Georgia football continues to showcase its talent and dominance as three players were named to the AP preseason All-America 1st team on Monday afternoon. Carson Beck and Tate Ratledge shined on the offensive side of the ball, while former AP All-American Malaki Starks once again proved his worth on the defensive end.
The Bulldogs were only surpassed by Ohio State, which had four players on the list. The Buckeyes‘ selections included former Alabama safety Caleb Downs, guard Donovan Jackson, receiver Emeka Egbuka, and cornerback Denzel Burke. Michigan, ranked No. 9, closely followed with three nominations of its own in tight end Colston Loveland, defensive tackle Mason Graham, and cornerback Will Johnson.
Overall, Georgia and the SEC collectively hold 10 spots on the AP preseason list, with the Big Ten following closely behind with eight selections, and the ACC with four.
On the offensive side of the ball, Carson Beck, a fifth-year quarterback from Georgia, leads the charge. He is joined by running backs Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State and Omarion Hampton from North Carolina. The offensive line is anchored by tackles Will Campbell from LSU and Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas, along with guards Donovan Jackson from Ohio State and Tate Ratledge from Georgia. Center Parker Brailsford from Alabama rounds out the offensive line. The receiving corps features Luther Burden III from Missouri, Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona, and Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State. All-purpose player Travis Hunter from Colorado and kicker Graham Nicholson from Alabama complete the offensive lineup.
On the defensive side, edge rushers James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee and Ashton Gillotte from Louisville lead the charge. The defensive line features tackles Mason Graham from Michigan and Howard Cross III from Notre Dame. Linebackers Harold Perkins Jr. from LSU, Jay Higgins from Iowa, and Barrett Carter from Clemson provide strength in the middle. The secondary is anchored by cornerbacks Will Johnson from Michigan and Denzel Burke from Ohio State, along with safeties Malaki Starks from Georgia and Caleb Downs from Ohio State. Defensive back Xavier Watts from Notre Dame and punter Alex Mastromanno from Florida State complete the defensive lineup.
Georgia football’s presence on the AP preseason All-America 1st team is a testament to the program’s talent and depth. With standout players on both sides of the ball, the Bulldogs are poised for another successful season. As the college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Georgia and its star-studded lineup as they look to make a run for the national championship.