Ted Hurst and Cameran Brown expected to lead the way for the Panthers
After a rollercoaster 2024 season that began with promise but ended in frustration, Georgia State football entered a pivotal offseason marked by significant roster changes. The Panthers opened last year 2-1, highlighted by a notable win over Vanderbilt, but stumbled badly down the stretch, losing seven straight games and eight of their final nine.
Now, as head coach Dell McGee prepares for his second season, Georgia State faces the challenges of rebuilding while aiming to capitalize on fresh talent.
With key departures on both sides of the ball and an influx of newcomers from the transfer porter and recruiting ranks, the Panthers enter the 2025 campaign with a retooled roster, renewed optimism and plenty of questions to answer.
Departures
Georgia State must replace several core players who made significant contributions in 2024 but will not return. Among those leaving, three stand out as major losses.
Running back Freddie Brock transferred to Oklahoma State, leaving a significant void in the Panthers’ rushing attack. Brock led Georgia State in rushing yards and touchdowns last season, rushing for 853 yards on 151 carries and scoring eight touchdowns. His vision, power and consistency made him a key component of the offense. Without Brock, the Panthers will rely heavily on less proven backs to carry the workload in 2025.
FREDDIE. BROCK!! đź’¨
Brock goes on a 57-yard run to tack on six for the Panthers!#LightItBlue | #NewAtlanta pic.twitter.com/ZUJ7Do2pcL
— GSU Football (@GeorgiaStateFB) November 24, 2024
Tight end Dorian Fleming, who transferred to Maryland, was a crucial weapon in the passing game. He ranked second on the team with 49 receptions for 558 yards and six touchdowns, providing quarterback stability and a reliable target in critical situations.
On defense, safety Jeremiah Johnson, now at NC State, was the Panther’s defensive leader. Johnson topped the team in solo tackles (38) and assisted tackles (31) in 2024. His instincts, tackling ability and leadership from the second made him a linchpin on defense.
Losing these three playmakers—offensively and defensively—will test Georgia State’s depth and leadership as the team seeks to improve on last season’s inconsistency.
Additions
Georgia State made a splash in the transfer portal, earning the third-highest ranked class in the Sun Belt according to 247Sports. This group of transfers brings a blend of experience and talent that could help the Panthers bounce back in 2025.
One of the top transfers is running back Branson Robinson, a former Georgia Bulldog. Robinson missed the entire 2023 season due to injury but recorded 403 rushing yards and six touchdowns in his first two seasons. Known for his physical running style and SEC experience, Robinson could quickly become a cornerstone of Georgia State’s offense.
Branson đź‘Ź Robinson đź‘Ź#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/q6D7bJDUt9
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) October 10, 2022
At quarterback, Cameran Brown arrives after a strong 2023 season at West Georgia. Brown passed for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 478 yards with six additional scores. His dual-threat ability gives the Panthers a versatile offensive weapon capable of changing the dynamics of the passing and running games.
Defensively, Georgia State added outside linebacker Zavier Carter from UNLV, where he had a breakout 2023 season. Carter posted career highs with 13 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks. His pass-rushing ability and playmaking skills will bolster a defense eager to regain its edge.
These transfer additions provide immediate help and depth across key positions and underscore Georgia State’s intent to compete at a higher level in the Sun Belt.
Georgia State’s 2025 recruiting class, ranked the best in the Sun Belt by 247Sports, brings a wave of promising talent to the program. While the class is deep across many positions, three freshmen have already emerged as potential early contributors.
Wide receiver D’Ontae Fulton from Worth County (GA), is a record-setting athlete. Fulton hauled in 234 catches for 3,687 yards and 42 touchdowns during his high school career. His polished route-running and big-play ability make him a potential weapon in the slot or as a kick returner.
Running back Ladainnian Martin, out of J.L. Mann (SC), is a powerful runner with an impressive burst. He amassed 2,457 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on 313 carries, while adding 274 receiving yards with three more scores. Martin’s versatility could give Georgia State’s offense a new dynamic.
Senior Year stats/highlightsđź’Ť
Region POY, All-State qb, State ChampsPassing:
177-261 (67.8%)
2532 yards
32 TDs
124.2 QBRRushing:
102-613 yards
6.0 YPC
12 TDs@ToombsFootball1 @BenMoore247 @RecruitGeorgia @CoachBMart https://t.co/u73t9o4ZjD— TJ Stanley (@TJ_Stanley_14) January 3, 2025
At quarterback, TJ Stanley from Toombs County (GA) boasts strong passing numbers and mobility. Stanley threw for 4,934 yards and 59 touchdowns in his final two seasons, while rushing for 861 yards and 20 touchdowns. His dual-threat style and football IQ position him as a potential future leader under center.
Sun Belt Syndicate rated Dell McGee’s seat as “Lukewarm,” but his strong recruiting ties still offer a lot of promise toward the future.
The Panthers will begin the journey towards the SBC Championship on August 30, heading to Oxford, MS to take on the Ole Miss Rebels in Week 1.
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