Why former Georgia TE Pearce Spurlin is unable to return to UGA

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A former medically retired Georgia Bulldog is coming out of retirement, but he won’t be playing for the Bulldogs. Tight end Pearce Spurlin III announced he’s entering the transfer portal on his social media account. Spurlin III is the second player from Georgia to enter the transfer portal with defensive back Daniel Harris announcing his decision shortly after the Georgia Tech game.

Spurlin III was the No 2 tight end and No. 72 prospect in the class of 2022 when he signed with the Georgia Bulldogs. The 6-foot-7, 230 pounder was a stud prospect came out of South Walton High School in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He was expected to be one of the understudies for Brock Bowers once he declared for the draft in 2023.

Unfortunately, Spurlin III time in Georgia came to an abrupt end. After playing in six games as a freshman, he was forced to medically retire from football in March 2024 due to a congenital heart condition.

However, after Spurlin III had successful open heart surgery in Aug. 2025, doctors cleared him to play again. Georgia’s moved on from Spurlin III, who is still part of the Bulldogs’ program despite him not playing. However, Spurlin III has to transfer since he medically retired.

“I have received full medical clearance to return to play this game I love,” Spurlin said via social media.

Despite Oscar Delp being out of eligibility, Georgia could still have Lawson Luckie, Jaden Reddell, Colton Heinrich, Elyiss Williams, and Ethan Barbour once he recovers from his injury next season. The Bulldogs also loaded up on tight end from the 2026 recruiting class, signing four-stars Kaiden Prothro, Lincoln Keyes, and Brayden Fogle.

The transfer portal opens on Jan. 2, 2026 and will close on Jan. 16. Georgia doesn’t play until Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl, but if the Bulldogs make the national championship, then players would have five days after the championship game to enter the portal.

“Although I am not able to return to play here at UGA per NCAA rules of medically disqualifying, my time at Georgia has been nothing but special,” Spurlin said upon announcing his intentions to transfer.

Pearce Spurlin announces transfer plans

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia TE entering transfer portal, after miraculous return

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