Kirby Smart already took advantage of a great opportunity to work in some true freshman playmakers against Marshall in Georgia's 45-7 annihilation of the Thundering Herd in Week 1. He'll most certainly have another shot to do the same in Week 2 as Georgia faces off against the lowly FCS opponent, Austin Peay. He needs to cash in on that experience again.
The defense always rotates in a hefty number of different players. That much should be expected regardless of the game's outcome. However, it's the offense where a couple key true freshman studs need to begin getting as many reps as they can because they'll likely be starting for the Georgia Bulldogs sooner than later.
For those Georgia fans who may have missed it, Talyn Taylor and CJ Wiley have both been hyped up as potential early difference makers at wide receiver for Georgia all off-season (and even as recruits before they were on campus). Taylor has been especially anointed prematurely thanks to his otherworldly ball skills (likely enhanced via his elite 7-on-7 football league experience) and speed.
It shouldn't be a surprise to find that both Taylor and Wiley saw significant action in Week 1 despite their true freshman status. Taylor logged 16 snaps and saw a target with the game just over a dozen offensive snaps in. Wiley saw 12 snaps, but did not garner a target just yet.
Taylor was impressive even when he wasn't seeing targets, blowing past defenders, and creating separation for himself (as you can see on the touchdown play to Elyiss Williams in post below). If Taylor and Wiley are given a bit more of a runway this week to get into rhythm against Austin Peay, both of them should make some "wow" plays.
A little more than 5 years apart….Arian Smith & Elyiss Williams catch their first collegiate pass and it goes for a TD…..
— Brent Rollins (@BrentRollinsPhD) September 4, 2025
On the EXACT SAME PLAY
(Bit of irony……Talyn Taylor wearing #11 running the post too) pic.twitter.com/4khN1Ghk3e
Why does this even matter though? Isn't Georgia just going to destroy Austin Peay and move on? Plus, what's there to really glean from two high pedigree true freshman wide receivers dunking on an FCS team?
Great questions, but given the state of Georgia's wide receiver room Talyn Taylor and CJ Wiley need to begin seeing as much work as they possibly can so they're ready when they inevitably take over as starters.
Both current veteran starting wide receivers Colbie Young and Dillon Bell are now in year four of college football and will be out of eligibility following this season. Zachariah Branch, the team's new speedster and possible feature offensive weapon this year, is in season three. He could certainly declare for the NFL Draft following 2025 action as well.
There's a real chance that the three most productive, important wide receivers on Georgia's roster are all gone after this season, so building up the young-gun talent behind them should prove crucial. London Humphreys likely sticks around for one more year and Kirby Smart may add more talent via the transfer portal next offseason too.
However, Talyn Taylor and CJ Wiley have a clear path to starting as year two players. Taylor could even earn that opportunity by year's end. Giving both possible stars a chance to shine against Austin Peay should play a huge role in making sure they're ready to contribute significantly, and soon.
We’ll be back with more Georgia Bulldogs coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
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