Georgia football has seen its fair share of elite talent, but despite a storied history, the Bulldogs have only had two Heisman Trophy winners. Could 2025 be the year a Georgia running back adds to that prestigious list? According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, sophomore tailback Nate Frazier is a rising contender for the coveted award.
Frazier, a dynamic and versatile back from Compton, California, made a significant impact during his freshman campaign. With 634 rushing yards on 129 carries and eight touchdowns, Frazier proved he has the potential to become Georgia’s next great running back. He also demonstrated improvement in his pass protection and caught 10 passes out of the backfield, although ball security remains a focus for the young star.
The Path to Heisman Glory
For Frazier to seriously contend for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, several key factors must align. Firstly, Georgia’s other standout running back, Trevor Etienne, would need to declare for the NFL Draft. Etienne, who has one more year of eligibility, could return for his senior season, in which case he would likely remain the Bulldogs’ primary back, limiting Frazier’s chances to shine. If Etienne moves on, Frazier would step up as the team’s lead rusher.
Another significant hurdle is Georgia’s quarterback situation. If Carson Beck returns for his final year, Georgia’s offense would likely continue to lean heavily on the passing game, which would detract from Frazier’s opportunity to carry the ball. However, should the Bulldogs start a new quarterback, Georgia’s offensive focus could shift more toward the run game, giving Frazier a better shot at dominating.
Frazier’s Heisman Hopes
If both of these factors align, Frazier’s Heisman hopes would become a real possibility. After proving his ability to step up during injuries to Georgia’s running back room, Frazier’s potential with a full offseason in the program could elevate his game even further. While it’s never certain that a player will emerge as a Heisman contender, the signs are there for Frazier to make a serious run in 2025.
It would be a thrilling story to watch as Georgia football could find itself with a true Heisman hopeful in Frazier next season.
