Kirby Smart and Georgia’s Transfer Portal analysis leaves a serious question for the Bulldogs

The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs have not acquired a player from the transfer portal to join the roster next season. The transfer portal began on Dec. 9 and will end on Saturday.

Coach Kirby Smart hopes to prepare his team for their matchup against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Jan. 1. However, the Bulldogs' lack of acquisitions from the transfer portal has created doubt about their success next year.

Georgia (11-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) is the only team in their conference not to sign someone from the transfer portal. They've also lost players to other teams, including edge rusher Samuel M'Pemba to the Texas A&M Aggies (8-4, 5-3 SEC).

SEC teams not currently in the College Football Playoff have had more success recruiting players this season. The No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels (9-3, 5-3 SEC) has 17 players joining the program for the following year. Meanwhile, Smart's team could be on the verge of not signing anyone.

Georgia quarterback options for next season

The Bulldogs' failure to sign anyone from the transfer portal could lead to speculation about who will replace the players leaving for the 2025 NFL draft. One notable position that may need to be filled is the starting quarterback role. After four seasons with the Bulldogs, starting quarterback Carson Beck is expected to enter the upcoming NFL draft.

Beck led the team in passing yards for two seasons, with a total of 23 wins in the regular season. This year, he has completed 290 passes for 3,485 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Georgia could give the starting role to quarterback Gunner Stockton. He will be returning to the team for his junior year next season. He led the team when Beck suffered a right elbow injury in the Bulldogs' 22-19 overtime win over the No. 5 Texas Longhorns (12-2, 7-1 SEC) on Dec. 7 in the SEC Championship. Stockton ended the game, completing 12 passes for 71 yards and one interception.

Stockton could also be the starting quarterback for Georgia's matchup against Notre Dame (12-1), as Beck had elbow surgery on Monday. His performance could lead to him staying in the position for his junior year. That said, the lack of acquisitions during the transfer portal may lead to the Bulldogs' coach having to depend on Stockton next season.

Georgia has two days left to look for players from the transfer portal to join the roster for the following year.