football team as the linebacker group.
Even with the departure of potential first-round NFL draft pick Jalon Walker and three-year starter Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia's linebackers are poised to anchor the defense in 2025. CJ Allen, the team's second-leading tackler with 76 tackles last season, steps into a leadership role alongside returning players Gabe Harris Jr. and Raylen Wilson.
The linebacker unit also boasts All-SEC freshman Chris Cole and former No. 1 linebacker recruit Justin Williams along with five-star signee Zayden Walker, who was also ranked the No. 1 linebacker in the 2025 class.
"Chris Cole and Justin Williams have both been mentioned multiple times by people as extremely hard work guys," said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart in a recent interview.
With the Walker gone, CJ Allen will be the next vocal leader of the defense. Allen and Wilson were two top-five linebackers in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports, so Georgia has no shortage of linebacker talent. They both could be preseason All-SEC linebackers. They just need to show improved consistency.
Chris Cole showed the versatility he posses with his coverage skills against Texas, but he will also be needed as a competent pass rusher. Justin Williams, who is immensely talented, should be expected to go from a reserve role from last season to a player that can get meaningful snaps this season.
Georgia's talented inside linebacker room is the strength of the UGA defense. However, it is surprising to see the room as a whole selected because of what Georgia lost at outside linebacker. UGA lost over 75% of its sack production from the 2024 season.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: ESPN names the strength for 2025's UGA football team
