'Huge Upgrade For Him' 'Not His Fault NCAA Changed the Rules': CFB Fans React as Kirby Smart's Former Recruit Leaves SEC for Big 12 Program

Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart's former recruit JaCorey Thomas has reportedly committed to the Big 12's West Virginia. The ex-Bulldogs safety entered the transfer portal on Friday after receiving another season of eligibility through a temporary restraining order. Thomas spent four seasons at Georgia from 2022-25. He played 14 games with eight starts in 2025, recording 45 tackles, 26 solo tackles and one sack. On3's Hayes Fawcett reported the news on X on Monday: [adslot] BREAKING: Georgia transfer Safety JaCorey Thomas has Committed to West Virginia, a source tells @On3 He totaled 63 tackles, 2 PD, and 1 sack in his time with the Bulldogs Thomas was granted a TRO last week for a 5th year of eligibility https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/RGLW1ZXKug — Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 7, 2026 Expand Tweet Fans shared their verdict on Thomas' decision to go from the SEC's Georgia to West Virginia. 'Huge upgrade for that young man,' one fan wrote. Huge upgrade for that young man — The Average Vols Fan (@BasedVols) September 7, 2026 Expand Tweet 'Good for him. It's not his fault the NCAA changed the rule after he exhausted his eligibility,' another fan added. Good for him. Its not his fault the NCAA changed the rule after he exhausted his eligibility. — EricBlair84 🏴 (@McLovin31555598) September 7, 2026 Expand Tweet 'This is exactly why these eligibility rulings matter for roster building. West Virginia just added a veteran safety with starting experience at Georgia in September. That's not a normal late-cycle pickup,' one fan remarked. This is exactly why these eligibility rulings matter for roster building. West Virginia just added a veteran safety with starting experience at Georgia in September. That's not a normal late-cycle pickup. — First Down Film Room (@1stDownFastBrks) September 7, 2026 Expand Tweet 'When is he ready to go?' one fan asked. When is he ready to go ? — Mark Jackson (@JJpistachio32) September 7, 2026 Expand Tweet 'Matt Sieg went to West Virginia to sit at the bench,' one fan reacted. Matt sieg went to West Virginia to sit at the bench — soy mulato (@Mray101102) September 7, 2026 Expand Tweet 'These dudes should have to wait till next season,' one fan added. These dudes should have to wait till next season — drew (@Cincyfan168) September 7, 2026 Expand Tweet Play out the entire college football season with PFSN's CFB Playoff Predictor to see what it means for conference standings and the CFB playoffs! Kirby Smart's Former Recruit's Journey From Georgia to Panthers to Mountaineers JaCorey Thomas was a four-star 2022 recruit from Boone High School in Orlando, Florida. He chose Georgia over several Power Five offers, including Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Tennessee, Penn State and West Virginia. [adslot] In the SEC championship game against Alabama, Thomas shone with a career-high six tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack. His eligibility was exhausted after the 2025 season. He attended the Carolina Panthers' rookie minicamp but did not sign an NFL contract. Among the members of the 2022 recruiting class entering a legal fight over eligibility for the 2026 season, Thomas has received a TRO that restores his eligibility for the time being. West Virginia pounced on the opportunity in the transfer portal. Meanwhile, Georgia's defense is moving forward with KJ Bolden, Kyron Jones and Khalil Barnes among its defensive-back options. In Thomas, West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez gets an experienced Power Five defensive back. His 6-foot, 205-pound size, along with four years' worth of experience in the SEC, makes him a threat for all Big 12 programs. Read More News: Trouble for Kentucky After Will Stein Denounces 'Sloppy' Scrimmage as Weather Becomes Talking Point 'Bye Brian Santiago': Fans Convinced of Issues Between Kalani Sitake and BYU AD After HC's 'Doing Most With Least' Comment College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men's college basketball, women's college basketball, and college baseball!