NEW ORLEANS — As the dust settles on a challenging season, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart acknowledges that the team is entering a critical offseason filled with significant changes.

Several senior players, including devoted contributors Dan Jackson, Smael Mondon, and Chaz Chambliss, concluded their college careers following a disappointing 23-10 defeat to Notre Dame.

"It’s tough to see these guys go, especially after putting their heart and soul into the program," Smart reflected. "We have many players who will be moving on, and it’s a painful experience since we didn’t achieve the outcome we desired. But that’s part of life."

The Bulldogs will indeed face a roster reshuffle, as promising stars such as Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Malaki Starks are strongly anticipated to declare for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Walker, a standout team captain, had an impressive season, sharing the team lead in sacks. Smart praised Walker and fellow captain Tate Ratledge for their leadership during a tough year.

"What they did for this team in what I believe to be one of the hardest seasons we've experienced was incredible. They dominated the room and led through adversity," Smart said, highlighting the emotional toll of their departure.

The deadline for declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft is January 15.

Currently, Carson Beck is the only Bulldog to have officially declared. The uncertainty looms over the team while awaiting decisions from other key players.

Looking ahead, quarterback Gunner Stockton emphasized the importance of learning from the season's outcomes as the team prepares to regroup.

"We start school Monday. It's time to get back at it and improve," he stated resolutely.

Additionally, the transfer portal is becoming a significant topic for Georgia as multiple players are likely to explore new opportunities.

Early indications suggest that seven players have already departed, with several finding new teams. Last season, the Bulldogs experienced a mass exodus of 21 players to the portal, and history could repeat itself as more players contemplate their futures.

The window for entering the transfer portal is open until Tuesday, December 28, with the NCAA granting teams that concluded their seasons a brief extension.

Georgia has yet to announce any incoming transfers but is actively pursuing several key targets, particularly at wide receiver and safety.

Among the noteworthy names are USC transfers Zachariah and Zion Branch, both of whom are high-profile targets for the Bulldogs.

In the previous offseason, Georgia successfully recruited 11 players through the transfer portal.

Meanwhile, Georgia's 2025 signing class is strong, with 28 players having signed, many of whom were present at the recent game, albeit not in uniform.

A remarkable 25 of those 28 recruits will enroll early at Georgia, showcasing the program's robust recruiting efforts.

As the Bulldogs look ahead, they have their eyes set on their next matchup against Marshall on August 30.

With significant NFL Draft decisions and transfer portal movement expected in the coming weeks, Georgia football is bracing itself for a transformative offseason filled with uncertainty but also opportunities.

Georgia's journey continues, and the football world will be watching closely as they reload and prepare for the future!