Clemson transfer DB visiting Georgia football

The Georgia Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels are both expected to receive visits from elite transfer portal safety Khalil Barnes, who entered the transfer portal after spending the first three seasons of his college football career with the Clemson Tigers. Barnes plans to visit Georgia on Jan. 3 and Ole Miss on Jan. 4-5.

Barnes is experienced and will have one year of eligibility remaining. In 2025, he posted 40 tackles and two pass deflections with Clemson. Barnes was a 2025 All-ACC honorable mention pick.

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Barnes has 139 tackles, three forced fumbles, seven interceptions and 11 pass deflections in his career. The 6-foot, 200-pound defender was a freshman All-American in 2023 and has 30 career starts, so his experience will be invaluable wherever he ends up.

Former Clemson defensive back has a strong local connection to Georgia. He played high school football for North Oconee and is from Athens, Georgia.

Barnes has College Football Playoff experience and won the 2024 ACC championship with Clemson. He is ranked as the No. 230 player and No. 13 safety in the transfer portal and has a three-star transfer rating, per 247Sports.

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The Clemson transfer would be projected to compete for a starting role opposite of Georgia safety KJ Bolden next season. Georgia has strong connections to North Oconee, which is also home to Georgia freshman receiver Landon Roldan and Georgia edge signee Khamari Brooks.

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Clemson football transfer portal DB Khalil Barnes visiting UGA