Georgia Bulldogs Struggle to Find Three-Year Starting Quarterbacks

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The Georgia Bulldogs have long been known for producing talented quarterbacks, many of whom have started for multiple seasons. However, the rise of the transfer portal and head coach Kirby Smart's aversion to starting true freshman QBs have made it increasingly difficult for the program to find three-year starters at the position. The last Georgia QB to start for three full seasons was Jake Fromm from 2017-2019, and Stetson Bennett's 2022 campaign was the only time a Bulldogs signal-caller has been the unquestioned starter for an entire season since then.

Why it matters

Georgia's quarterback position has been a source of stability and success for the program, with players like Aaron Murray and Jake Fromm leading the team for extended stretches. The shift away from that model reflects broader changes in college football, as the transfer portal and other factors make it harder for QBs to lock down starting jobs for multiple years.

The details

Head coach Kirby Smart has emphasized his preference for experienced quarterbacks over true freshmen, citing the increased risk of turnovers that younger players face. Additionally, the transfer portal has given Georgia more options to bring in veteran passers, reducing the need to develop a single QB over multiple seasons.

• The last Georgia quarterback to start for three full seasons was Jake Fromm, who played from 2017-2019.
• Stetson Bennett's 2022 campaign was the only time a Bulldogs QB has been the unquestioned starter for an entire season since Fromm.
• The last Georgia quarterback to start all four years of his career was Aaron Murray, who played from 2010-2013.