The Georgia Bulldogs no longer have one of their starting defensive linemen on their roster. This week, Georgia confirmed that veteran defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod is no longer part of the program.
McLeod has not been with the team since the early phases of fall camp. The veteran defensive lineman, who transferred to Georgia from South Carolina a couple of years ago explained his departure via social media
."Thank you, UGA," McLeod said in a statement. "This decision was deeply personal and definitely not easy. After consideration thought and seeking guidance from my faith, I have to prioritize my personal well-being. I want everyone to know that I’m at peace with this decision, and I believe this decision is in my best interest.
"I’m deeply
grateful for Coach (Kirby) Smart and Coach (Tray) Scott for welcoming me to the University of Georgia. They prepared me for football and life and they continue to support me off the field, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to have as a Georgia Bulldog."
Coach Smart shared that McLeod expects to graduate this semester.
"I’m proud of how I represented Georgia and I am glad I got to finish with the dawgs, but sad to close this chapter," McLeod continued. "My teammates are like family, and although I’m no longer on the team, my heart will always remain with the Bulldogs. I’ll continue supporting them from afar and will forever be grateful for our bond that will last a lifetime.
"Thank you, UGA, for everything. I hope I’ll always be considered at DGD.
"No. 94 one last time. Go Dawgs! Sic’em."
McLeod's departure is a blow to Georgia's defensive line depth. The Bulldogs need to stay healthy up front after posting the least sacks in the SEC in 2025.
“Xzavier (McLeod) hasn’t been with us since the second practice, so all the news with Xzavier, everybody’s acting like it’s something newly released or something,” coach Smart said during the weekly SEC teleconference. “I think he practiced once or twice before he decided to give it up and just didn’t want to play football anymore. Certainly respect that.”
Georgia has at least had time to adjust to life without McLeod. The Bulldogs are going to need to get more snaps out of defensive linemen like Jordan Hall, Valdin Sone, Nnamdi Ogboko and others.
Xzavier McLeod's statement
Georgia opens the season on Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. ET against Tennessee State.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Xzavier McLeod explains his sudden departure from Georgia football
