When Georgia football reports to fall camp, which three guys should we keep an eye on?

When Georgia’s 2025 fall camp opens, three players stand out as central figures in the team’s pursuit of another national title: quarterback Gunner Stockton, wide receiver/returner Zachariah Branch, and edge linebacker Elo Modozie. Each brings different strengths, positions of need, and the potential to shape Georgia’s season.

Gunner Stockton enters his role as starting quarterback amid a youth-led roster overhaul. He stepped in for the injured Carson Beck during last season’s College Football Playoff, showing poise and earning trust from coaches. As Kirby Smart prepares for his 10th season, he emphasized character and leadership  and Stockton embodies that. With over half the roster made up of first- and second‑year players, Smart said young leaders like Stockton must raise the standard for everyone. Stockton’s confidence, command of the huddle, and ability to manage pressure make him Georgia’s most important returning offensive player.

Stockton’s development is critical. Georgia’s offense must find rhythm in games—especially early on—behind a quarterback without many starts. If Stockton can grow into the top job with consistency and decision‑making, the Dawgs’ quarterback question may be answered. If not, Georgia could struggle to take full advantage of returning stars at offensive line, running back, and tight end.

Zachariah Branch is Georgia’s splashiest transfer and a major boost to a wide receiver corps that struggled in previous seasons. A two‑time All‑American returner at USC, Branch joins Georgia in 2025 with elite speed and special teams value. Georgia badly needs both deep-threat ability and cleaner execution from its receiving group. Branch can deliver on both fronts. DawgNation analysts say he’s the face of a newly reshaped receiver room and will draw attention all fall.

Georgia hopes Branch becomes more than a return specialist. His ability to win downfield, pressure-deflecting blocks, and experience in big games could help the offense stretch defenses and give Stockton high-upside targets. If Branch hits spring game highlights and sustains that through camp, he could become the offensive variant that Georgia lacked last season.

On defense, Elo Modozie is a transfer who fills a huge hole in Georgia’s pass-rush rotation. With nearly 80% of last season’s sack production gone  thanks to NFL departures  Modozie’s arrival is timely. He played at Army before coming to Georgia, and early reports rate him as an ideal fit for Kirby Smart’s culture: disciplined, aggressive, and hungry.

Modozie must show up physically in pads and reps Georgia’s fall practices are notoriously the toughest of the year. He needs to demonstrate playmaking instincts off the edge and consistency in gap assignments. If he transitions smoothly into Glenn Schumann’s rotation, he could lift Georgia’s pass rush enough to mask developmental growing pains at other defensive positions.

Elsewhere, other names deserve note: freshmen Elijah Griffin (defensive tackle) and Chris Cole (linebacker) arrive as elite recruits ready for rotational roles. Griffin headlines the 2025 recruiting class and could help rebuild Georgia’s interior defensive line. Cole earned All-SEC freshman honors in 2024 and is poised for expanded playing time.  But the brightest spotlights belong to Stockton, Branch, and Modozie.

For Stockton, competing against redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi adds fuel. Smart won’t name a starter until fall, and Puglisi could push Stockton hard if he shines early in camp. Carlo media coverage notes Stockton’s head start, but acknowledges the need for camp clarity. His leadership in the quarterback room—and how quickly he handles July and August reps  may set the tone for Georgia’s offensive identity.

Branch faces a similar test: Georgia’s receiving corps also features returning players and younger voices, but none bring Branch’s resume. He must show he earned it against SEC-level coverage in camp. Big plays, quick catches, and solid route technique could push him to the top of the depth chart. If Branch doesn’t separate early, the passing game may again sputter.

Modozie faces future competition: players like Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole (from the inside linebacker group) are contributors but not edge-first specialists. Modozie could immediately push for starting snaps or sub-packages, especially in nickel or passing downs. His ability to win against Georgia’s full-strength interior line sets the tone for his role going forward.

Georgia’s defense, ranked third among SEC secondaries, must improve pass defense after last season’s middling performance. That means corners Daylen Everette and KJ Bolden must make plays—but if Modozie pressures quarterbacks well, those defensive backs could see fewer accurate throws and more opportunities for turnovers.

Stockton must take command of an offense that lost its center and multiple starters. But his opportunity is also fueled by returners like Nicky Combs and Lonnie Dixon, plus tight end room featuring Elyiss Williams, Oscar Delp, and Lawson Luckie. That positional group shows promise; Stockton’s ability to use them efficiently will matter.

On offense Georgia also brought in several Under Armour All‑American linemen. Drew Bobo is projected as the starting center, anchoring a front that needs cohesion in Grubb’s new system. Though not the flashiest position, the line’s performance will dictate running lanes and passing pockets for Stockton and Branch.

Camp will reveal whether Stockton passes the pressure‑test, whether Branch separates against SEC press corners, and whether Modozie wins consistently off the edge. Those three players have the most to lose or gain and their performances could define Georgia’s 2025 identity.

 Georgia plays Marshall early, giving these young and new players a tune‑up before conference play. From there, the schedule includes Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, and a visit to Mississippi State. If Stockton, Branch, and Modozie rise to expectation during camp, Georgia’s roster balance may carry them to double-digit wins—even if experience levels are thin.

 when Georgia opens fall camp: watch Stockton for leadership and command under center; Branch for explosive playmaking and receiving depth; Modozie for pass-rush impact and rotational edge stability. Their development could tip the scale in Georgia’s favor in a challenging SEC and national title chase.