The journey toward the 2025-2026 national title is already underway, and Georgia is expected to be ranked among the top five programs when preseason polls are released. The Bulldogs’ offseason moves—especially their transfer portal additions at wide receiver—have positioned them to be more explosive offensively than last season. However, critical questions remain on both sides of the ball as the team prepares for spring practices, summer workouts, and fall camp. This analysis focuses on the third of five key areas Georgia fans should monitor: the ability of Quintavius Johnson to become a reliable, borderline superstar player at outside linebacker.
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The Georgia Bulldogs have high expectations for redshirt freshman outside linebacker Quintavius Johnson, who steps into the spotlight in 2025. Standing at an imposing 6’4″ and 255 pounds, Johnson will take over as a starter following the departure of Chaz Chambliss to the NFL and Damon Wilson’s transfer to Missouri. Despite being just a second-year player with limited on-field experience, Johnson will serve as the elder statesman in a young and untested outside linebacker group.
Joining Johnson in the position room are fellow redshirt freshman Kris Jones and true freshmen Darren Ikinnagbon and Chase Linton. The Bulldogs are looking to Johnson to provide leadership and production, traits the coaching staff and teammates believe he is more than capable of delivering.
In an August 2024 press conference, Georgia assistant coach Todd Hartley offered high praise for Johnson’s maturity and adaptability after seeing his tight ends compete against the young outside linebacker. “He’s athletic and surprisingly for a freshman has not been overwhelmed with what our defense is trying to do schematically, not that I can tell,” Hartley noted.
Junior linebacker Jalon Walker echoed Hartley’s sentiments, sharing his excitement for Johnson’s growth. “Quintavius, Q to me, he’s a great athlete overall. Excited to see him grow up. Since the spring, seeing his strides as he’s become a better player, I’m proud of him,” Walker said.
Perhaps the highest praise came from Chaz Chambliss, whose spot Johnson aims to fill. “Just the fact that he was a quarterback in high school and he’s playing D-End and outside linebacker in college. He’s got great size and great speed. He has power. We’ve just got to hone in on just finding his strengths and playing to them right now,” Chambliss remarked.
Johnson’s transition from high school quarterback to collegiate outside linebacker showcases his versatility and athleticism. Now tasked with anchoring Georgia’s edge rush, he will need to lean on those physical gifts and the knowledge he’s gained through redshirting and practice reps. Georgia’s staff and Georgia fans alike will have a close eye on Johnson throughout spring practice with hopes to see a major leap in execution and gameday readiness.
As the Bulldogs pursue another championship season, all eyes will be on Quintavius Johnson to see if he can rise to the occasion and carry the torch for Georgia’s elite linebacker tradition. While Georgia expects Johnson and Kris Jones to shoulder the load at the position, look for Georgia to be active in pursuing an experienced outside linebacker in the spring transfer portal window.
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Photo: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
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