The transfer portal has officially closed, and as always, it’s left a trail of movement that will reshape rosters across college football. For Georgia, a perennial powerhouse under Kirby Smart, that means saying goodbye to a few familiar names-some of whom could end up making noise elsewhere. That’s the nature of the portal: it giveth, and it taketh away.
Georgia, like most elite programs, typically comes out of the portal in decent shape. The Bulldogs lose players, yes-but often it's guys looking for more playing time or a better fit.
On the flip side, they attract high-level talent looking to compete for championships. Still, that doesn’t make it any easier for fans when a former Dawg pops up in another uniform, especially if they thrive.
Let’s take a closer look at three outgoing transfers that Georgia fans might not just miss-but potentially regret losing.
3. Safety Joenel Aguero (Committed to Ole Miss)
This one caught a lot of people off guard. Joenel Aguero wasn’t just another name on the depth chart-he was a known quantity in Glenn Schumann’s defense, someone who had logged meaningful snaps and brought physicality to the secondary. So when Aguero hit the portal and committed to Ole Miss, eyebrows were raised.
The timing made some sense. Georgia had just brought in former Clemson standout Khalil Barnes and saw Rasean Dinkins emerge late in the season.
That kind of positional shake-up can push a veteran to look elsewhere. But the destination?
That’s what stings. Aguero is headed to Oxford, to play for Pete Golding-now the full-time head coach-and the same Ole Miss program that knocked Georgia out of the playoff picture.
Aguero brings experience and SEC toughness to a Rebels defense that’s trying to take the next step. And while Ole Miss might be a regression candidate after their playoff run, don’t underestimate what a savvy veteran safety can do for a team trying to sustain success. For Georgia, losing Aguero might not hurt right away-but if injuries pile up or the depth doesn’t hold, this one could come back around.
2. Cornerback Dominick Kelly (Committed to Ohio State)
If there’s one transfer that could haunt Georgia for years, it’s Dominick Kelly heading to Ohio State. Kelly was only in Athens for a year, but his upside was clear.
He’s long, athletic, and fits the mold of the modern press-man corner that thrives in today’s game. Now, he’ll take that skillset to Columbus.
This move hits a little differently. Ohio State has become Georgia’s biggest out-of-conference threat in the playoff era.
The Buckeyes have the talent, the resources, and now, they’ve got one of Georgia’s young defensive backs in the fold. It’s hard not to think back to Caleb Downs, the Georgia native who flirted with Athens before transferring from Alabama to Ohio State.
That stung. This does too.
The silver lining? At least Kelly didn’t land with an SEC rival.
But make no mistake-this is a high-upside player going to a program that Georgia could easily see in a future playoff matchup. And if Kelly blossoms into a lockdown corner in scarlet and gray, Georgia fans will remember this one.
1. Offensive Tackle Jamal Meriweather (Uncommitted)
Sometimes, it’s not just about who leaves-it’s about what their departure represents. Jamal Meriweather’s decision to enter the portal is one of those cases.
Meriweather, a Brunswick native, spent his entire college career with the Bulldogs. He wasn’t a full-time starter, but he was a key piece in the offensive line rotation and someone who could’ve stepped into a bigger role. Especially now, with Monroe Freeling declaring for the NFL Draft earlier than expected, Georgia suddenly has a hole at left tackle-and Meriweather looked like a natural candidate to fill it.
Instead, he’s exploring his options, with Miami reportedly in the mix. That’s a tough loss, both in terms of depth and continuity.
Offensive tackle is one of the hardest positions to plug on short notice, and Georgia’s success has long been built in the trenches. If the Bulldogs don’t have a clear answer at left tackle heading into next season, Meriweather’s absence will loom large.
Final Thoughts
The transfer portal is a double-edged sword. It gives teams a chance to reload quickly-but it also means saying goodbye to talented players who might flourish elsewhere. For Georgia, the departures of Aguero, Kelly, and Meriweather aren’t just losses-they’re reminders that even the deepest programs can feel the ripple effects of roster churn.
Will Georgia be fine? Probably.
That’s what elite recruiting and player development are for. But if any of these three find major success in their next stops, don’t be surprised if Georgia fans feel a twinge of “what if.”