Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart makes major admission after losing Carson Beck, Jackson Cantwell to Transfer Portal

The Georgia Bulldogs have been one of the most consistent programs in college football in recent years, which has naturally drawn the attention of rival schools to some of their top talent. Through the ever-controversial Transfer Portal, both Carson Beck and Jackson Cantwell have decided to take their talents to Miami — a move that prompted head coach Kirby Smart to address the situation publicly.

The loss of two high-level talents is raising questions about the nature of these types of moves in the NCAAF. Kirby Smart, one of the most experienced head coaches in the game, shared his thoughts on the matter, making it clear that he’s not entirely convinced this is the right way to handle such transitions.

“A lot of misleading information out there,” the HC stated, according to a report from CBS Sports. “Nobody really knows what’s accurate. A lot of schools are approaching it in different ways. We hear something different from every school. So I don’t think anybody really knows.”

The reality is that today’s NIL landscape presents a major challenge not only for programs but also for coaching staffs, who must stay alert to every move in order to avoid seeing their rosters dismantled overnight.

Carson Beck #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the 2024 SEC Championship against the Texas Longhorns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

What can we expect from the Bulldogs next season?

The Georgia Bulldogs are preparing for a new chapter under head coach Kirby Smart as they look to bounce back from a disappointing end to last season. After falling 23–10 to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl, expectations are high for a strong response.

With Carson Beck and Jackson Cantwell transferring to the Miami Hurricanes via the portal, the Bulldogs will turn to Gunnar Stockton as their new starting quarterback. The young signal-caller will be tasked with leading an offense that’s looking to regain its explosiveness.

Smart faces the challenge of retooling both sides of the ball while maintaining Georgia’s reputation as one of the nation’s top programs. Depth and leadership will be critical as the Bulldogs transition into a new core.

Despite key departures, Georgia remains a serious contender in the SEC. If Stockton settles in quickly and the defense holds firm, they’ll have every chance to push for a return to the College Football Playoff.