All-ACC Clemson transfer commits to Georgia football

The Georgia Bulldogs have secured their first transfer of the 2026 offseason with the commitment of Khalil Barnes, a former safety for the Clemson Tigers. Barnes chose Georgia over Ole Miss and is expected to vie for a starting position in the Bulldogs' secondary, which is losing Jaden Harris to the transfer portal and JaCorey Thomas to the NFL draft. Barnes brings significant experience, having been an All-ACC honorable mention in 2025 with 40 tackles and two pass deflections. He has one year of eligibility left and has local ties, having played high school football at North Oconee and grown up as a Georgia fan.

Georgia's safety room could see Zion Branch, Adrian Maddox, Kyron Jones, and Joenel Aguero returning, alongside new recruits Jordan Smith, Zech Fort, and Blake Stewart. Barnes' decision comes amid Georgia's departures of several players to the transfer portal, including defensive back Daniel Harris and defensive tackle Jordan Thomas. Barnes is ranked as the