UGA Transfer Portal Update as of January 8th, 2025
Many of the announcements were expected. Guys like Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Malaki Starks announced they would be going pro. The announcement of LG Dylan Fairchild going pro isn’t a shock, but is certainly a disappointment. Read more UGA transfer portal update as of January 8th, 2025.
He’s an NFL talent for sure, but he also would be UGA’s best linemen next year if he returned. Then, the news came that Center Jared Wilson is going pro too. Wilson is much more surprising as he had a good but not great year and still has eligibility remaining. This means that 4 out of 5 of UGA’s offensive linemen will be going pro.
The Dawgs will have to completely re-tool the line next year, which some will say is a blessing in disguise given their underwhelming performance this year.
The other bit of news that was concerning was OLB Damon Wilson entering the portal. Wilson had a solid year with the Dawgs, regularly rotating in at OLB. He looked great against Texas this year and had flashes throughout the year of greatness. He is in line to start next year, but has still chosen to hit the portal. If he leaves, and I’m sure he’s getting offered plenty of money from a bunch of teams, UGA will sorely miss him. I’m still hopeful that UGA will retain him, and this is more a negotiating move than a real transfer. We’ll see.
UGA did get a bit of good news in retaining DL Christen Miller. He had a great year for UGA. When he went out with an injury, our run defense suffered significantly. His return helps a lot on the d-line for next year. If Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins also returns, the Dawgs d-line would be in great shape.
Even better, the Dawgs landed the Branch brothers from USC. Zion Branch brings much needed depth and experience to the safety room, but has an injury history that is a red flag. Zachariah Branch brings an explosive playmaker to the WR room and to special teams.
This fits a huge need for the Dawgs. Also, UGA is still in the thick of it with WR Noah Thomas, who would provide a big body on the outside. Assuming Colby Young returns and is eligible to play. If UGA could line up Thomas and Young at X, Branch in the slot, and Nitro Tuggle at Z, that could be a solid group of receivers. There’s two giant question marks in there though, which is first Thomas and then Young.
UGA landed more safety help with Miami transfer Jaden Harris. He started for them, finished with 40 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 INT. T-Rob likes him, but his performances this past year leave much to desire. Miami fans aren’t sad to see him leave, if you know what I mean.
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What Next?
Keep an eye on Noah Thomas. UGA also is still likely to search the portal for a QB and a RB. Trevor Etienne’s decision, which could come today, will likely set some things in motion. If he leaves, UGA will hit the portal for another back. If he stays, I expect one or both of Branson Robinson and Rod Robinson to leave.
I’m curious to see what happens with WR Dillon Bell. He’s not going pro, but does he transfer out if the above receiver situation I hope for occurs? Dom Lovett has underperformed for the Dawgs as well. He can return, but Branch will now be the favorite to start, so does that mean Lovett is chased off?
There will be a ton of news in the next 24 hours with more guys leaving and probably an addition or two. If you can’t tell already, there are reasons to be excited with some of the guys coming in, but there’s also a few concerns for this UGA roster headed into the ‘25 season.
