These six former Georgia Bulldogs recently won the Super Bowl.
The success of these former Georgia Bulldogs in the Super Bowl speaks volumes about the talent that the University of Georgia continues to produce. From its long history of football excellence to its more recent dominance, UGA’s pipeline to the NFL remains one of the strongest in college football.
The Georgia Bulldogs’ Rise in the NFL
Over the past decade, the University of Georgia has turned into a true powerhouse when it comes to developing players who can make an impact in the NFL. The Bulldogs have consistently produced high-caliber athletes who are able to transition to the pros with ease. The Super Bowl 2025 matchup featuring these six players—Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith, Kelee Ringo, and Mecole Hardman—is a prime example of how well the university’s football program is preparing its players for success at the highest level of the sport.
The most notable aspect of these players is that they come from different positions and represent various phases of the game—defense, offense, and special teams—showcasing the depth and well-roundedness of the Georgia program. For instance, while Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis are defensive stalwarts who help anchor the Eagles’ defense, Mecole Hardman represents Georgia’s dynamic offensive playmaking ability, having been one of the most electric receivers in recent Super Bowls. This mix of talent reflects how the Bulldogs prepare their athletes for diverse roles in the NFL.
Jalen Carter’s Impact: The New Force on Defense
One of the standout players in this Super Bowl run is Jalen Carter, the defensive tackle selected by the Eagles in the 2023 draft. Carter made a name for himself at Georgia with his explosiveness and versatility. At 6’3” and 314 pounds, Carter combines power with quickness, something very few defensive linemen possess. His ability to penetrate the offensive line, stuff the run, and disrupt passing plays made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks in college, and he has carried that over to the NFL.
His performance in Super Bowl 59 was crucial to the Eagles’ success. Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket on passing plays allowed the Eagles’ linebackers to capitalize on their pass-rushing opportunities, while his strength in the run game prevented the Kansas City Chiefs from establishing a rhythm on offense. His impact didn’t just show up on the stat sheet—it was felt by the Chiefs’ offensive line and quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, all throughout the game.
Jordan Davis: A Wall in the Middle
If Carter is the explosive force, Jordan Davis is the immovable object. Standing at 6’6” and 340 pounds, Davis is a physical specimen whose sheer size and strength make him one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the NFL. He was a key component of the Eagles’ defense in Super Bowl 59, using his size to clog running lanes and draw double teams, which freed up other players to make plays.
Davis’s dominance in the trenches is a reflection of his days at Georgia, where he was an immovable force, earning national recognition as one of the best defensive linemen in college football. His ability to impact the game without necessarily putting up big statistical numbers is what sets him apart. In the Super Bowl, he provided the kind of presence that allowed the Eagles’ defense to limit Kansas City’s ground game and apply consistent pressure on Mahomes.
Nakobe Dean: The Brain of the Defense
Nakobe Dean, the linebacker known for his intelligence and leadership, brings a different dimension to the Eagles’ defense. A true middle linebacker, Dean is known for his ability to read offenses, make adjustments on the fly, and direct traffic for his teammates. His awareness and football IQ were on full display in Super Bowl 59, where his ability to anticipate plays and put himself in the right position helped stymie the Chiefs’ offense.
Dean was instrumental in limiting Kansas City’s short passing game, particularly against tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. His coverage skills and ability to diagnose plays in real-time allowed the Eagles to neutralize some of Mahomes’ favorite targets. His leadership also played a critical role in keeping the defense organized and focused during the high-pressure moments of the game.
Nolan Smith: The Speed Demon
As one of the fastest and most explosive linebackers in college football during his time at Georgia, Nolan Smith has continued to shine in the NFL. His speed and quickness off the edge were critical factors in the Eagles’ Super Bowl defense. Smith’s ability to track down plays from sideline to sideline and his relentless pursuit of the quarterback made him a key contributor to Philadelphia’s defensive success.
While he may not have been the primary pass rusher in the Eagles’ defense, Smith’s versatility as an outside linebacker allowed him to line up in various spots, giving the Eagles’ defensive coordinator the flexibility to mix up blitz packages and create confusion for Mahomes. His agility, combined with his football acumen, made him a nightmare for the Chiefs’ offense throughout the game.
Kelee Ringo: The Shutdown Corner
Kelee Ringo, the talented cornerback who was known for his physicality and ball-hawking abilities at Georgia, has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL. His performance in Super Bowl 59 was indicative of his growth as a cornerback. Ringo played a significant role in shutting down some of Kansas City’s top receivers, preventing big plays from the likes of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
What made Ringo so effective was his ability to match up physically with faster, more experienced receivers. His size (6’2”, 210 pounds) and speed allow him to compete at the highest level, and his knack for reading the quarterback’s eyes and positioning himself for interceptions is a skill he developed during his time at Georgia. In the Super Bowl, Ringo’s contributions were critical in preventing the Chiefs from gaining momentum through the air.
Mecole Hardman: Speed and Explosiveness on Offense
Mecole Hardman is a player who doesn’t need many opportunities to make a big impact. His explosive speed and quickness make him one of the most dangerous players in the NFL when given the chance to make a play. Hardman’s performance in Super Bowl 59 was one of the highlights of the Chiefs’ offensive efforts. Although he isn’t always a primary target, his ability to stretch the field and open up space for other players is invaluable.
Hardman’s most memorable moment came when he used his elite speed to burn the Eagles’ secondary on a deep route, setting up a key touchdown for the Chiefs. His ability to make defenses respect his speed opens up opportunities for others, and his presence on the field forces defenders to play at their maximum level of focus. This dynamic playmaking ability has earned Hardman a reputation as a game-changer on the NFL’s biggest stage.
Georgia’s Legacy in the NFL
The success of these six players—Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith, Kelee Ringo, and Mecole Hardman—further solidifies the University of Georgia’s position as one of the top schools in terms of NFL production. From defense to offense, Georgia’s football program continues to be a pipeline to success at the highest level of the sport.
The Bulldogs’ impressive performance in Super Bowl 59 serves as a testament to the strength of their football program and the ongoing development of its players. It’s clear that the University of Georgia is not just producing athletes—it’s producing winners. With more players entering the NFL each year, Georgia’s legacy in the NFL will only continue to grow, and the program’s future looks brighter than ever. Whether it’s Jalen Carter’s dominance on defense or Mecole Hardman’s playmaking on offense, these former Bulldogs have proven that Georgia football is built for success, both at the college and professional levels.
