Athens, Georgia – With the SEC as competitive as ever, the Georgia Bulldogs are reloading with precision, adding a fresh wave of transfer talent poised to make an immediate impact. Head coach Kirby Smart, known for elite recruiting, has turned to the transfer portal to plug key depth gaps and inject experience into a roster already brimming with young talent.
At the top of the list is former Oregon Ducks linebacker Malik “The Missile” Hargrove, a 6’2”, 235-pound wrecking ball who led the Ducks in tackles for loss last season. Hargrove brings SEC-caliber aggression and a veteran presence to Georgia’s linebacker corps, which saw several players declare early for the NFL. His versatility allows him to slot in either inside or outside, giving co-defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann a flexible chess piece against the SEC’s high-powered offenses.
In the secondary, the Bulldogs added All-American cornerback Jalen Cross from Virginia Tech. Cross, who tallied five interceptions and 13 pass breakups last season, is a lockdown specialist with elite closing speed. His arrival couldn’t come at a better time as Georgia looks to replace the leadership void left by Kelee Ringo. Cross has already turned heads in spring practice with his vocal leadership and fluid coverage skills.
On offense, Georgia’s biggest splash came in the form of wide receiver Raheem McCallister from USC. At 6’5” with a 4.38 forty-yard dash, McCallister brings a rare combination of size and speed. He caught 68 passes for 1,109 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and is expected to be a go-to target for the Bulldogs’ new starting quarterback. Paired with rising star Ladd McConkey, McCallister could help form one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the country.
But the biggest surprise might be the under-the-radar addition of offensive tackle Trent Hollingsworth from Appalachian State. A three-year starter, Hollingsworth is a gritty, technically-sound lineman who excels in pass protection. Georgia’s offensive line depth took a hit with injuries and graduations, and Hollingsworth is already pushing for a starting spot in summer camp.
Coach Smart emphasized the importance of these additions in a recent press conference. “We’re not just bringing in talent. We’re bringing in guys who fit our culture—gritty, smart, disciplined players who want to win and work. These transfers give us veteran leadership in rooms that need it.”
With these new additions, Georgia isn’t just patching holes—they’re reinforcing an already fearsome foundation. As the 2025 season approaches, Bulldog Nation has reason to believe another deep playoff run is well within reach, fueled by a roster that’s not only talented, but now more balanced and battle-tested than ever.
