Georgia Running Back Branson Robinson to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
Branson Robinson, once hailed as the next great Georgia running back, has decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, marking the end of a chapter that was full of potential but ultimately hindered by setbacks. The decision, confirmed by sources close to the situation, comes as the Bulldogs prepare for what could be another national championship run. For Robinson, it represents a fresh start and an opportunity to fulfill the promise that made him one of the most highly recruited running backs in the country just a few years ago.
A former five-star recruit out of Germantown High School in Madison, Mississippi, Robinson was widely regarded as a can’t-miss prospect when he signed with Georgia as part of the 2022 recruiting class. His powerful frame, explosive burst, and physical running style drew immediate comparisons to former Georgia greats like Nick Chubb and Todd Gurley. He looked the part from the moment he stepped on campus, quickly becoming a fan favorite during spring practices and scrimmages.
As a true freshman in 2022, Robinson showed flashes of his immense talent. He rushed for over 300 yards and two touchdowns that season, highlighted by a breakout performance against Auburn in which he bulldozed defenders en route to a 98-yard day. There was a growing buzz that Robinson could take over as Georgia’s feature back as early as his sophomore season, especially with the Bulldogs dealing with injuries and turnover in the running back room. Everything seemed to be trending in his direction until a devastating injury derailed his rise.
In August of 2023, just weeks before the season was set to begin, Robinson tore his patellar tendon during a team workout. The injury was both serious and rare, requiring extensive surgery and a long recovery process. It not only cost him the entire 2023 season but also raised questions about whether he would ever be able to recapture his pre-injury form. The Georgia coaching staff remained optimistic, continually expressing support and confidence that Robinson would return stronger than ever. But as the 2024 season approached, it became increasingly clear that the depth and talent within Georgia’s running back corps might make it difficult for him to find a significant role.
Even with Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards moving on, Georgia was reloading with elite talent. Sophomore Roderick Robinson II emerged as a legitimate threat in the backfield, and true freshman Nathaniel Frazier was already drawing rave reviews as a future star. The Bulldogs also had Branson’s former teammate, Andrew Paul, and added more competition through the portal. The writing, for all intents and purposes, was on the wall.
For Robinson, the decision to transfer is not an indictment of Georgia’s program but rather a personal and professional move aimed at reclaiming his career. He leaves Athens with nothing but respect for head coach Kirby Smart and the rest of the staff, who supported him through one of the most challenging years of his life. Sources say Robinson has been working tirelessly to return to full strength and is finally healthy enough to make a legitimate push for playing time at another Power Five program.
The decision to enter the portal comes at a time when running backs across the country are finding success in new settings. In recent years, players like Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama via Georgia Tech), Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State via Wake Forest), and Trey Benson (Florida State via Oregon) have used a change of scenery to elevate their games and boost their NFL Draft stock. Robinson will be looking to follow a similar path.
There will likely be no shortage of suitors for the Mississippi native. Several SEC and Big Ten programs are expected to inquire about his availability, particularly those in need of a physical back who can take over between the tackles. Schools with strong offensive lines and run-heavy systems could be particularly appealing, and Robinson’s familiarity with elite competition will make him a valuable asset wherever he lands. His versatility as a runner, along with his improved hands and pass protection during rehab, should give him a solid foundation to build on in his next stop.
Recruiting experts and scouts still believe Robinson can be a force in college football. The biggest question now is how well his body responds to the rigors of regular game action. The patellar tendon injury is no small obstacle, and while Robinson has reportedly looked good in non-contact drills, real in-game reps are the ultimate test. A spring or early fall camp with a new team will be crucial in determining just how close he is to regaining his top form.
In the modern era of college football, the transfer portal has become a lifeline for players looking to rewrite their narratives. For Robinson, it’s a chance to prove he’s not just a name from a recruiting class or a what-could-have-been story. He’s determined to show he still has the ability to be a lead back, to carry an offense, and to fulfill the promise that once made him one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.
Georgia, meanwhile, continues to be a machine of talent development. The Bulldogs are no strangers to losing high-profile players to the transfer portal, and their ability to reload each year is a testament to both recruiting and coaching. Robinson’s departure, while noteworthy, is unlikely to significantly impact Georgia’s short-term plans. However, it’s another reminder of how competitive the depth chart has become in Athens. Even elite-level prospects must constantly battle to see the field.
Kirby Smart has always emphasized competition, and the coaching staff has done everything in their power to manage the crowded running back room with transparency and support. Robinson’s injury made the situation more complex, but both sides appear to be parting on good terms. His decision is about fit, timing, and opportunity—factors that have reshaped the landscape of college football in recent years.
As the spring window for portal entries opens, Robinson’s name will be one of the most closely watched. His potential, pedigree, and physical gifts make him a rare find for programs seeking an immediate boost in the backfield. Coaches will be watching his recovery film, reviewing his freshman tape, and weighing whether they can help him take the next step.
It’s impossible to say for sure where Robinson will end up, but one thing is certain: he’s not finished. He’s had a taste of success, a brush with adversity, and now, a second chance. For a player of his caliber, that might be all he needs.
Robinson’s story is still being written. The next chapter may not be in Athens, but the book is far from closed. Fans of college football—and especially those who followed his journey at Georgia—will be watching closely as he begins his search for a new home. Wherever he lands, expect him to bring the same physicality, determination, and passion that once made him a household name in recruiting circles.
In a sport that demands perseverance, Branson Robinson has already proven he can fight through the toughest of times. Now, with the portal open and his health restored, he’s ready to fight for his future.
