The landscape of college football is constantly shifting, and one of the most significant changes in recent years has been the rise of the transfer portal. This dynamic system allows college football players to leave one program and join another, creating both opportunities and challenges for teams across the country. For the Georgia Bulldogs, a program that has become a national powerhouse under head coach Kirby Smart, the 2024 offseason has seen a significant number of departures through the portal. A total of 15 players have entered the transfer portal, and while the Bulldogs have been able to replace many of these players with incoming talent, the exodus still raises important questions about the future of the program.
Of the 15 outgoing transfers, all but two have already found new homes, joining different programs to continue their college football careers. These transfers cover a variety of positions, from quarterbacks to defensive linemen to wide receivers, which highlights the vast turnover Georgia is experiencing. While many of these players are moving on in search of more playing time or new opportunities, their departures are not without consequence for the Bulldogs. This article will take a closer look at the impact of these transfers, the players involved, and how their moves might shape the future of Georgia football.
The Transfer Portal: A Changing Landscape in College Football
Before diving into the specifics of Georgia’s transfers, it is important to understand the role of the transfer portal in today’s college football ecosystem. The portal allows players to enter their names into a database, making it easier for coaches and programs to identify potential additions to their rosters. Once a player enters the portal, they are free to communicate with other schools and decide where they want to continue their playing careers.
The rise of the portal has led to a dramatic increase in player movement across the college football landscape. While some players use the portal to seek a better opportunity for playing time or development, others are looking for a fresh start or more prominent roles at different programs. With NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals also becoming a factor, some players are drawn to schools that offer the best financial opportunities in addition to athletic ones.
For Georgia, a program that has dominated college football in recent years, the transfer portal is a double-edged sword. While Smart’s program has recruited and developed elite talent, the reality is that not every player will be able to crack the starting lineup at a school with such depth and talent. As a result, some players inevitably seek playing time elsewhere, especially when competing for positions becomes more difficult.
A Breakdown of the 15 Outgoing Transfers
Georgia’s 15 outgoing transfers represent a mix of players from various positions, and each of them has their own unique story behind their decision to leave. Let’s break down these transfers and examine both the players involved and the programs they have chosen.
- Quarterback – Brock Vandagriff (Transfer Destination: TBD)
One of the most notable names in this group is quarterback Brock Vandagriff, a former five-star recruit who had high expectations surrounding his potential at Georgia. With Stetson Bennett’s departure to the NFL and Carson Beck and Gunner Stockton emerging as the top contenders for the starting job, Vandagriff likely saw limited playing time ahead of him. While he has not yet announced his new destination, it is expected that Vandagriff will seek an opportunity at a program where he can compete for the starting quarterback position right away. - Wide Receiver – Arian Smith (Transfer Destination: UCF)
Arian Smith, a speedy wide receiver known for his deep threat ability, entered the portal after spending three seasons at Georgia. Smith was part of the Bulldogs’ loaded receiving corps, but with the emergence of other young talents at the position, playing time was harder to come by. Smith decided to transfer to UCF, where he hopes to become a key contributor in an up-tempo offense. At UCF, Smith should be able to showcase his talents as a primary receiving target and potentially boost his draft stock for the future. - Wide Receiver – Justin Robinson (Transfer Destination: Mississippi State)
After showing flashes of potential during his time at Georgia, wide receiver Justin Robinson chose to enter the transfer portal in search of a larger role at a different program. Robinson had battled injuries during his time at Georgia, and with the depth of talent at the receiver position, it was clear that a starting spot was not in his immediate future. Mississippi State offered Robinson the opportunity to become a featured receiver in their Air Raid offense, where his skills could be put to greater use. - Offensive Line – Amarius Mims (Transfer Destination: Alabama)
Offensive lineman Amarius Mims was expected to be a key player for Georgia in the 2024 season, but he ultimately made the decision to transfer to Alabama. Mims had been a valuable asset for Georgia as a backup offensive lineman but was looking for a new environment where he could compete for a starting spot. Alabama’s long-standing reputation for developing elite offensive linemen and its consistently dominant offensive line play attracted Mims. His move is significant, as it takes away a potential cornerstone player for Georgia but also strengthens a conference rival. - Defensive Line – Warren Brinson (Transfer Destination: Auburn)
Defensive lineman Warren Brinson entered the transfer portal seeking more playing time after spending multiple years as a rotational player on Georgia’s defense. Brinson found a new home at Auburn, where he will have the chance to play a more prominent role on the defensive line. Auburn has struggled in recent years to maintain consistent defensive play, and Brinson could be a key part of the team’s rebuild under new head coach Hugh Freeze. - Linebacker – Trezmen Marshall (Transfer Destination: Florida)
Linebacker Trezmen Marshall transferred to Florida after being part of Georgia’s championship-winning defenses. With so many talented linebackers on the roster, Marshall was in search of a program where he could be a focal point of the defense. Florida presented an opportunity for Marshall to make an impact on a defense that is looking to improve in 2024. His experience and leadership could play a key role for the Gators. - Defensive Back – Jalen Kimber (Transfer Destination: Alabama)
Jalen Kimber, a talented defensive back who had seen limited playing time at Georgia, transferred to Alabama, where he hopes to carve out a significant role in their secondary. Alabama has been a major player in the SEC for years, and Kimber’s decision to join the Crimson Tide further strengthens their defensive unit. This move could prove to be beneficial for Kimber’s development and future prospects in the NFL. - Running Back – Kenny McIntosh (Transfer Destination: NFL Draft)
Although not technically a transfer, Kenny McIntosh’s decision to enter the NFL Draft was a significant loss for Georgia. McIntosh had been a key contributor to the Bulldogs’ backfield during their championship runs and leaves a gap in Georgia’s running back depth. His absence will force Georgia to rely on other talented backs, such as Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, in 2024. - Defensive Line – Tyreke Smith (Transfer Destination: South Carolina)
Defensive lineman Tyreke Smith sought a fresh start and found a new home at South Carolina. Smith will likely compete for significant playing time on a South Carolina defense that has been improving in recent years. His transfer highlights the ongoing need for depth on the defensive line, and his experience could prove valuable in the SEC. - Offensive Line – Dylan Fairchild (Transfer Destination: Louisville)
Offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild transferred to Louisville, where he will have a chance to play in a different offensive system. With Georgia’s stacked offensive line, Fairchild faced stiff competition for a starting role, and the move to Louisville gives him the chance to earn more playing time and continue developing as a player. - Quarterback – Brock Vandagriff (Transfer Destination: Virginia Tech)
Another quarterback in the transfer portal, Brock Vandagriff made the decision to move to Virginia Tech. With the Hokies in need of a signal caller, Vandagriff will have the opportunity to compete for a starting role and help lead the offense in the coming seasons. - Defensive Back – David Daniel-Sisavanh (Transfer Destination: Utah)
Georgia defensive back David Daniel-Sisavanh transferred to Utah, where he looks to be an integral part of the Utes’ secondary. The Utes have built a strong defensive reputation, and Daniel-Sisavanh’s decision to join their program could help bolster their defensive backfield.
Impact of the Transfers
The departures of these 15 players have had varying levels of impact on Georgia’s roster. On one hand, the Bulldogs continue to recruit and develop elite talent, so many of these players will be replaced by incoming freshmen or transfers who are just as talented, if not more so. The “next man up” mentality that Kirby Smart has fostered over the years will be tested once again, but the program’s depth and overall structure should mitigate any long-term effects.
On the other hand, losing experienced players—especially those who contributed to Georgia’s national championships—will undoubtedly affect the team’s chemistry and leadership in the short term. The players who transferred had valuable experience, and their absence leaves room for new faces to step up.