Georgia Transfer Portal: Who Among The Players Will Stay For Another Year?

admin | December 18, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Georgia Football has less than two weeks to get ready for the Orange Bowl.

However, the majority of college football discussion is around the College Football Playoffs and the transfer site. When I’m writing, I usually mention the transfer portal. The gateway is turning into Christmas music; I despise everything about it. But that is the society we live in as college football fans.

Georgia has seen a large outflow of players since the portal opened, or so it appears. But, when you look at the guys who are departing, there are only a few that are mind-boggling. The majority of players that visit the portal want more playing time. That is what the portal was designed for. But, sadly, I will not write another blog on the issues afflicting our beloved game.

However, after these departures, many Georgia fans reverted to their nasty ways. Furthermore, competing fan communities rejoice as if the new evil empire had been defeated before it could stretch its muscles. This celebration that Georgia will become Clemson, however, is a false hope. Hey, if I were Florida or Alabama, I’d be hoping for Georgia’s demise as well. But it is only hope; it is not reality. When you look at the numbers, the exits make much more sense.

Georgia took 28 commits in the 2024 class. That’s the most of any FBS school besides Army. As @FSFRecruits points out, they’ll need 12-17 more players to come off the roster thru graduation, draft & transfer to make room. Not trying to spin into good news… it’s just math.

Except for the Army, no other team has more than 28 commits. As a result, Georgia losing 16 players to the portal reveals what is going on within the Butts-Mehre building. No, it’s not the Alabama dream scene where the place is on fire and Kirby Smart is forcing youngsters to the side. What’s going on inside that building is that they’re performing some pre-spring cleaning.

While Georgia has seen some significant losses, let’s take a look at several players that may return for another season. Smael Mondon Jr. has already been confirmed to return for another season. That will be forgotten, but Mondon will be the defense’s veteran, having missed most of the season due to injury. I wouldn’t be surprised if his 2024 campaign outperforms his 2023 campaign.

There is also a good probability Tate Ratledge will return for another year. The Dawgs’ offensive line will be missing a few starters next season, so Ratledge’s return is crucial. Sedrick Van Pran will undoubtedly depart for the NFL, and Amarius Mims is also set to depart. In addition, the Dawgs will need to replace Xavier Truss, who has played extensively throughout his tenure in Athens. Ratledge’s return not only fills a leadership void, but it also leaves one fewer hole to fill on the offensive line.

A few veterans are also expected to return to the defensive line for another season.Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse are both expected to return for another season, which will be a significant help for the defensive line.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Kirby Smart goes portal shopping for another defensive lineman. Do not be alarmed if the Dawgs do not land a D-lineman during this portal opening; they may land one when the portal reopens following spring ball. In the spring, the portal will reopen for a 15-day period.

So, what exactly is the purpose of this blog? People’s basic narratives should not be believed. Georgia’s exits are all a component of a mathematical equation. This is the future of college football. It bothers me, but it is what it is. In terms of roster management, no one I trust more than Kirby Smart. That is why the Dawgs have won two national championships. So everyone may take a deep breath; everything will work out in the end.