As the transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, 2026, several major programs will be searching for proven playmakers, especially tight ends. An intriguing player available is Georgia TE Pearce Spurlin, a former top recruit who is medically cleared and ready to return to the field.
Why Did Pearce Spurlin Hit the Transfer Portal?
Spurlin was medically disqualified at Georgia in March 2024 due to a cognitive heart condition. In August 2025, he underwent open-heart surgery, and this fall, he was officially cleared to play football again. However, the NCAA prevents a medically disqualified player from returning to the same institution, keeping Spurlin from entering the portal.
Now that he is fully cleared and available to play in 2026, the former No. 2 TE and No. 72 overall recruit in the 2022 class becomes a valuable tight end in the portal. Here are his five potential landing spots.
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has struggled the last two seasons and is looking to rebuild under head coach Mike Norvell. With several offensive players departing, there is an immediate opportunity for a reliable and athletic tight end who can stretch the field. This is exactly the player Spurlin was at the start of his college career. As a freshman playing only six games, he recorded three receptions for 60 yards.
Pearce Spurlin has ties to Florida as he played high school football at South Walton in Santa Rosa Beach. FSU recruited him heavily and offered him a spot on its 2023 roster. This would be a strong opportunity for him to return to the state where he finished high school.
Tennesse Volunteers
The University of Tennessee was another team that actively recruited Spurlin but fell short. The Volunteers could take another shot now that he is available.
Head coach Josh Heupel’s offensive system depends on a reliable tight end who can help create plays. The Volunteers have been actively recruiting tight ends, flipping Luca Wolf in November, and adding Spurlin would give them an experienced receiving weapon in SEC play.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Spurlin has deep family ties to Georgia Tech, with one of his great-grandfathers having played football for the Yellow Jackets, and family has always been one of his biggest decision-making factors.
Georgia Tech also fits his on-field profile, with head coach Brent Key and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner utilizing athletic receiving tight ends in their scheme. With the Yellow Jackets actively recruiting, Spurlin could step in as one of their top options.
If he wants to remain in Georgia and reconnect with family tradition, Georgia Tech could be an ideal fit.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina actively recruited Spurlin in high school under its former head coach. Under new head coach Shane Beamer, the tight end position has remained a priority, which would give Spurlin room to shine. With key offensive players leaving for the NFL draft and the portal, Spurlin would be able to contribute immediately.
The Gamecocks recently hired Kendal Briles as their offensive coordinator. Briles’s offenses create space and mismatches, which is a perfect role for a dual tight end-wide receiver player like Spurlin.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State was another one of Spurlin’s early high school offers. With roster turnover after the tenure of James Franklin, Matt Campbell is rebuilding.
Campbell’s Iowa State team frequently utilizes two tight ends. Penn State offers Spurlin a strong opportunity and a chance to develop long-term.
