Maybe it will be third time's a charm for Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs in the 12-team College Football Playoff format? While they have been a top-three seed both years, the two-time reigning SEC champions have yet to advance past the national quarterfinals. The Sugar Bowl has not been kind to UGA of late, but that all could change this year. It is because this year's team is experienced.
For as much fun as we all had watching last year's squad, we all had a sneaking suspicion that the 2025-26 Bulldogs were a bunch of inexperienced overachievers. Yes, they will still have a few notable players drafted in the early rounds this spring. That being said, 2026-27 just might be Georgia's year. Gunner Stockton is back. So are many other prominent pieces of last years team in all three phases.
When looking at who Georgia landed in the transfer portal, there are a handful of incoming players who could make a huge impact on this year's team. Again, everyone has a role to play. Should these four players thrive in theirs well, then that is fantastic for Georgia. If the defense improves across the board and the passing game gets marginally better, Georgia will be one of the hardest teams to beat.
Without further ado, let's start with a lower-level transfer who may be thrust in a huge role right away.
4. Offensive tackle TyQuez Richardson (Alabama A&M Bulldogs)
Even though offensive tackle TyQuez Richardson has played two years of college football, he did compete at a lower level. The former Alabama A&M Bulldog is coming home to play for his home state's flagship university. According to Ourlads, Richardson is a redshirt sophomore and is third on the depth chart at right tackle behind sophomore Juan Gaston and true freshman Ekene Ogboko.
While that may suggest he may not see the field much, keep in mind that football is a game of injuries. It was only when the Georgia offensive line got healthy in the second half of the season that this team became a buzzsaw. If he can pick up the playbook fast, Richardson's in-game experience could work in his favor as a swing tackle. With Monroe Freeling turning pro, all eyes shall be on offensive tackle.
Richardson's role is all about making sure the bottom does not fall out of the bag for Georgia up front.
3. Safety Khalil Barnes (Clemson Tigers)
You better believe the first player to commit to Georgia out of the transfer portal this offseason would be appearing on this list. The local product in Bogart native Khalil Barnes has a huge role to play in this Georgia secondary. The former Clemson standout comes home to help take a good unit and make it great. While he is behind fellow transfer Ja'Marley Riddle at strong safety, he will play a ton.
The combination of Barnes, Riddle, Braylon Conley, and Gentry Williams coming over should help the likes of KJ Bolden, Rasean Dinkins, and Ellis Robinson IV take this secondary over the top. While the linebacking corps should remain solid with Raylen Wilson taking the green dot from CJ Allen, how this defensive backfield coalesces will do wonders for the overall viability of Glenn Schumann's defense.
Look for Barnes to be a vocal veteran leader in what could be an elite Georgia secondary this season.
2. Edge rusher Amaris Williams (Auburn Tigers)
While there are some concerns for Georgia at offensive tackle and to some degree in the secondary, the biggest one UGA has on defense is in the pass rush. Amaris Williams comes over by way of rival Auburn to help accentuate that for Schumann's unit. As is the case with everyone mentioned on Georgia's defense outside of Riddle, Williams is not a projected starter for the Bulldogs on Ourlads.
That being said, does it really matter when it comes to an edge rusher? There are few positions in football that rotate more players in and out than does the pass rush. It is all about keeping its best athletes the freshest they can be. In a way, Williams may be able to tap into all that he could have been playing for a chaotic Auburn. With two years of ball left to be played, let's see him get after it.
If Georgia is even a smidgeon better at rushing the passer, that could do wonders for the entire team.
1. Wide receiver Isiah Canion (Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets)
There is no transfer coming in who is more important to Georgia's overall success next season than wide receiver Isiah Canion. The former Georgia Tech standout comes to Athens in the wake of Buster Faulkner and Aaron Philo heading off to Florida to be a part of Jon Sumrall's first team in Gainesville. Canion is not only a projected starter at X, but he will be compared to Zachariah Branch this season.
Right now, the only wide receiver of note who has any substantial in-game experience at Georgia is former Vanderbilt transfer London Humphreys. He really came into his own last season, but it was a bit of a struggle for him two years ago during his first season in Athens. Not only does Canion have to offset Georgia losing Branch, but Dillon Bell, Noah Thomas, and Colbie Young are off to the NFL, too.
If Canion can develop a quick rapport with Gunner Stockton, it would be ideal for Georgia's chances.