The transfer portal has been open for less than a week, yet it has already put Georgia football fans on edge. Back-to-back Sugar Bowl losses have left parts of Dawg Nation uneasy about the direction of the coaching staff. As more players declare for the draft or enter the portal, many are wondering when some genuinely positive news will arrive for Georgia — and hoping it comes sooner rather than later.
While the Bulldogs were in the mix for USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins, he ultimately chose to head to Alabama instead.
On that note, two former Alabama players, James Smith and Qua Russaw, could be on the move.
As of Wednesday afternoon, both Smith and Russaw rank among the top-50 prospects in the transfer portal. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the duo plans to visit Georgia, Ohio State, Missouri, Tennessee, and LSU. The fact that these two Alabamians are looking to transfer together, just as they did when one first arrived in Tuscaloosa from Montgomery, is pretty remarkable.
Could Georgia realistically land both of these players this time around?
Even though it’s unusual for Smith and Russaw to stick together beyond Alabama, every program they visit will likely be eager to secure them — including Georgia. The Bulldogs, despite a strong season, struggled with consistency in pass rushing, and adding these two could address that gap.
Both Smith and Russaw will be leaving their home state to continue their college careers, likely at a Power Five program — probably in the SEC unless Ohio State lures them away. While transferring from Alabama to a regional rival like Georgia might ruffle some Crimson Tide fans, rivalries may not carry the same weight they once did. In today’s era of player mobility and empowerment, moving freely is part of the game, and Smith and Russaw will choose what’s best for them.
For now, Georgia could certainly use some positive news from the transfer portal, in any form.
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