Branson Robinson’s Fresh Start: Former Georgia Bulldog Running Back Transfers to Georgia State
In a significant move within the collegiate football landscape, former University of Georgia running back Branson Robinson has officially signed with Georgia State University. The announcement, made on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, marks a new chapter for the highly touted athlete who seeks a prominent role after a career at Georgia hampered by injuries and a deep running back room. Robinson’s decision to join the Panthers also reunites him with a familiar face and influential figure from his recruitment: Georgia State’s head coach, Dell McGee.
McGee, who served as the running backs coach for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2016 to 2023, was instrumental in Robinson’s initial commitment to the powerhouse program. Their established relationship undoubtedly played a crucial role in Robinson’s choice as he navigated the transfer portal in search of a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his talents. For McGee, the addition of a player with Robinson’s pedigree and potential is a significant boost to his Georgia State program as he enters his second season at the helm.
Robinson arrived in Athens as a highly coveted four-star recruit in the 2022 class, ranked among the top running backs and overall players in the nation. Hailing from Germantown High School in Mississippi, where he also achieved state championships in powerlifting, Robinson brought a rare blend of power and athleticism. As a true freshman for the Bulldogs in 2022, he provided glimpses of his potential, rushing for 330 yards and three touchdowns across 12 appearances. His standout performance came against Auburn, where he tallied a season-high 98 rushing yards, and he also contributed two touchdowns in Georgia’s dominant national championship victory over TCU.
However, Robinson’s trajectory at Georgia faced significant hurdles due to injuries. A ruptured patellar tendon sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. While he returned to the field in 2024, he was limited to six games before an MCL sprain against Mississippi State ended his season prematurely. In those six games, Robinson recorded 25 carries for 73 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his nose for the end zone despite the limited opportunities. He also showcased his versatility by catching six passes for 33 yards.
The combination of injury setbacks and the consistently high level of talent in Georgia’s running back room created an environment where consistent playing time was challenging to secure. With players like sophomore Nate Frazier, who led the team in rushing in 2024, and other promising talents emerging, Robinson opted to seek a situation where he could have a more significant impact.
Georgia State, under the leadership of Dell McGee, presents an ideal landing spot for Robinson. McGee’s familiarity with Robinson’s abilities and his offensive philosophy suggest that Robinson will have a prime opportunity to compete for a leading role in the Panthers’ backfield. While Georgia State has a history of productive running backs, the addition of a player with Robinson’s SEC experience and raw talent injects a new level of excitement and potential into their offense.
Historically, Georgia State has seen several running backs achieve significant success. Players like Tra Barnett and Marcus Carroll have recorded seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards, and Tucker Gregg holds the program record for career rushing touchdowns. The Panthers’ offense has shown the capacity to feature a primary ball carrier, and Robinson possesses the skillset to potentially become that focal point.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly vital avenue for players seeking new opportunities and for programs looking to bolster their rosters quickly. Robinson’s move is a testament to this evolving landscape of college football, where established players can find new homes where their talents might be more readily utilized.
For Georgia, the departure of Robinson opens up a scholarship spot and further reshapes their already talented running back depth chart. They have also utilized the transfer portal to add Illinois running back Joshua McCray, indicating a proactive approach to maintaining a strong stable of ball carriers.
Branson Robinson’s transfer to Georgia State carries significant implications for both the player and the program. For Robinson, it’s a chance to revitalize his career, showcase his abilities as a potential lead back, and reunite with a coach who believes in his talent. For Georgia State, it’s the acquisition of a high-potential player with SEC experience who could significantly elevate their offense and contribute to their aspirations in the Sun Belt Conference. As the 2025 season approaches, the football world will be watching to see the impact of this transfer and whether Robinson can seize this new opportunity to fulfill the promise he displayed early in his career. His health will be a key factor, and if he can remain on the field, the combination of his talent and McGee’s guidance could lead to a productive and impactful tenure at Georgia State.
