Former Georgia TE Pearce Spurlin entering NCAA transfer portal

Former Georgia TE Pearce Spurlin is entering the NCAA transfer portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Spurling had previously retired from football due to a heart issue.

As a freshman in 2023, Spurlin played in eight games. He logged just three catches for 60 yards in his limited time.

As a member of the Class of 2023, Spurlin was a four-star recruit out of Santa Rosa Beach (Fla.) South Walton, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 17 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 tight end in the class and the No. 68 overall prospect in the class.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

“He’s going to have to take a medical disqualification,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said in March of 2024. “He will no longer be able to play football”

Pearce revealed that his pre-existing heart condition put him at a high risk when playing contact sports, in turn putting an end to his football career. As he thanked God, his teammates, his coaches, the doctors, and trainers for their recent support and impact on him throughout his career. Also adding that he will still be involved with the program and embracing a new role to support his coaches and teammates.

Pearce Spurlin to enter transfer portal in potential return to football

Georgia also released a comprehensive statement regarding Pearce’s condition, his decision to step away from football, and what his future in Athens will entail.

“Spurlin has a congenital heart condition that representatives from Georgia were aware of and that they have closely monitored,” the statement read. “Over time and after discussion and counseling with medical specialists, Spurlin and his family have made the decision that he will no longer play. He will remain on scholarship, continue with his studies at Georgia and work with the football team in another role”

“We care deeply for Pearce and he will remain on scholarship and part of our program,” Smart added. “Our tight ends coach Todd Hartley and the other tight ends hate for a person and a player like Pearce to not be part of their room, and they will continue to provide him with the support he needs as he goes through this transition.”

But as it stands, Spurlin’s entry into the transfer portal is a bit of surprise given previous news. But if he’s been given medical clearance to play football again, he’ll have two years of eligibility left, per Fawcett.