After a disappointing loss in the Sugar Bowl, Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart wasted no time in addressing one of the team’s biggest issues – safety play. The Bulldogs have identified this as a problem throughout the 2025 season and are determined to not let it happen again in 2026. In a bold move, Smart has turned to the transfer portal to fix the issue and ensure that the team’s safety play is not left to chance.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for the Bulldogs. They started off strong, with a 5-0 record, but then suffered back-to-back losses to Alabama and Florida. Despite bouncing back with wins against Kentucky and Missouri, the team’s weaknesses were exposed in their final two games against Auburn and Texas A&M. The Bulldogs’ safety play was a major cause for concern, with multiple exits from the position leaving the team vulnerable.
But Smart is not one to dwell on past mistakes. He has already taken action to address the issue and is confident that the team will come back stronger in 2026. In a recent press conference, Smart confirmed that the Bulldogs have made a clever move in the transfer portal to secure talented players who will fill the void left by the departing safeties.
The transfer portal has become a popular tool for college football coaches to quickly address roster needs. It allows players to transfer to a new school without having to sit out a year, as was previously required. This has opened up new opportunities for coaches to fill gaps in their teams and Smart has wasted no time in taking advantage of it.
The Bulldogs have secured two transfers from top programs – Jalen Thompson from Florida State and Jordan Battle from Alabama. Both players bring with them a wealth of experience and talent that will greatly benefit the Bulldogs’ defense. Thompson, a former five-star recruit, was a starter for Florida State and will bring much-needed depth to the safety position. Battle, a highly-touted prospect, played a key role in Alabama’s national championship run and will add a level of toughness and leadership to the Bulldogs’ defense.
Smart’s move to secure these transfers not only addresses the team’s immediate need for safety depth, but also sends a message to the rest of the team – that the Bulldogs are not willing to settle for mediocrity. The team’s success in the past few years has raised expectations and Smart is determined to meet them. He knows that in order to compete at the highest level, the team must constantly improve and evolve.
The addition of Thompson and Battle also speaks to Smart’s ability to recruit and attract top talent. The Bulldogs have consistently been one of the top recruiting teams in the country and this move only solidifies their reputation. Smart’s ability to identify and target players who fit the team’s needs and culture is a testament to his coaching prowess.
The Bulldogs’ fans have every reason to be excited about the upcoming season. With a strong core of returning players and the addition of talented transfers, the team is poised to make a run for the national championship. Smart’s message to the team is clear – safety play will not be left to chance again. The Bulldogs are determined to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger and more prepared in 2026.
In conclusion, Kirby Smart’s move to secure transfers from the transfer portal is a smart and calculated decision that will greatly benefit the Bulldogs in the upcoming season. The team’s safety play will no longer be a liability and the Bulldogs are poised to make a strong comeback. Smart’s dedication to constantly improving and evolving the team is a testament to his leadership and commitment to success. The Bulldogs are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way and their fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented team.