Kirby Smart comments on transfer portal timeline after Georgia DB’s announcement
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Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up for another SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs are taking on the Texas Longhorns in Atlanta as they attempt to claim their 15th SEC title.
On Sunday, though, the Bulldogs learned that a key defensive back will be entering the transfer portal. Julian Humphrey, who appeared in all but 1 game in 2024, will look to play elsewhere in 2025.
The portal officially opens in a little over a week so teams that make the College Football Playoff will still be playing. Smart was asked about he intended to deal with Humphrey’s decision.
“I’m not dealing with it. I’m worried about my team. I’ve learned in this thing that you worry about the players who are with you, not the ones who aren’t. … It’s a decision each kid has to make,” said the coach.
Smart was then asked more specifically about Humphrey’s status but Smart didn’t offer up much.
“No status that I’m aware of,” said Smart. “I saw the same thing you did. We’re worried about the guys that are going to be with the team.”
Kirby Smart on how he deals with the portal opening up soon with games to play: “I’m not dealing with it. I’m worried about my team. I’ve learned in this thing that you worry about the players who are with you, not the ones who aren’t. … It’s a decision each kid has to make”
— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) December 1, 2024
Kirby Smart on CB Julian Humphrey’s status: “No status that I’m aware of. I saw the same thing you did. We’re worried about the guys that are going to be with the team.”
Smart was asked a follow up on if that meant Humphrey was not with the team, but Smart did not clarify
— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) December 1, 2024
The coach did not clarify when the follow-up question was asked about whether Humphrey was with the team currently. Smart’s comments make it seem like the DB did not communicate with the coaching staff before making the decision.
In the era of the transfer portal and NIL, it’s likely Humphrey won’t be the only Georgia player to enter the portal. Based on Smart’s comments, though, the Bulldogs will worry about that once their season is over.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
