The winter transfer portal window opens on Monday, Dec. 9. What are some positions the Georgia Bulldogs most need to acquire talent for next season?
Quarterback
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is not expected to return in 2025. The Bulldogs have no returning quarterbacks on the roster that have thrown over 100 career pass attempts. UGA is very likely to target a quarterback to, at the very least, compete with Gunner Stockton and Jaden Rashada.
Wide Receiver
It wouldn’t be surprising if Georgia adds at least two wide receivers via the transfer portal. The Bulldogs brought in three receivers from the portal last year and two the year before, so this approach is a regular part of UGA’s roster strategy. Georgia’s wide receiver depth is already expected to take a hit with four seniors Dominic Lovett, Michael Jackson, Arian Smith (has one-year of remaining eligibility) and Colbie Young set to depart. Also, Dillon Bell could leave for the 2025 NFL draft.
Georgia has a clear need to replenish talent and maintain depth at the position. It would say a lot if head coach Kirby Smart spends significant name, image and likeness resources for an elite wide receiver. A name to watch is former five-star wide receiver Johntay Cook from the Texas Longhorns.
In 2024, Cook recorded eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
Safety
Georgia has three starting-caliber safeties right now. However, Dan Jackson is set to depart and Malaki Starks is expected to declare for the NFL draft. Starks is projected to be a high first round pick.
This leaves KJ Bolden as the only returning starter at safety. Expect Georgia to reach out to former FAU safety CJ Heard. He is from the Atlanta area and graduated from Woodward Academy.
In 2024, he recorded 73 tackles which led FAU and also forced a fumble in his freshman campaign. He also earned midseason freshman All-American honora.
Defensive Lineman
Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson will exhaust their eligibility at the end of the 2024 season, and Christen Miller could also be an early draft departure. Also, Mykel Williams is more than likely skipping his senior season to be a high first round NFL draft pick. Georgia will likely look to add experienced defensive line talent with a particular emphasis on a nose tackle.
Last year, the Bulldogs explored options at defensive tackle and only took Xzavier McLeod. This time, they may adopt a more flexible approach, adding more than one experienced defensive linemen. While Georgia is assembling an elite defensive line group for 2025 through high school recruiting, the group will still need immediate plug-and-play options to maintain depth and competitiveness upfront.
