In a significant development for the University of Georgia football program, junior punter Noah Jones has announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This move comes shortly after starting punter Brett Thorson confirmed his return for the 2025 season, signaling a shift in the Bulldogs’ special teams lineup.
Background and Career at Georgia
Noah Jones enrolled at Georgia in 2021, bringing with him a strong pedigree from his high school days. Throughout his tenure with the Bulldogs, Jones participated in Georgia’s G-Day spring scrimmage multiple times, showcasing his skills and potential. However, despite his efforts, he did not see regular-season game action during his time at Georgia.
His most notable opportunity came during the 2024 Sugar Bowl when starting punter Brett Thorson suffered a significant knee injury in the SEC Championship Game. This injury led to a competition for the punter position, with Jones vying for the starting role. Ultimately, freshman Drew Miller secured the position, punting four times for 159 yards (39.8 yards per punt) in the Sugar Bowl. With both Thorson and Miller returning for the 2025 season, the punter position at Georgia appears well-established.
Statement and Future Plans
Expressing gratitude for his time at Georgia, Jones took to social media to announce his decision: “Thank you Coach Smart, Coach Cochran, Coach King, Coach Ray, Coach Benidict and the University of Georgia for the past four years and the opportunity I was given!! With that being said, I am entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining!”
This statement underscores Jones’s appreciation for the coaching staff and the university, while also indicating his intent to seek opportunities elsewhere for his final year of eligibility.
Implications for Georgia’s Special Teams
Jones’s departure adds to a series of changes within Georgia’s special teams unit. Earlier, wide receiver and return specialist Mekhi Mews, who had been a walk-on, entered the transfer portal. Mews had made significant contributions during the 2024 season, including a notable 69-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ball State, marking Georgia’s first punt return for a score since 2018. His exit further depletes the depth in Georgia’s special teams personnel.
Additionally, wide receiver and returner Anthony Evans also entered the transfer portal. Evans, a former four-star recruit, had been a dual-threat as both a receiver and a return specialist, contributing significantly to Georgia’s special teams efforts.
Looking Ahead
As the Bulldogs prepare for the 2025 season, the coaching staff will need to address these departures within the special teams unit. The return of Brett Thorson provides stability at the punter position, but the team will need to evaluate and develop new talent to fill the gaps left by Jones, Mews, and Evans.
The transfer portal continues to play a pivotal role in shaping college football rosters, offering players opportunities to find programs that align with their aspirations and providing teams with avenues to strengthen their squads. For Noah Jones, this move represents a chance to seek increased playing time and contribute to a program where he can make a more significant impact.
Noah Jones’s decision to enter the transfer portal marks a notable shift in Georgia’s special teams landscape. As the Bulldogs navigate these changes, the focus will be on integrating new talent and maintaining the high standards of performance that have become synonymous with Georgia football. The coming months will be crucial as the team prepares for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the 2025 season.
