Georgia just landed a major piece for its future under center, securing a commitment from four-star quarterback Bryson Beaver out of the Transfer Portal. Beaver, a member of the 2026 recruiting class, fills a crucial need for the Bulldogs, who had been without a quarterback in that group-until now.
This wasn’t a simple pickup. A lot had to align for Kirby Smart and his staff to bring Beaver to Athens, and in today’s college football landscape, that often includes more than just a strong pitch and a good fit. NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities are a major part of the equation, especially when it comes to quarterbacks, who’ve quickly become the most valuable players in the portal era.
Beaver is ranked No. 244 nationally by On3 and is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in his class. On3 also gives him a projected NIL valuation of $675,000-a number that’s eye-popping but not uncommon for high-upside signal-callers in this market.
Whether Georgia actually paid that much is unclear, and frankly, unlikely. While NIL figures can offer insight into a player's perceived market value, they don’t always reflect the actual deal on the table.
What we do know is this: Georgia needed a quarterback in the 2026 class, and Beaver was available. After a brief stint with Oregon, he re-entered the portal and quickly became a natural fit for the Bulldogs.
With most other top programs already locked in at quarterback for that class, Georgia stood out as a logical destination. The timing worked, the need was mutual, and the match was made.
It’s also worth noting that Beaver doesn’t have any college game film yet. That’s something Kirby Smart has historically weighed heavily-he’s not one to break the bank for unproven talent, no matter how high the ceiling. So while some may assume a massive NIL payout was involved, it’s just as likely that Georgia’s pitch centered more on opportunity, development, and long-term potential than a record-breaking deal.
Still, this is a big-time get for the Bulldogs. With Beaver in the fold, Georgia’s quarterback room is starting to look well-rounded again, and the future at the position is a lot more secure than it was just a week ago. For a program that’s constantly chasing championships, adding a high-upside quarterback like Beaver-especially one who fits into the timeline of the current roster-is a win that goes beyond just the recruiting rankings.
Bottom line: Georgia filled a major need with a player who could be a difference-maker down the line. The price tag?
That’ll be talked about. But what matters most is that the Bulldogs got their guy.