Georgia’s Transfer Portal Class: Small in Numbers, Big on Impact
ATHENS - Georgia didn’t go for volume in the transfer portal this cycle. Just eight new faces are joining the Bulldogs via transfer, a modest number by today’s standards.
But don’t let the size of the class fool you - this group is all about quality over quantity. In fact, based on average player ranking, Georgia’s portal class checks in at No. 6 nationally.
And make no mistake, the Bulldogs are counting on several of these newcomers to step into meaningful roles in 2026.
Let’s break down the eight transfers, ranked by their projected impact on next season’s team.
No. 8: Bryson Beaver, QB (Oregon)
Technically a transfer, Beaver enrolled at Oregon before flipping to Georgia, so he’s more of a 2026 signee than a traditional portal addition. With Jared Curtis out of the picture, Beaver provides depth and long-term stability in the quarterback room.
He’s not expected to see the field next season unless disaster strikes, but his presence helps secure the future at the most important position in football.
No. 7: Braylon Conley, CB (USC)
Conley is a developmental piece with upside - and Georgia loves those. He’s got three years of eligibility left and arrives at a position that took a hit when Dominick Kelly left for Ohio State.
Conley may not be a day-one starter, but his addition helps balance the depth chart and gives the Bulldogs a young corner to mold. If not for the presence of another high-upside DB on this list, Conley might rank higher.
No. 6: Dante Dowdell, RB (Kentucky)
Dowdell’s role looks a lot like Josh McCray’s from last season - a rotational back who can give you quality snaps without needing to carry the load. Georgia already returns Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens, so Dowdell won’t be asked to be the guy.
But he brings SEC experience and a physical running style that could complement the backfield nicely. Think of him as a steady contributor who can spell the top guys and keep the offense rolling.
No. 5: Ja’Marley Riddle, S (ECU)
Riddle is one of the more intriguing additions. Georgia’s safety room isn’t as deep as other spots on the defense, so there’s a real opportunity for him to carve out a role.
The jump from ECU to the SEC is no joke - just ask Elo Modozie, who made a similar leap from Army last year. But Riddle has two years of eligibility and the kind of athletic upside Georgia’s staff loves to develop.
If he adjusts quickly, he could be a sneaky contributor.
No. 4: Khalil Barnes, STAR/S (Clemson)
Barnes brings something every coach covets: experience. He’s played a lot of football at Clemson and steps into a Georgia secondary that just lost Joenel Aguero to Ole Miss.
Barnes has just one year of eligibility, but he’s ready to go from day one. He’s a plug-and-play option at STAR or safety - and in a defense that values versatility, that’s a big deal.
Georgia won’t need to wait on development here; Barnes is ready to help now.
No. 3: Kani Walker, CB (Oklahoma)
Walker is a bit of a wild card - but one with serious upside. He’s dealt with shoulder injuries the past two seasons, which is why he’s available in the first place.
But when healthy, he was a difference-maker in Oklahoma’s secondary. Georgia already has Ellis Robinson and Demello Jones at corner, so they don’t need Walker to be a savior.
But if he can stay on the field, he adds another long, athletic defender who fits Georgia’s aggressive style. This is a high-upside swing, and it could pay off in a big way.
No. 2: Amaris Williams, DE (Auburn)
This is the headliner on the defensive side. Williams is a rare portal find - a disruptive edge player with proven SEC chops.
Georgia missed Gabe Harris in the Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss, and Williams helps fill that void. His presence allows the Bulldogs to be more creative up front, freeing up Harris and others to attack from different angles.
If you’re looking for a player who can elevate the entire defensive line, Williams is that guy. This group could be Georgia’s best front since the 2021 unit that carried them to a national title.
No. 1: Malik Rutherford, WR (Georgia Tech)
Williams might be the splashiest addition, but no one enters with more immediate responsibility than Rutherford. Georgia lost six of its top seven pass catchers - that’s a massive production gap.
Rutherford doesn’t need to be Zachariah Branch - they’re different players with different skill sets - but he does need to be reliable and explosive in his own right. At Georgia Tech, he posted 33 catches for 480 yards and a team-high four touchdowns.
If he can replicate or build on that in Athens, he’ll be a crucial piece in reloading the Bulldogs’ passing attack.
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s portal class might not have the sheer numbers of some other programs, but it’s built with purpose.
Every addition fills a specific need - whether it’s adding experience, depth, or upside. And with the Bulldogs still firmly in the national title conversation, these transfers could be the difference between another playoff run and falling just short.
Don’t sleep on the impact this small but mighty group could have in 2026.