Justyn Rhett transfer portal: 5 potential landing spots
Even the CFP teams are having bad portal news, and Georgia just lost Justyn Rhett to the transfer portal. A three-star recruit, Rhett played minimally in two seasons at Georgia. He's looking to move on, presumably to a school where the talented defensive back will see more playing time.
Rhett played in the first two games of each of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Rhett recorded three total tackles in four games. Rhett saw reps at safety for Georgia but was recruited as a cornerback. That versatility could be significant as he looks to transfer.
Rhett was a three-star recruit from Las Vegas per 247Sports. Despite that ranking, many of college football's top programs were interested in recruiting Rhett and likely will be again. In fact, here are five potential schools for Rhett.
Justyn Rhett transfer portal: 5 likely landing spots
5. UNLV
The hometown option shouldn't be discounted. The Rebels have had an upturn in their relative fortune, which could make them an attractive choice for Rhett. The 10-3 Rebels could be CFP competitors. Also, four of their five defensive backs with interceptions in 2024 are seniors.
Rhett could return home, walk into likely immediate playing time and still play at a school with legitimate CFP aspirations. Frankly, the easiest pick might be the one that gets made.
4. Utah State
The Aggies recruited Rhett in his first go-around and might be interested again. The 4-8 Aggies can use some defensive help, as they allowed 37.8 points per game in 2024. The interception leader on the Utah State team was a senior safety.
The issue for Rhett here is that Utah State is a long step from the world of Georgia and CFP seasons. It could be a big culture shock and might reader USU a less significant player in the Rhett sweepstakes than they might wish.
3. Maryland
The Terps recruited Rhett heavily out of high school and could follow up on that momentum. The 4-8 Terrapins allowed 30.4 points per game and lost two of their four defensive backs with interceptions to senior status. So there's definitely a need.
There is some criticism of Utah State here, too. However, Maryland is in the Big Ten and will draw significant attention regardless of record. This is more a question of how pivotal winning will be in Rhett's portal considerations.
2. Utah
The Utes were just 5-7, so immediately, the question is whether that also disqualifies or hurts their standing. Frankly, it might not. Utah's season felt like a fluke, as the Utes were expected to finish at the top of the Big 12. Utah won double-digit games in three of the last six seasons, so the road back is not hard to find.
Two of the six Utes with 2024 interceptions were seniors, so there's a possibility of playing time. Utah is significantly closer to home than Georgia, and Rhett could come home and help a proud program bounce back in 2025.
1. Notre Dame
How much did Rhett like Notre Dame? Enough that the Irish were originally his college choice before he moved on to Georgia. Two of the six players with interceptions for 11-1 Notre Dame are senior safeties. The Irish, of course, are in the CFP, so there's certainly still prestige in this proud program.
The question is whether Notre Dame will still be interested in Rhett. He's a three-year guy and they know him well. While Rhett hasn't done much in games to justify the Irish interest, he's still the same player they recruited two years ago and if they come calling, he might be back.
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