Georgia football: What positions could Bulldogs target during spring portal period

As the spring transfer portal period approaches, Georgia football finds itself in a position of strength. With back-to-back national championships and a program that has consistently been at the top of the college football world under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have established themselves as an elite program. However, even the best teams are always looking to improve, whether through recruiting or via the transfer portal. The portal has become an essential part of college football recruiting, allowing programs to fill immediate needs, shore up depth, and enhance their overall roster for future seasons.

Georgia is no exception, and as they prepare for the 2025 season, there are several positions the Bulldogs could look to address during the spring transfer portal period. Despite being the defending national champions and boasting one of the most talented rosters in college football, the Bulldogs are always striving to maintain their level of excellence. The spring portal period provides the opportunity to make key additions to the roster that could help Georgia continue its dominance and keep the program in national championship contention.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what positions Georgia football could target during the spring portal period, examining potential needs and how Smart and his staff may look to improve the team’s depth and talent for the upcoming season.

1. Quarterback Depth and Development

While Carson Beck will likely be the starting quarterback for Georgia in 2025 after a highly successful 2024 campaign, the Bulldogs could look to add depth to the quarterback room via the portal. Beck’s ascension to the starting role has been a smooth one, but the backup position could be a potential area of focus. A program of Georgia’s caliber always wants to ensure they have quality depth at the quarterback position, particularly given the physical demands and injury risks that come with playing the most important position on the field.

If Georgia decides to pursue a quarterback in the portal, they would be looking for someone with significant experience who could step in and potentially play in a pinch, or even challenge Beck for the starting role in the future. A quarterback with a high football IQ, good mobility, and a strong arm would fit in well with Georgia’s offensive system. Moreover, with Smart’s commitment to developing talent at all positions, a quarterback who is not only experienced but also hungry to improve would be an attractive addition.

2. Wide Receiver: A Potential Need for Another Playmaker

Though Georgia has consistently produced talented wide receivers, the team could look to bolster its receiving corps through the portal. In recent years, the Bulldogs have leaned heavily on their tight ends and run game, but with the departure of key contributors such as Ladd McConkey and Arian Smith (depending on eligibility and draft decisions), Georgia could use another dynamic playmaker at wide receiver to complement their depth and talent at the position.

The Bulldogs have a promising crop of wide receivers coming up, but adding an experienced, playmaking receiver through the portal could provide instant impact and help to ease the loss of any departing players. Georgia may look for a receiver who can contribute immediately and add a different dimension to the offense. Ideally, this would be a player with the ability to stretch the field vertically, create mismatches in space, and make explosive plays.

Smart and his staff have proven adept at developing wide receivers, as evidenced by their recent success with players like McConkey, Smith, and Dominick Blaylock. With a combination of young, talented receivers and the potential addition of an experienced playmaker, the Georgia offense could become even more dangerous in 2025.

3. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback and Establishing Dominance

The offensive line is always a position that Georgia pays close attention to, as the Bulldogs have long relied on their powerful and physical front to control the line of scrimmage and protect their quarterbacks. In 2025, Georgia will likely need to replace some key veterans on the offensive line, and the transfer portal could be a great avenue to address any potential concerns or weaknesses.

Georgia’s offensive line under Smart has consistently been one of the best in the country, and the Bulldogs would love to continue that tradition by finding a capable transfer player who can provide depth and even compete for a starting spot. They may look for an experienced offensive lineman who can come in and play right away, especially if there are concerns about the development of younger players.

The transfer portal provides an opportunity for Georgia to add quality depth or a potential starter at critical positions on the offensive line, whether it be at tackle or guard. With the increased demands of playing in the SEC, it’s essential that Georgia keeps its offensive line intact and continues to build a powerful unit capable of both run-blocking and pass protection.

4. Linebacker: Adding Depth and Versatility

While Georgia boasts one of the best linebacker corps in the country, the Bulldogs could still benefit from adding another linebacker in the portal to boost depth. As we’ve seen in recent years, injuries, especially in a physically demanding position like linebacker, can quickly derail a season. With Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon Jr. leading the charge for Georgia in 2025, the Bulldogs are in great shape at linebacker. However, adding another versatile player who can contribute immediately would give them even more flexibility.

The ideal transfer addition for Georgia would be a linebacker with the ability to play multiple roles, such as covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game or providing support in the running game. Georgia has developed a reputation for having versatile linebackers who are adept at both stopping the run and making plays in coverage. Adding another talented linebacker to the mix could provide the Bulldogs with a strong rotation, helping to keep fresh legs on the field and giving them more options in different defensive packages.

5. Defensive Line: Adding Depth and Power in the Trenches

As is often the case with championship teams, Georgia’s defense is known for its dominant defensive line play. The Bulldogs have an incredibly deep and talented defensive line, but as always, they could look to add even more depth through the transfer portal. With Jalen Carter (who could declare for the NFL draft) and other key players potentially leaving, Georgia might look for an experienced player who can contribute to the defensive front and help replace any departures.

The ideal transfer target for Georgia would be a defensive lineman who can bring both power and explosiveness to the unit. Georgia’s defense is known for its ability to dominate the trenches, disrupt the quarterback, and shut down opposing running games. Bringing in a player who can immediately contribute to those efforts would help Georgia maintain its status as one of the most dominant defenses in the country.

In particular, the Bulldogs might focus on adding another interior defensive lineman who can pair with rising stars like Bear Alexander and Mikel Williams to continue building a fearsome front seven.

6. Defensive Back: Strengthening the Secondary

While Georgia’s secondary has been consistently strong in recent seasons, there is always room for improvement, especially given the high level of competition in the SEC. The Bulldogs may look to add depth at cornerback or safety through the portal, depending on how the team’s roster shapes up after spring practices and into the summer.

With players like Kelee Ringo potentially leaving for the NFL and others progressing through the ranks, Georgia might want to add a veteran presence in the secondary who can provide leadership, ball skills, and coverage ability. A cornerback who can match up with some of the top wide receivers in the SEC or a safety who can create turnovers and help with run support would be valuable additions to Georgia’s defensive unit.