Georgia’s 2025 football season is already heating up with a storyline that has fans on edge—Mike Bobo’s return as offensive coordinator. While Bobo orchestrated an explosive 2023 campaign, his 2024 play-calling left Bulldogs fans frustrated, particularly after a crushing Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame. That game exposed lingering issues in Georgia’s offense, and many expected head coach Kirby Smart to make a bold change. Instead, he doubled down on his loyalty to Bobo, extending his contract through 2026 despite growing concerns.
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum hasn’t held back in his critique of Smart’s decision. The outspoken analyst believes Georgia is limiting itself by sticking with Bobo, calling Smart’s patience with his OC unnecessary and even reckless. “I don’t feel great about Georgia,” Finebaum said. “They’re still a playoff contender, but a national championship? Not with Bobo running the show.”
Regardless of outside noise, Bobo’s job appears safe—for now. On July 1, his new contract will skyrocket his salary from $100,000 to $1.5 million for the 2025 season. That number jumps again to $1.6 million in 2026, per Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald. But the bigger question remains—why is Smart so unwavering in his trust?
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in this organization, the foundation we’ve built,” Smart said when asked about Bobo’s future. “I have the best staff in the country, and I have no doubt about that.”
But here’s the reality—2025 is Bobo’s last chance to prove he deserves this job. Georgia isn’t just expected to compete for an SEC Championship—it’s national title or bust. And if Bobo continues to struggle, that hefty contract extension won’t protect him from the consequences.
Gunner Stockton Gets a Key Weapon Back in His Quest for QB1
While Bobo’s future remains uncertain, Georgia’s young quarterback phenom Gunner Stockton just got a major boost—wide receiver Colbie Young is back.
Georgia’s biggest offensive headache last season wasn’t just Bobo’s play-calling—it was a lack of consistency at the wide receiver position. Young, a 6’3″, 215-pound talent, was expected to be one of Georgia’s top offensive weapons but found himself sidelined for most of 2024 due to a suspension stemming from legal issues.
Originally a JUCO standout at Lackawanna College before transferring to Miami, Young was an impact player for the Hurricanes, amassing 79 receptions for 930 yards and 10 touchdowns over two seasons. When he arrived in Athens, expectations were sky-high. He made an early impact, snagging touchdown receptions in each of his first two games before his season took a shocking turn.
Ahead of Georgia’s sixth game of the season, Young was arrested on misdemeanor assault and battery charges following an incident with a woman who identified herself as his ex-girlfriend. He was released on bond but remained suspended indefinitely. Now, that suspension has been lifted, and Young is officially back in action.
“Colbie’s with us,” Smart confirmed this week. “He’s practicing, he’s been working out with us. He’s cleared.”
Despite playing in just five games last year, Young still managed 11 catches for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. If he can return to his previous form, he could become a go-to target for Gunner Stockton—who is currently locked in a fierce battle for the starting quarterback job.
Will Georgia’s Gamble Pay Off?
With Bobo back, Stockton stepping up, and Young reinstated, Georgia’s offense faces a high-risk, high-reward scenario in 2025. The pieces are there, but the pressure has never been greater. If Bobo can’t deliver a championship-caliber performance, Smart’s patience may finally run out.
One thing is certain—this will be a season to remember in Athens.
