Georgia Lands Former Alabama No. 1 QB Dylan Lonergan, Confirms Georgia as His Stepping Stone
In a dramatic turn of events, former Alabama quarterback Dylan Lonergan has confirmed that he will transfer to the University of Georgia, a move that could shake up the SEC and impact the quarterback landscape for both programs. Lonergan, a former five-star recruit and one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, announced his decision to leave Alabama after a brief stint with the Crimson Tide and join the defending national champions.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Lonergan was highly sought after in high school and quickly became one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in college football. However, despite his immense potential, he struggled to carve out a prominent role at Alabama, where the quarterback room was stacked with talent. Lonergan, who spent the 2023 season as a backup to Jalen Milroe, is now looking for a fresh start, and Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, offers the perfect opportunity to build on his skills and compete for the starting role.
“I’m excited for this next chapter in my career at Georgia,” Lonergan said in a statement. “This program has everything I need to develop as a quarterback, and I believe Georgia is the perfect place for me to take my game to the next level. I’m looking forward to getting started and contributing to the team’s success.
The decision to transfer to Georgia was not an easy one for Lonergan, who had built strong ties at Alabama. However, after considering his options, Lonergan realized that Georgia provided the best environment for his development and future prospects.
Georgia, which has established itself as a quarterback development powerhouse under Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, offers Lonergan a chance to play for a team with a proven track record of success. The Bulldogs have been consistently at the top of the college football landscape, winning two consecutive national championships and boasting a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
“I’ve watched Georgia grow into one of the most dominant programs in the country,” Lonergan continued. “They’ve developed quarterbacks who have gone on to the NFL, and I want to be part of that legacy. I believe this is where I can reach my full potential.
Lonergan’s physical tools make him an ideal fit for Georgia’s offensive system. His strong arm, mobility, and football IQ were evident in his high school career, where he led his team to multiple state championships. While his time at Alabama was limited, Lonergan gained valuable experience in the SEC and is eager to prove himself as a top-tier quarterback at Georgia.
The Bulldogs will be in need of a new starting quarterback for the 2024 season, as Stetson Bennett, the hero of Georgia’s last two national title runs, has moved on. Lonergan will face competition from rising stars within Georgia’s roster, including Carson Beck, who has seen considerable playing time, and Brock Vandagriff, a former five-star recruit. Despite the competition, Lonergan’s pedigree and potential make him a serious contender for the starting job.
“I’m not looking to come in and expect anything,” Lonergan said. “I know there’s competition, and I’m excited to compete. I’m here to learn, grow, and earn my spot. I’m confident that if I put in the work, I’ll have a chance to lead this team.”
For Georgia, landing a player of Lonergan’s caliber is a major victory. It solidifies the Bulldogs’ quarterback room as one of the most talented and deep in the country. Should Lonergan win the starting job, he would join an elite group of quarterbacks to play for Georgia, which has become a perennial national contender.
The move is also significant for Alabama, as it marks the loss of a high-profile player who was expected to be part of the program’s future. While Alabama has depth at quarterback, with Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson still in the fold, losing a talented young player like Lonergan is a blow to the program. The Crimson Tide will need to adjust as they continue to develop their quarterbacks for the upcoming season.
Lonergan’s commitment to Georgia represents a fresh start and a stepping stone toward greater success. His decision highlights the increasingly fluid nature of college football, where players are empowered to make decisions that best suit their growth and career aspirations. For Lonergan, Georgia represents the ideal environment to develop into one of the nation’s top quarterbacks and possibly set the stage for an NFL career.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Georgia’s quarterback battle, with Lonergan now firmly in the mix. His future in Athens looks promising, and his potential to lead the Bulldogs to even greater heights is undeniable. For now, though, Lonergan is focused on getting to work and making the most of his opportunity at Georgia.