ATHENS — Georgia’s depth in the secondary took another hit Monday as rising sophomore Major Burns entered the NCAA’s transfer portal.

Burns, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety from Baton Rouge, La., made the announcement on his social media account. It is not immediately apparent where Burns might he headed.

An early enrolled freshman last year, Burns played sparingly in his only season with the Bulldogs. He appeared in six games as a backup and special teams contributor and finished with 5 tackles.

Burns exited Georgia’s spring practice this year as a second-string safety behind Lewis Cine and Christopher Smith. He was the Red team’s second-leading tackler in the G-Day Game with six stops.

Burns attended Madison Prep Academy and becomes the second signee out of LSU’s backyard that the Bulldogs have been unable to hold on to. Redshirt freshman receiver Makiya Tongue, who attended University High in Baton Rouge, entered the portal last December and has since transferred to Oregon State. Redshirt freshman DB Daran Branch of Amite, La., remains with the team.

Georgia’s overall numbers in the defensive secondary are a bit concerning. Burns’ departure means the Bulldogs have only 10 scholarship defensive backs to field the five positions in the secondary. One more incoming freshman will join the team in June in 4-star signee Kamari Lassiter of Savannah.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Miami quarterback Carson Beck (right) scrambles in the first half against Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The former Georgia star was 20-of-31 passing for 205 yards and two touchdowns in his first game for the Hurricanes, a 27-24 win over the Fighting Irish. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

An aerial view captures a large area under construction for a new data center campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Developed by QTS, the data center campus near Fayetteville is one of the largest under construction in Georgia. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez