Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Julian Humphrey, who is expected to compete for a starting slot in 2024, is no longer entering the NCAA transfer portal.
Humphrey said he would return to Georgia shortly after the Bulldogs’ 63-3 Orange Bowl win over Florida State. A few days later, Humphrey announced via social media that he intended to enter the transfer portal. Now, Humphrey has changed his mind.
Humphrey missed the last few weeks of the season after suffering a shoulder injury against Ole Miss. Humphrey, a redshirt freshman, played in nine games for the Bulldogs in 2023.
The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back had a breakout game against the Missouri Tigers in 2023. Humphrey has excellent speed and should be able to return in time for the start of the 2024 season. Humphrey was practicing in a noncontact jersey ahead of the Orange Bowl, so he was not far away from a return.
Humphrey shared with DawgsHQ that having a team-first mentality is part of the reason he is returning.
I know with a great year at Georgia, I can get to the NFL. The more I thought about this, why would I leave Georgia for a couple more bucks?
Humphrey is arguably Georgia’s top cover cornerback, so his return is huge for Georgia. He recorded 11 tackles and two pass deflections in 2023. Humphrey and Daylen Everette are projected (way-too-early) to start at cornerback for Georgia in 2024.
What did social media have to say about Humphrey’s return?
Defensive back Daniel Harris also did not enter the portal
An actual visual of the Georgia Football transfer portal the last 3 or 4 days… pic.twitter.com/OHpQ9cEfPj
— Logan Booker (@LoganMBooker) January 3, 2024
Humphrey's social media post
Thank you to everyone.🖤#Godawgs pic.twitter.com/bVxlAthrGo
— Jᴜʟɪᴏ Hᴜᴍᴘʜʀᴇʏ. (@_Julian12k) January 3, 2024
Julian Humphrey on his return
Julian Humphrey is not entering the transfer portal. He’s returning to #UGA for a 3rd season. pic.twitter.com/YAaNR5KDQt
— DawgsHQ (@DawgsHQ) January 3, 2024
UGA needs Julian Humphrey
Julian Humphrey is not entering the transfer portal. He’s returning to #UGA for a 3rd season. pic.twitter.com/YAaNR5KDQt
— DawgsHQ (@DawgsHQ) January 3, 2024
Humphrey could start next season
Julian Humphrey is staying at Georgia.
For the second time in a couple of weeks, UGA has managed to rerecruit a potential 2024 CB starter after other schools tried to pluck secondary help off of the UGA roster. Really good work
— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) January 3, 2024
The reaction of Humphrey's teammates (contains some strong langauge)
These Dawgs were not cool with Julian Humphrey’s indecision 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/zni1Gb2pLJ
— UGA Savage Pads (@savagepads) January 4, 2024
A recruiting win for UGA
BREAKING: Multiple sources confirm that 5-star Julian Humphrey has changed his mind and is now staying at Georgia. Last night he announced he was placing his name in the transfer portal. Georgia has convinced him to stay. pic.twitter.com/Ju5MkdanLr
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) January 3, 2024
