Spring Watch: Weston Bryan Embraces Growth Ahead of Sophomore Season
3/27/2026 2:30:00 PM | Football
STATESBORO – Heading into his sophomore season, quarterback Weston Bryan used the offseason to reevaluate his game and has entered his first spring with a renewed focus on becoming the best player and teammate he can be, both on and off the field.
Closing out his true freshman campaign, Bryan reflected on how a year of experience has fueled his continued growth.
It feels great, he said. Last year, we were finally able to finish strong. I didn't have the best season, but going through those highs and lows gave me valuable experience. I've been able to learn from my mistakes, help teach those around me, and do my part to lift everyone up. It's been an awesome journey.
During the offseason, Bryan took a step back to evaluate both his performance and his role moving forward.
So, I had to look myself in the mirror and realize we weren't good enough, Bryan said. We had to improve across the board. That meant growing my knowledge of the game, getting better physically – losing weight, getting faster, getting stronger – and taking the time to learn more about the offense and how everything flows. It was about resetting, absorbing as much as I could on both sides of the ball, so I could improve myself and better help the team.
In the midst of the 2025 season, head coach Clay Helton presented Bryan with the option to redshirt and contribute from the sidelines, but Bryan made it clear that wasn't why he came to Statesboro.
I just wanted to do my part for the team, he said. I wasn't focused on saving a year or anything like that. If it were my one opportunity, I was going to go out there, make the most of it, move the chains and bring energy to the sidelines. My goal was simply to contribute, gain experience, learn as much as I could in-game and help my team however I could.
While many of the same names return to the quarterback room in Turner Helton, Charlie Johnston and Trey Townsend, the Eagles also added two new faces to the roster in freshman Harrison Faulkner Jr. and veteran Max Johnson, who brings Power Four experience from stops at LSU, Texas A&M and North Carolina. Bryan noted that Johnson has already made an impact in the quarterback room.
Max is a phenomenal guy, Bryan said. Being able to soak in all the information he's brought in has been huge for us, and at the same time, we've been able to help him get comfortable in the new system. He's had a lot of questions, and working through those together has helped not only him, but our entire group continue to develop. It's been great to see how far he's come since arriving, how much we've learned from him, and how much more we still have to grow.
He's a vocal leader. He knows what he's talking about and is always lifting guys up when he's on the field. He's coaching them, getting them in the right spots, and setting the tone. Seeing that in person and knowing the kind of spirit he brings makes you want to follow his example as a leader yourself – helping coach guys up and take in the game from a different perspective.
Not only has the quarterback room developed strong cohesion, but Bryan has also already seen that same unity take shape across the entire team.
From the moment everyone got here, guys were eager to learn and willing to get to know each other on and off the field, Bryan said. Our winter workouts were tough, but we came together through the highs and the lows. That time helped us build real relationships and understand each other on a deeper level. You can't go out there and compete without knowing who your brother is, so being open, spending time together, and building that trust has really helped our group grow and strengthen those bonds.
When asked to highlight a teammate who has approached spring ball with the right mindset and consistently does things the right way, he pointed to Illinois transfer Ashton Hollins.
He's been phenomenal in the way he goes about everything, Bryan said. He does all the right things – he's in the film room, locked in before practice, helping his teammates and making plays on the field. He's always bringing energy and hyping everyone up, and he's doing it the right way by lifting our guys on offense. It's been great to see how quickly he's adjusted since getting here and the impact he's already made. I'm excited to see him continue to grow and prosper – he's one of the most impressive guys I've seen so far.
With a new defensive coordinator, coaches and players, Bryan has also seen clear strides on the defensive side of the ball.
I think a big shoutout goes to our defense, he said. I know I'm on the offensive side, but when we get off the field and look at what they're doing – especially with the transfers and the new coaching staff – they've been really impressive. They do things the right way, and that makes our entire team better. I'm excited to see them execute throughout the season, so major credit to the defense.
As the Blue-White Spring Game, presented by Morris Bank, Southern Exchange, and Savannah/Hilton Head International, nears on April 4 (11:30 a.m.), Bryan emphasized the importance Eagle Nation plays in the team's success.
Please come out and support us, he said. Every person in the stands matters to us. Seeing the crowd filled gives us extra energy and extra juice – it gives us a reason to keep going.
