The Georgia Bulldogs football program continues to make waves in the NCAA Transfer Portal with their recent acquisition of former Miami Safety Jaden Harris. This move bolsters Georgia’s secondary as the Bulldogs face significant turnover at the safety position following the departure of their two starting safeties, Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson, from the 2024 season. Both players have either declared for the NFL Draft or are expected to move on from college football, leaving Georgia in need of reinforcements in the defensive backfield. Harris, a talented safety who has been a consistent starter for the Miami Hurricanes, now joins a storied program that is accustomed to finding immediate contributors through the portal.
The Departure of Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson
For Georgia, the loss of Malaki Starks and Dan Jackson represents a significant reshaping of their defense. Starks, a standout player for the Bulldogs, has already declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the end of his college career. Jackson, who has been a steady presence in Georgia’s secondary, is likely out of eligibility and, much like Starks, is primed for an NFL opportunity. Both players were integral parts of Georgia’s defense over the past several seasons, providing experience, leadership, and playmaking ability.
Starks’ declaration for the draft signals that Georgia’s defense will need to find new leaders in the secondary. Jackson’s potential exit further amplifies the need for Georgia to reload quickly and effectively. Losing two starting-caliber safeties in one offseason would usually be a major cause for concern, but the Bulldogs have shown time and again that they can reload with exceptional talent, particularly from the Transfer Portal. The addition of Harris, combined with previous portal additions, will help mitigate the loss and keep the defensive backfield strong.
Jaden Harris’ Transfer to Georgia
Jaden Harris’ move to Georgia brings much-needed experience and talent to a safety room that is facing significant turnover. Harris played every game for the Miami Hurricanes in the 2024 season, starting at safety. During his time at Miami, Harris made a name for himself as a solid, consistent performer in the defensive backfield. His ability to impact the game with smart positioning, strong tackling, and solid coverage skills makes him an immediate asset to the Bulldogs. With the talent Georgia has recruited and developed in recent years, Harris will have the opportunity to compete for starting playing time in 2025 and could potentially play a major role in their defense right away.
A native of Gwinnett County, Georgia, Harris has a deep connection to the state and is familiar with the program. He graduated from Riverwood High School and was heavily recruited out of high school, eventually choosing to play for Miami. His familiarity with the state and his connection to Georgia gives him an added level of comfort as he transitions to a new program. The Bulldogs’ coaching staff, which has been adept at developing players at all positions, will likely provide the perfect environment for Harris to continue to grow as a player.
Harris’ addition is also notable in terms of position need. Georgia has always valued depth and competition at every position, but with the losses of Starks and Jackson, the safety position was particularly thin. By bringing in Harris, the Bulldogs ensure that they have a proven commodity in the defensive backfield. Whether Harris competes for a starting role or provides valuable depth behind the first-string players, he is a significant addition to the defense.
Georgia’s Transfer Portal Strategy
Georgia’s success in the transfer portal is no accident. The Bulldogs have cultivated a strong system that attracts top-tier players from other programs. The coaching staff has a clear strategy when it comes to portal additions, and they follow a few key principles to ensure they get the right fit for their program.
- Transfers from SEC Schools or Facing Georgia: Georgia is always on the lookout for players who have proven themselves in the SEC or have competed against Georgia during the regular season. By scouting players who have already performed well in the conference, Georgia can evaluate their talent in a competitive environment. Players like London Humphrey, Dominic Lovett, and Eli Wolf were all successful additions to the Bulldogs’ roster, having either faced Georgia or proven themselves against other SEC competition.
- Transfers with a Connection to Georgia: Another key strategy is to pursue players who have a history with Georgia, either through high school recruiting or previous collegiate stops. If Georgia was involved in a player’s recruitment out of high school, they will often circle back and pursue those players if they enter the portal. For example, Lawrence Cager’s transfer from Miami to Georgia was driven by a direct connection with the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, which had recruited him out of high school. Players with a prior relationship with the program are often more likely to make a smooth transition and contribute immediately.
- Players Who Will Make an Immediate Impact: Georgia is always looking for players who can contribute right away, regardless of their prior connections to the program. If a player is capable of starting immediately or filling a key role in the rotation, the Bulldogs will pursue them. This philosophy has led to successful portal acquisitions such as Tre McKitty and Tykee Smith, both of whom joined Georgia and made significant impacts on their respective sides of the ball.
In Harris’ case, he fits the mold of a player who can make an immediate impact. His starting experience at Miami, combined with his strong performance throughout the season, makes him a player who is capable of stepping into a starting role in Athens right away. Whether he replaces Starks or Jackson, or fills a valuable depth role, Harris’ skill set and experience make him a key addition to the safety room.
Georgia’s Transfer Portal Additions in 2025
Harris is not the only notable player Georgia has added through the transfer portal ahead of the 2025 season. The Bulldogs have been busy, bringing in a number of high-caliber players across various positions. This includes former USC safety Zion Branch, another proven player who adds depth to the secondary. Additionally, Georgia has been active in adding talent to other areas of need, including the defensive line, linebacker, and wide receiver positions.
The full list of Georgia’s transfer portal additions for 2025 is impressive, with players like Julian Humphrey (DB), Michael Jackson III (WR), Troy Bowles (LB), and Jamaal Jarrett (DL) joining the program. This influx of talent provides Georgia with the flexibility to address any position of need and ensures that they remain a national contender year after year. The Bulldogs’ ability to effectively utilize the transfer portal has allowed them to maintain a high level of talent across the roster, even as they lose key players to the NFL Draft or graduation.
Conclusion
The addition of Jaden Harris to Georgia’s safety room is a significant move for the Bulldogs as they look to continue their dominance on defense. With the loss of two key safeties in 2024, Harris’ experience and ability will help to stabilize the position and provide competition for starting roles. His connection to the state of Georgia and his proven track record at Miami make him a seamless fit for the Bulldogs’ program. Combined with other key transfer portal additions, Harris will help ensure that Georgia remains a top contender in college football for years to come.
