Georgian football transfers portal tracker

It’s been a month since the transfer portal launched on December 4. Here is a complete record of Georgia’s departing transfers, including when they entered the portal and where they transferred.

Brock Vandagriff Quarterback

On Monday, December 4, quarterback Brock Vandagriff was among the first Bulldogs to declare his decision to leave.

The rising redshirt junior has spent the last three seasons with the Bulldogs, all as a backup. He played behind Stetson Bennett IV for the first two seasons before becoming the primary backup to Carson Beck this season.

While scheduled to transfer in the spring, Vandagriff remained with the Bulldogs for the 2023 season and has now decided to transfer. The former five-star quarterback is one of Georgia’s top high school quarterbacks statistically, having thrown for 10,097 passing yards and 107 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,896 yards and 49 scores.

Vandagriff didn’t get any playing time with the Bulldogs until this season, and even then, it was limited. He passed for only 165 yards and two touchdowns during his time with the Bulldogs.

Vandagriff revealed his decision to move to Kentucky, where he would likely take over as starter, replacing former starter and transfer Devin Leary. If that happens, Vandagriff will become the Wildcats’ third straight transfer quarterback to start, potentially adding strong arm talent and agility to a quarterback room that has been lacking since Will Levis’ departure.

Jonathan Jefferson DT

On Monday, December 4, defensive lineman Jonathan Jefferson revealed his decision to enter the transfer portal.The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive lineman has been with Georgia for three seasons and is one of several players from the 2021 class slated to transfer. Jefferson was supposed to play a larger part in his third year with the organization, but as the season progressed, he dropped lower down the depth chart.

The Douglasville, Georgia native has six tackles in his Bulldogs career and only one this season. While he fell down the depth chart, Jefferson may have started next season if the Bulldogs lost numerous defensive lineman.

Jefferson will instead join his new club at SMU, where he will have the opportunity to start and participate.

C.J. Madden OLB

On Monday, December 4, outside linebacker and pass rusher C.J. Madden revealed his intention to enter the transfer portal.

Madden is one of the younger players to join the gateway, having only been with the Bulldogs for two seasons. The redshirt freshman did not play in 2022 and recorded only three tackles in 2023.

Madden was supposed to have more opportunities on the field in his second year, but he finally slipped behind Chaz Chambliss, Marvin Jones Jr., and rookie Damon Wilson Jr.

The Ellenwood, Georgia native has a terrific physique, measuring 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, and had good ability and power coming out of high school. While Madden never found success with the Bulldogs, he might find a starting role at Purdue, where he has since transferred.

Darris Smith OLB

Darris Smith, an outside linebacker and pass rusher, revealed his decision to enter the transfer portal on Monday, December 4.

Smith, at one point during the season, appeared to be a player to watch. The sophomore saw a lot of playing time early in the season and was anticipated to play an important role. Instead, Smith’s playing time decreased, and he even spent time away from the squad at one point during the season.

Smith played only once since his comeback, against Missouri, when he recorded two tackles. Smith made only five tackles this season and nine in his Georgia career.

Smith, like Madden, was a four-star prospect, but he has a larger frame—he measures 6-foot-5 and weighs 240 pounds. Smith also has outstanding athleticism and reach, which might benefit Missouri, where he has since transferred.

On Monday, December 4, offensive lineman Austin Blaske declared his intention to use the transfer portal.

Blaske, a former four-star offensive lineman in the 2020 class, is one of Georgia’s oldest athletes to join the transfer portal. Blaske has played almost everywhere on the offensive line, and he competed with redshirt freshman Earnest Greene for the starting left tackle position.

Blaske, according to head coach Kirby Smart, appeared to be constantly on the verge of getting the job. Blaske, however, fell out of the tackle rotation — as players like Xavier Truss and freshman Monroe Freeling started over him — and did not even fill in or rotate when interior offensive linemen were injured or shifted outside.

Blaske had previously served as a backup center and tackle, and he could play anywhere along the offensive line. While he could have started next season since numerous players are expected to leave for the NFL Draft, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle will bring his flexibility to North Carolina. It’s unknown where Blaske will start for the Tar Heels, but he’ll almost certainly give consistency to an offensive line that will be led by a new quarterback next season.