Six transfers from the Georgia Bulldogs were in the top 100.

In recent years, the transfer portal has become a key avenue for college football teams to bolster their rosters. The Georgia Bulldogs, who have long been one of the most successful programs in college football, have seen several of their players enter the transfer portal and move on to new programs. However, what sets Georgia apart is not just the number of players they produce for the NFL but also the number of players who find success after transferring. As the 2023 college football season unfolded, it became clear that six former Georgia Bulldogs—players who transferred to other programs—were among the top 100 players in the country.

These transfers, who departed from Georgia for various reasons, have gone on to make significant impacts at their new schools. This article delves into the stories of these six players, examining why they were so highly regarded coming out of Georgia, what drove them to transfer, and how their careers have flourished at their new destinations.

1. J.T. Daniels – Quarterback (West Virginia)

J.T. Daniels’ path from Georgia to West Virginia was one of the most high-profile transfers in recent college football history. The California native initially committed to USC before transferring to Georgia in 2020. Daniels showed immense promise during his time with the Bulldogs, particularly after stepping in as the starting quarterback in the 2020 season. Despite some early success, including leading Georgia to several big victories, Daniels faced stiff competition from highly touted freshman Stetson Bennett. As a result, he ultimately lost his starting job, which prompted his decision to enter the transfer portal.

Daniels transferred to West Virginia ahead of the 2022 season, where he became the Mountaineers’ starting quarterback. The move revitalized his career, and his experience in Georgia’s pro-style offense translated well to West Virginia’s scheme. Known for his strong arm and downfield accuracy, Daniels turned in several standout performances for the Mountaineers, earning a spot in the top 100 players nationwide.

While Daniels’ time at Georgia didn’t result in the national title some expected, his decision to transfer allowed him to showcase his skills in a different system. His experience with Georgia’s program, under offensive coordinators like Todd Monken, provided him with the tools necessary to thrive at West Virginia.

2. Zamir White – Running Back (Las Vegas Raiders)

Zamir White was one of the most highly sought-after running backs in the 2018 recruiting class and was a key piece of Georgia’s offensive success over the past few seasons. White played a significant role in Georgia’s run game, forming a formidable trio of running backs alongside James Cook and Kenny McIntosh during his time in Athens. He was a physical, downhill runner with elite vision, and his ability to break tackles made him one of the most dangerous ball carriers in college football.

Despite the depth of Georgia’s backfield, White was a reliable and consistent performer, contributing in both the running and passing games. However, with the emergence of younger running backs in Georgia’s system, White’s role began to decrease. Following the 2021 season, he entered the transfer portal, ultimately landing with the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL. Though he did not immediately transfer to another college program, his performance at Georgia made him one of the top running backs in the country.

After finishing his college career with Georgia, White’s transition to the NFL was seamless. He impressed scouts with his blend of size and speed, which made him an intriguing prospect for the Raiders. His college experience in Georgia’s physical, pro-style offense made him ready for the rigors of the professional game, and he is now one of the top running backs in the NFL.

3. Tyler Simmons – Wide Receiver (Georgia Tech)

Tyler Simmons was a versatile wide receiver for Georgia during his career, and while he didn’t have the explosive statistical production of some of his teammates, he was a reliable contributor. Known for his deep speed, Simmons often drew attention for his ability to stretch the field and take the top off defenses. However, due to the deep talent pool at Georgia, Simmons found it challenging to secure consistent playing time in a crowded receiving corps.

In 2020, Simmons made the decision to transfer to Georgia Tech, where he would have the opportunity to take on a more prominent role in the offense. At Georgia Tech, Simmons immediately became one of the Yellow Jackets’ primary weapons in the passing game. His ability to stretch defenses and contribute as both a deep threat and in short-yardage situations made him a top 100 player in the country.

Simmons’ transfer to Georgia Tech gave him the chance to shine as the focal point of an offense, and his transition to a new team allowed him to display his ability to make plays. His performances at Georgia Tech elevated his status as one of the top receivers in the country, and his presence helped elevate Georgia Tech’s offensive output in a highly competitive ACC.

4. Justin Fields – Quarterback (Ohio State)

Justin Fields is arguably one of the most high-profile transfers in college football history. A five-star recruit out of high school, Fields was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2018 class and committed to the University of Georgia. However, his time at Georgia was relatively short, as he found himself behind Jake Fromm on the depth chart. Despite showcasing his impressive skills in limited action, Fields realized that his path to the starting job at Georgia would be blocked by Fromm, leading him to transfer to Ohio State.

Fields’ decision to transfer to Ohio State would go down as one of the best moves of his career. Once he arrived in Columbus, he quickly became the starting quarterback and elevated Ohio State’s offense to new heights. Fields’ unique combination of mobility and passing ability made him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. His performance at Ohio State, which included leading the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance, solidified his place as one of the top 100 players in the nation.

Fields’ success at Ohio State propelled him to the NFL, where he was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His time at Georgia, while brief, played a crucial role in his development, as he honed his skills under Kirby Smart and learned from some of the best coaches in the country.

5. Jeremiah Holloman – Wide Receiver (Mississippi State)

Jeremiah Holloman was a highly regarded wide receiver for Georgia during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Known for his athleticism, size, and ability to make contested catches, Holloman was one of Georgia’s top receiving threats during his time in Athens. However, after a promising freshman campaign, Holloman found himself in a competitive battle for playing time in Georgia’s deep receiving corps. With several talented pass catchers ahead of him on the depth chart, Holloman made the decision to transfer.

Holloman eventually landed at Mississippi State, where he became one of the top playmakers in the SEC. His ability to make highlight-reel catches and his physicality at the wide receiver position helped elevate Mississippi State’s offense. Holloman’s success at Mississippi State made him one of the top 100 players in the country, as he consistently produced big plays for the Bulldogs.

Holloman’s decision to transfer gave him the opportunity to shine as a primary target, and he used his time at Mississippi State to showcase his skills on a national stage. His physicality and ability to go up and make contested catches made him a top receiver, and his contributions helped Mississippi State compete at a high level in the SEC.

6. Trey Hill – Center (Cincinnati Bengals)

Trey Hill was a key piece of Georgia’s offensive line during his time in Athens. Known for his toughness, versatility, and leadership, Hill played center for the Bulldogs and helped pave the way for one of the most dominant rushing attacks in college football. However, as Georgia’s offensive line continued to evolve with younger talent, Hill opted to transfer after the 2020 season.

Hill found success after his transfer to the NFL, where he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft. Hill’s transition to the professional ranks was seamless, and his experience at Georgia’s program made him a polished and ready prospect. His ability to anchor the offensive line and his leadership on the field made him a key contributor to the Bengals’ offense, and he earned a spot as one of the top 100 players in the NFL.

While Hill’s time at Georgia was brief compared to some of his peers, his development under the coaching staff helped him reach the professional level, where he has become a staple of Cincinnati’s offensive line.