Making the playoffs no longer guarantees stability. No. 12 James Madison provided the clearest warning label this season. After losing 51-34 to Oregon, 23 JMU players entered the portal shortly after. And that is the cautionary tale hovering over every playoff program right now. Georgia OC Mike Bobo made sure fans, boosters, and decision-makers understood the message.

“We are, like you said, I think one of the top schools in the country of retaining guys,” Mike Bobo told UGA Sports on January 6. “But we don’t know what might walk in and say, ‘hey coach, I want to go somewhere else.’ So we have to actively be ready to go in that portal and fill the needs of those positions.”

Bobo’s statement was directed outward, at anyone assuming Georgia is immune to transfer portal churn because of culture or trophies.

Georgia’s season officially closed with a 12-2 record following a Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss. But Mike Bobo emphasized that the Bulldogs’ model still works. Players are developed, trained, and prepared to succeed. That philosophy has carried head coach Kirby Smart through multiple title runs. But even he acknowledged the limits of control in the modern game. 

“You’re still not going to say, ‘oh, I’m never going to go in the portal,’ he said. “You’re going to always look to upgrade your roster.”

Georgia has already seen movement. Eight players have entered the transfer portal, each with different circumstances but the same conclusion. CB Daniel Harris announced his intentions on November 30. TE Pearce Spurlin, medically disqualified after 2023 and now cleared, chose to restart elsewhere. RB Roderick Robinson entered on January 2 after finishing with 221 rushing yards and two touchdowns over two seasons, including a one-yard score against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.

DL Jordan Thomas, a former 4-star prospect, entered after appearing in five games this season. LB Kris Jones, who shifted positions and logged limited snaps, followed. Safety Jaden Harris, a Miami transfer, entered after one season as a reserve. OL Nyier Daniels entered seeking a fresh start following his dismissal in November. OT Bo Hughley announced his decision January 6 after starting two games due to injuries but not playing in the final three contests.

Those exits exist alongside three NFL declarations. WR Zachariah Branch, inside LB CJ Allen, and DL Christen Miller all declared for the draft. Branch set a Georgia record for receptions in a season. Allen was an All-American and team tackles leader. Miller started 24 games across three seasons. This is roster turnover, not collapse, but it adds context to Mike Bobo’s words.

Georgia is not alone. The Playoff bracket is filled with programs navigating the same reality. Indiana has seven outgoing portal players. Miami has seven. Oregon has 13. Ole Miss has three. The difference is expectation, and Georgia carries more of it than most. Which is why they need to be prepared. 

Who should Georgia target in the portal?

Georgia has landed just one transfer so far. Clemson DB Khalil Barnes committed on January 4, addressing a clear need in the secondary. He started 30 games over three seasons, earned freshman All-American honors in 2023, and brings experience that the Dawgs value. He arrives as a potential pairing with KJ Bolden, giving the program a proven defensive back with production and familiarity with the region. It is one addition, but it reflects the exact point Mike Bobo was making. Georgia will retain when it can, replace when it must, and upgrade when possible. 

With the Sugar Bowl in the rearview, Georgia’s portal focus is narrow and intentional. The staff is targeting specific roster pressure points and the following names fit that profile including Florida State OT Lucas Simmons. His visit list suggests he is prioritizing stability, and the Bulldogs offer the clearest developmental runway. Alabama WR Jaylen Mbakwe is a former 5-star with untapped upside. He profiles as a high-ceiling addition in a wide receiver room facing turnover.

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Kansas State WR Jayce Brown brings proven production and one year of eligibility, making him a low-risk, immediate contributor. His scheduled visit signals mutual interest. Georgia Tech WR Isiah Canion is a top-tier portal receiver with two years left and deep Georgia roots. USC DL Devan Thompkins is the No. 2 defensive lineman in the portal. He offers instant front-seven reinforcement with established SEC-caliber traits. With staff connections already in place, Georgia sees him as a clean, one-year impact play.