Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart has successfully built a culture that focuses on team spirit, but that culture isn’t invincible to players leaving the program.
In this era of NIL deals, Smart has managed to create an atmosphere of the team being the priority, with his team fighting and playing for each other. And let’s be honest, with so much at stake for each player individually, a collective spirit can be a rare commodity in today’s college game.
But in this all-for-one, one for all mentality, this does not mean that everyone can or will be happy. Lack of playing time through injuries or not being the best in position is a constant challenge for those players near the bottom of the depth chart.
Georgia football could see some guys transfer after this season, but it isn’t detrimental.
This issue is, of course, at the epicenter of an elite, competitive sporting program. How do you keep everyone happy?
Georgia football has encountered its fair share of injuries in recent seasons, and with top-ranking recruitment classes, some players can feel left behind. So when the end of a season comes around, it is only natural that players take stock of their position – their performances and their input for the team and then try to second-guess how they will fit into future seasons.
With the advent of the transfer portal, many will decide that transferring to another program is the best way to improve playing time and enhance their highlight reels for NFL scouts.
Georgia football is no different, and even a scenario where the team plays for and wins a national championship won’t stop some student-athletes from transferring out. A championship win may expedite the movement of some, who will be in high demand having won that ring.
Who then is likely to transfer in 2022?
This article is a discussion and something that isn’t confirmed or happening. While no fans want to see players leave the program, it occurs as college football is a business.
Here are three guys that could leave the program if they feel like another school will allow them to have a better chance at achieving their goals.