The college football transfer portal sees Georgia and LSU welcoming newcomers, including former Group of Five stars, poised for a successful 2025 season.

The college football landscape continues to evolve, with the transfer portal playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping rosters and boosting programs. As teams across the nation scramble to improve their depth and talent, powerhouses like the University of Georgia and Louisiana State University (LSU) have been particularly active, adding standout players from the Group of Five conferences. These players, often overlooked in recruiting cycles, are looking to make an impact at the highest level of college football. With the 2025 season on the horizon, these newcomers are primed to showcase their skills in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive leagues in the country.

As the sport continues to shift, the transfer portal has become an essential tool for teams seeking to bolster their rosters, plug gaps, and find key contributors. This dynamic is particularly significant for teams like Georgia and LSU, where expectations are always sky-high. Both programs have built their reputations on high-caliber talent, strong recruiting, and championship aspirations, making them attractive destinations for players looking to prove themselves at the Power Five level. As we approach the 2025 season, many of these new faces from Group of Five schools could be the difference-makers for their new teams.

The Importance of the Transfer Portal in Modern College Football

In the era of college football’s “win now” mentality, the transfer portal has become a key avenue for teams to acquire immediate-impact players. It offers programs a chance to enhance their depth, find playmakers, and fill positions of need without relying solely on high school recruiting. For programs like Georgia and LSU, which are consistently among the best in the nation, the transfer portal represents a way to maintain their elite status, particularly as they face off against other juggernauts in the SEC and on the national stage.

The transfer portal also provides players with an opportunity to find a better fit for their skill set, especially for those coming from smaller programs who feel they are ready for a bigger challenge. It’s a chance for former Group of Five stars to prove they can compete at the highest level and potentially make a name for themselves on a national scale. For Georgia and LSU, the portal offers the chance to plug holes left by graduations, early departures to the NFL, and injuries, ensuring that they remain deep and competitive.

Georgia Bulldogs: Reloading with New Talent

The University of Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has become a perennial powerhouse in college football, consistently competing for SEC titles and national championships. The Bulldogs have one of the most complete rosters in the country, built through excellent recruiting and player development. However, even the best teams need to reload from time to time, and the transfer portal has become an essential tool for Georgia to stay ahead of the competition.

In recent years, the Bulldogs have successfully dipped into the transfer portal to find immediate contributors. Whether it’s bolstering the defense, enhancing their offense, or adding depth to special teams, Smart and his staff have used the portal wisely. The 2025 season promises to be no different, as Georgia has secured some standout newcomers from Group of Five programs who could play crucial roles on the team.

One player to watch is Jalen McDonald, a former star at the University of Memphis. McDonald, a 6’3” wide receiver, is known for his ability to make big plays downfield and stretch defenses. In 2024, he posted over 1,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous receivers in the Group of Five. Now, he’s coming to Athens with the hopes of continuing his success in the SEC. McDonald’s size, speed, and ball-tracking ability make him a potentially game-changing addition to Georgia’s receiving corps.

Another key newcomer for Georgia is Tyler Martin, a standout running back from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Martin had an incredible 2024 season, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, showcasing his speed, vision, and ability to break tackles. With Georgia’s history of producing elite running backs, Martin will look to continue that tradition and add a dynamic element to the Bulldogs’ already potent offense. His ability to make defenders miss and contribute as a receiving threat out of the backfield makes him a versatile weapon.

In addition to offensive reinforcements, Georgia’s defense will also benefit from key additions. Blake Simmons, a defensive lineman from Appalachian State, brings experience and toughness to the Bulldogs’ already stacked defensive front. Simmons was a force in the Group of Five, posting 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in 2024. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and stop the run will be a major asset for Georgia’s defensive line, which has been a cornerstone of their success in recent seasons.

LSU Tigers: New Faces, Same Championship Ambitions

LSU has been one of the most successful programs in college football over the past two decades, consistently competing for SEC and national titles. Like Georgia, LSU has a history of attracting top-tier talent, both through recruiting and the transfer portal. Head coach Brian Kelly, in just a short time, has made it clear that he’s committed to bringing LSU back to the pinnacle of college football.

The 2025 season will see several high-profile additions to LSU’s roster, many of which come from Group of Five programs. These newcomers are expected to fill key roles for a team looking to maintain its status among the SEC’s elite.

One of the most notable transfer portal additions for LSU is Derrick Owens, a linebacker from the University of Houston. Owens was a dominant force for the Cougars in 2024, earning All-American honors after racking up 120 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. His sideline-to-sideline range, combined with his ability to play in coverage, will make him an immediate impact player for LSU’s defense. Owens could very well be the missing piece to LSU’s linebacker corps, which has been a focus of improvement in recent years.

Another exciting transfer for LSU is Cameron Brooks, a cornerback who previously played at the University of Tulsa. Brooks was one of the top defensive backs in the Group of Five, earning first-team All-Conference honors in 2024 after recording 5 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. His ability to lock down wide receivers on the outside will be crucial for LSU, who is always in need of shutdown corners to compete in the pass-heavy SEC. Brooks’ arrival in Baton Rouge will strengthen an already solid secondary and give LSU more flexibility in defending high-powered offenses.

Offensively, LSU’s biggest addition could be Zachary Pierce, a quarterback from Western Kentucky. Pierce was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the Group of Five last season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns. His strong arm, mobility, and ability to read defenses make him a strong candidate to lead LSU’s offense to new heights. With the Tigers needing stability at the quarterback position, Pierce could provide the leadership and consistency necessary to guide LSU through a challenging SEC slate.

Group of Five Stars Making the Jump

For many athletes, the move from the Group of Five to a Power Five school is a chance to prove they belong on the biggest stage. The players making this leap face the challenge of adjusting to a higher level of competition, but they also have the opportunity to show they can thrive when the spotlight is brightest. The additions of these Group of Five stars to teams like Georgia and LSU signify how the transfer portal has created a more equitable playing field for athletes, regardless of the conference in which they initially played.

The 2025 season could be a breakthrough year for several of these newcomers. With the increased media exposure and higher level of competition, these players will have a unique chance to elevate their careers and make a lasting impact on college football. For Georgia and LSU, they are adding players who not only have the talent to contribute immediately but also the hunger to prove themselves against the nation’s best.

 A New Era for College Football

The 2025 season promises to be a thrilling one for college football fans, with Georgia and LSU among the teams to watch as they integrate newcomers from the Group of Five into their programs. The transfer portal has fundamentally altered the landscape of college football, giving players new opportunities and programs the ability to bolster their rosters with instant-impact talent. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, expect to see these new additions make a major difference for their teams, potentially propelling Georgia and LSU to new heights in their pursuit of SEC and national championships.

For the players, it’s an opportunity to shine on a bigger stage, and for the teams, it’s a chance to reload and compete at the highest level. College football, with its rich tradition and constant evolution, is poised for another exciting chapter, and the transfer portal will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport.