One of the many questions for Georgia following its elimination from the College Football Playoff is the status of star running back Trevor Etienne, and his future plans were reportedly revealed on Tuesday.
The Bulldogs secured another SEC championship under head coach Kirby Smart this season, but ultimately fell to No. 7 Notre Dame in the playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl.
After an 11-3 finish, Georgia has plenty of preparations to make for 2025 and beyond with roster attrition due to the transfer portal and NFL draft. 11 Bulldogs have declared for this year’s draft, and UGA has lost 12 players to transfer thus far.
Etienne, a junior, transferred to Georgia from rival Florida ahead of the 2024 season. He started in all 9 of his appearances this season, leading the team in rushing touchdowns (9) with 609 yards on 122 carries (5.0-yard average).
The first-year Bulldog was selected to the Coaches All-SEC third team for his efforts.
Etienne is eligible to enter the 2025 NFL draft and could join his brother and Jacksonville Jaguars tailback, Travis Etienne Jr., at the next level.
However, according to a report from Dawgnation’s Mike Griffith, Etienne has informed Smart and the UGA staff of his plans to return to Athens next season.
“Etienne met with coach Kirby Smart on Tuesday to inform him of his decision, per a source close to the Etienne family,” Griffith wrote.
Etienne (5-foot-9, 205 pounds) was the most experienced back on Georgia’s roster this season, already having over 1,400 yards rushing in 24 games as a Gator. But he missed three games due to injury, forcing the Dawgs to turn to true freshman Nate Frazier.
Frazier, a former four-star, led the team in rushing attempts (133) and yards (671) with eight touchdowns on his way to earning Freshman All-SEC honors. With Etienne expected to return, the Bulldogs could have one of the top tailback rooms in the SEC next season.
Georgia will kick off the 2025 season at home against Marshall on Aug. 30.
