The Bulldogs are national champions once again. But one question on everyone’s lips is will Stetson Bennett be returning to Georgia next season? Here’s what we know about his future.
The Georgia Bulldogs cruised to victory against the TCU Horned Frogs 65-7 in the national championship game on Monday night (9 January).
It is the second straight title for No.1 Georgia. They are the first team since Alabama in 2011 and 2012 to win back-to-back national titles, and did so in dominant fashion.
The 65-7 score line was the most points ever scored in a national championship game, most of which was down to Heisman Trophy Finalist Stetson Bennett.
Bennett named offensive MVP of National Championship Game
Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett was sensational in the game. He finished 18-of-25 for 304 yards and four touchdowns passing and another 39 yards and two TDs rushing.
His six total touchdowns tied Joe Burrow for the most in a national title game, and he was deservedly named offensive MVP of the National Championship Game.
He also became the all-time single-season passing leader in Georgia history with 4,127 yards.
“He’s got G.O.A.T. status forever in Athens, GA.,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said.
Is Stetson Bennett coming back to Georgia next year?
Now that the college football season is over, many wondered if Stetson Bennett is returning to Georgia next year.
Sadly, Bennett won’t be returning to Georgia next season, as the 25-year-old is finally out of college eligibility.
Bennett certainly finished off one of the greatest college careers in history in style. With the win all but assured against TCU, Kirby Smart called a timeout so Bennett could walk off the field for one last time and appreciate the moment.
He was greeted with hugs and high-fives from teammates and coaches as he took off his helmet and made his way to the side-line.
“As simple as it is, just one last huddle with the guys,” said Bennett, who finished with a 29-3 career record as Georgia’s starter. “That was special, coming off and seeing Coach Smart. That was really cool, and I appreciate that.”
He added: “That was special. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.”
What now for Bennett – the NFL?
Bennett started his college career as a Class of 2017 recruit from Blackshear, Georgia, and was a 2-star recruit coming out of high school. He transferred to junior college but returned to Georgia in 2019, making the starting QB position his own in 2021.
Bennett has always been slept on, with his weight (190lbs) and height (he’s 5ft 11in) often being used to discredit his credentials. The odds have consistently been stacked against him, and even now there’s some doubts about whether he’ll even make the NFL.
According to Yahoo Sports! just four quarterbacks listed under 6-foot and 200 pounds have ever been drafted in the NFL, and each went on to become a wide receiver. At 25, he is also already older than five current playoff NFL QBs, including Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Herbert.
Bennett is yet to officially declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, but is likely to announce it in the coming days and weeks. He is aware of the doubts, but knows what he brings to the table.
“Hard worker,” Bennett said in response to what he’d tell NFL recruiters. “Pretty good at football. Smart. But they’ll see that. That will take care of itself.”
That’s all for the future though – right now he can bask in a college career for the ages.