7 early Georgia football transfer portal targets

It is still a little bit early to know exactly who the Georgia Bulldogs will target when the NCAA transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2. Georgia still has to play in the Sugar Bowl and a lot of Bulldogs have to make NFL draft decisions. However, now is the time of year when all college football programs have to begin preparing to make decisions for their 2026 roster.

It is important to know that players can still stay at their respective schools and can only plan to enter the transfer portal at this time. Players can only officially enter the transfer portal if their school recently changed head coaches. We expected their to be a flurry of activity on Jan. 2 when the portal opens.

This offseason, there will only be a transfer portal window in the winter, so this is players’ one opportunity to change schools. Georgia and coach Kirby Smart will have to try to address potential weaknesses on next year’s roster without knowing exactly who will be on the team in 2026.

Clemson safety Khalil Barnes

Khalil Barnes #7 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after an interception in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks

This one actually makes a lot of sense: Barnes is a local product (North Oconee High School) with tons of great experience and production from his three seasons at Clemson. The All-ACC honorable mention pick likely wants to end his career with a bang. Georgia could use a safety with several veterans expected to depart this offseason.

Why he won’t end up at Georgia: Georgia will be far from the only team interested in the former freshman All-American. Name, image and likeness (NIL) money or a more well-defined role (Georgia could return KJ Bolden and Kyron Jones at safety) could convince Barnes to transfer elsewhere.

Florida defensive lineman Michai Boireau

Michai Boireau of the Florida Gators celebrates after a play against the Georgia Bulldogs

Past connections may play a role: Georgia was among the contenders to land Boireau during his recruitment. The massive defensive tackle made 20 tackles and two sacks (including one against UGA) for Florida in 2025. Boireau played high school football for Creekside High School in Fairburn, Georgia, so he has Peach State ties.

Why he won’t end up at Georgia: Like any transfer, NIL money could sway Boireau. The Bulldogs should return a good group on the defensive line, so Boireau could look for a destination where he can maximize playing time.

LSU offensive lineman Carius Curne

LSU Tigers offensive lineman Carius Curne (57) waits for the snap during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels

On3’s Pete Nakos (subscription required) names Georgia as a team to watch for Carius Curne, who is a former elite four-star recruit. Curne is the No. 1 offensive tackle in the portal (as of Dec. 19). Curne started five games as a true freshman with LSU and appeared in seven. Nakos also names Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Ole Miss as “early schools to watch” for the big offensive lineman. Georgia’s pursuit of Curne could depend on the NFL draft plans of UGA linemen like Drew Bobo, Monroe Freeling and Earnest Greene.

USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) passes against Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Devan Thompkins (8)

Nakos also named Georgia as a team “to keep an eye on” for USC defensive line transfer Devan Thompkins along with Alabama and Oregon. Georgia is always looking to have elite defensive linemen and Thompkins should fit that bill. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound defender has the size Georgia is looking for along with strong 2025 production (31 tackles and three sacks).

Miami receiver Ny Carr

Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Ny Carr reacts after a carry against NC State Wolfpack

So you’re saying there’s a chance? Georgia recruited Carr, a former four-star recruit, coming out of high school. He played for Colquitt County High School, which has sent several players to UGA in recent years. Carr’s cousin, Jae Lamar, is a four-star running back recruit and is a Georgia signee. The two could want to play together.

Why he won’t end up at Georgia: Ny Carr did not have a very productive start to his college career at Miami and only had 45 receiving yards this season. Georgia is probably going to add a transfer receiver, but Carr returning to UGA does not have a lot of early momentum.

Arkansas linebacker Tavion Wallace

So you’re saying there’s a chance? Wallace is a former four-star recruit that Georgia was heavily interested. The Arkansas linebacker is a Peach State product and has ample athleticism. Wallace has special teams experience and played nine games with Arkansas as a freshman.

Why he won’t end up at Georgia: Wallace did not end up having a very productive freshman season. He posted two tackles with Arkansas, who had an absolutely awful defense. If you can’t play defense for Arkansas, then transferring to Georgia may be too big of a leap.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola

Dylan Raiola #15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers leads the team into the stadium before the game against the Houston Christian Huskies

So you’re saying there’s a chance? Raiola is a former five-star recruit with a ton of arm talent. He helped Nebraska make back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time in a decade and was previously committed to Georgia.

Why he won’t end up at Georgia: Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is probably going to decide to return to UGA for his senior season. Raiola isn’t transferring to sit behind another quarterback. It is really unlikely for UGA to pursue Raiola.

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia Bulldogs way-too-early transfer portal targets

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