By Jalen Willingham

After a 3–9 finish in Dell McGee’s first year at the helm, Georgia State is aiming to turn the page and spark a new era in 2025. The Panthers landed the highest-rated recruiting class in program history, a group that also ranks No. 1 in the Sun Belt, signaling a clear shift in talent and ambition.

With 59 newcomers on the roster and a new wave of potential difference-makers, the question becomes: who’s poised to break out this fall and help lead Georgia State’s resurgence?

Branson Robinson: Running Back

A former four-star recruit out of high school, Branson Robinson brings SEC-caliber talent and physicality to the Panthers’ backfield. As a freshman at Georgia, he flashed real potential with 330 yards and three touchdowns on 68 carries, showcasing his power and vision. But back-to-back injuries, which were a ruptured patella tendon in 2023 followed by an MCL injury in 2024, derailed his momentum.

Now healthy and hungry, Robinson arrives in Atlanta with a chance to reset his career. He joins a crowded but promising running back room and has the tools to emerge as RB1. With two years of eligibility remaining, the stage is set for a comeback story

Derrell Bailey: Offensive Tackle

Derrell Bailey makes his return to the FBS level with experience, leadership, and a proven track record in the trenches. Last season, he anchored an East Tennessee State offensive line that led the Southern Conference in rushing. This is a testament to his power and consistency.

With Georgia State looking to lean on the run, Bailey’s presence at tackle could be pivotal. Between top RB talent and returning starter Christian Veilleux, the Panthers need steady protection up front, and Bailey has the résumé to deliver it.

Christian Veilleux: Quarterback

Last season began with promise for Christian Veilleux, but inconsistency and turnovers hampered his progress. Still, he showed flashes of the QB Georgia State believes he can be. An example of this is leading a game-winning drive vs. Vanderbilt and making key throws under pressure.

Now entering his redshirt senior season, Veilleux brings experience, size, and leadership. With Second-Team All-Sun Belt receiver Ted Hurst as his top target, the passing game has firepower. If Veilleux can clean up his turnover issues and play with more poise, he could help take this offense to the next level.

Henry Bryant: Defensive Tackle

If Georgia State is going to improve on defense, where it ranked 113th nationally in total defense, Henry Bryant will be a big reason why.

The veteran DT was a disruptive force in 2024, totaling 30 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks. He was an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention last season. His strength at the point of attack helps anchor the interior, and he enters 2025 as a projected First-Team All-Sun Belt selection. With more talent around him, Bryant’s production could skyrocket this fall.

Damaine Wilson: Linebacker

One of the few bright spots from last season’s defense, true freshman Damaine Wilson, emerged as a young leader in 2024. He played in 11 games and racked up 39 tackles, a TFL, and one interception, showing instincts beyond his years.

Now with a full offseason under his belt, Wilson is poised to take a major leap. Named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Fourth Team, he’s expected to be the defensive play-caller in the middle. The question isn’t if he’ll break out, it’s just how high his ceiling is.

Can Wilson blossom into the heart of Georgia State’s defense? Don’t be surprised if he does.

Closing Thoughts

With an elite recruiting class, revamped depth chart, and key veterans returning, Georgia State has the ingredients to surprise in 2025. Players like Robinson, Bryant, and Wilson could be catalysts in flipping the script.

If breakout seasons align with coaching adjustments and improved chemistry, the Panthers could return to a bowl game even if they aren’t among the Sun Belt’s top teams.