Georgia tight end cleared to play again, plans to enter transfer portal

“A huge heartfelt thank you to Coach Smart and everyone at the University of Georgia for supporting me every step of the way,” Spurlin said. “The bonds I have made with my teammates and the relationships I have built with so many people here will last a lifetime. Although I am not able to return to play here at UGA per NCAA rules of medically disqualifying, my time at UGA has been nothing but special.”

Spurlin medically retired from college football following the 2023 season because of a heart issue that Georgia had previously been aware of. Spurlin remained with the program and had been a regular on the Georgia sidelines.

“We care deeply for Pearce, and he will remain on scholarship and part of our program,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said at the time of Spurlin’s medical retirement. “Our tight ends coach, Todd Hartley, and the other tight ends hate for a person and a player like Pearce to not be a part of their (group), and they will continue to provide him with the support he needs as he goes through this transition.”

Spurlin becomes the second Georgia player to announce he would be entering the transfer portal, as Daniel Harris did so before the SEC championship game.

Georgia will see Oscar Delp head to the NFL draft following this season. Lawson Luckie, who arrived in Athens at the same time as Spurlin, will have another season of eligibility remaining following this season.

Georgia also has Jaden Reddell, Colton Heinrich, Elyiss Williams and Ethan Barbour set to return at tight end next season. The Bulldogs signed three tight ends in the 2026 recruiting cycle in Kaiden Prothro, Brayden Fogle and Lincoln Keyes.

The transfer portal opens Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 16. Georgia will not play again until Jan. 1, when it plays in the Sugar Bowl against either Ole Miss or Tulane.