Kirby Smart conveys confidence in Noah Thomas despite slow start to 2025
By Jyesha Nance
Published:
The Georgia Bulldogs boast a wide receiver room with veteran presence and newcomers either via transfer portal or commits.
Among the talented corps is senior transfer wide receiver Noah Thomas, who previously was a member of the Texas A&M Aggies. Thomas led the Aggies in receptions (39), receiving yards (574), and touchdowns (8) in the 2024 season, and was expected to make an immediate impact for the Bulldogs with his skillset at receiver.
However, that has not been the case, and Thomas has not been a significant factor in the Bulldogs’ passing game. He has only been targeted five times this season, with just 3 receptions for 24 yards. These stats through three weeks of college football have raised questions, but Kirby Smart remains optimistic about Thomas.
“It’s really been unfortunate because there’s been some times that his shot or his number was called, and we didn’t necessarily protect it well or something happened or something came in the way,” Smart said. “He has not been phased by it — at least he’s not shown it to us. He works hard. He buys into the team morale and concept.”
Thomas struggled during spring practice, according to offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, but was able to ease in by fall camp.
“He’s light-years ahead of where he was in the spring,” Bobo said on Aug. 6, via 247Sports. “He gives you another big, big body outside that can catch those balls that are contested.”
Thomas has not been able to make an impact just yet, but with practice and patience, the senior could begin to see some upside to his game, especially with the Bulldogs entering the tougher and more competitive part of their schedule.
