The Georgia Bulldogs are still reeling from their SEC Championship loss to Nick Saban and Alabama last weekend, and now they will be losing a key piece for their long-term future in 5-star quarterback Brock Vandagriff.
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Shortly after the College Football Playoff committee revealed that Georgia would not be playing for a national championship, Vandagriff posted an announcement on X that he would be entering the transfer portal.
🌊🌊🌊 pic.twitter.com/s0vqqDRk71
— Brock 🌊 (@BrockVandagriff) December 4, 2023
A 5-star recruit in the class of 2021 out of Bogart, Georgia, Vandagriff shared that he has two years of eligibility remaining and will be playing for wherever his next team is as a graduate transfer. The 6'3" quarterback has attempted just 21 passes in his college career, but managed to make the most of those limited opportunities with two passing touchdowns and zero interceptions.
While some may speculate that the move is due to problems with Georgia's program, the more likely scenario is that starting quarterback Carson Beck plans to return for the 2024 season. The junior quarterback turned things around after a slower start to this season, finishing the year with 3,738 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding another four rushing touchdowns.
For Vandagriff, there will be plenty of potential opportunities for the graduate transfer to find a potential home as a starter. There has been a mass exodus of quarterbacks across the country planning to leave top programs, including the likes of Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel and Ohio State's Kyle McCord.
While the loss of a top former recruit may sting for some Georgia fans, the potential return of Beck would put the Bulldogs right back into the conversation as a potential national title contender, especially with a 12-team expanded College Football Playoff coming next season. All eyes will now turn back to head coach Kirby Smart to see how he'll be able to turn things around after 29 straight wins and back-to-back national titles.
MORE: Kirby Smart Pleas Georgia's Case to CFP Committee After Alabama Loss
