All-ACC Clemson transfer commits to Georgia football

4 days ago 2

The Georgia Bulldogs have landed their first transfer of the 2026 offseason. Former Clemson Tigers safety Khalil Barnes has committed to Georgia over the Ole Miss Rebels.

Barnes is expected to compete for a starting role at safety in Georgia's secondary. The Bulldogs figure to start All-SEC second-team safety KJ Bolden, but the starting job opposite of Bolden is up for grabs.

Barnes joins a Georgia safety room that is losing Jaden Harris to the transfer portal and JaCorey Thomas to the 2026 NFL draft. Georgia could return Zion Branch, Adrian Maddox, Kyron Jones (who was hurt with a foot injury after starting much of the season) and Joenel Aguero. Georgia also signed talented recruits Jordan Smith, Zech Fort and Blake Stewart.

Khalil Barnes #7 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the second half of a football game against the South Carolina Gamecocks

Barnes is a senior and has one year of eligibility remaining. He brings an abundance of starting experience to Georgia and played high school football for North Oconee, so he has local ties. Interestingly, Barnes grew up as a Georgia fan.

During the 2025 season with Clemson, he posted 40 tackles and two pass deflections. Barnes was a 2025 All-ACC honorable mention pick, but the Tigers had a disappointing 7-6 record in 2025 despite having preseason national championship hopes.

Barnes has valuable College Football Playoff experience and won the 2024 ACC championship with Clemson. The 6-foot, 200-pound safety is ranked as the No. 180 player and No. 13 safety in the transfer portal and has a three-star transfer rating, according to 247Sports.