Kirby Smart, Georgia get terrible news on prized transfer Amaris Williams

The Georgia Bulldogs had to have been ecstatic when outside linebacker Amaris Williams committed to them via the transfer portal.

Williams transferred to Georgia after spending 2024 and 2025 with the Auburn Tigers.

He was a five-star recruit in the class of 2024, ranked as the No. 5 EDGE in the country, according to 247Sports. He played in 11 games at Auburn as a redshirt freshman, totaling 16 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks last season.

Williams was a great addition for Kirby Smart in the transfer portal this past winter, but both Williams and the Bulldogs got bad news on Wednesday.

According to Graham Coffey of Dawgs Central, Williams will miss the entirety of the 2026 college football season after tearing his ACL in practice on Tuesday.

Georgia Bulldogs lose OLB Amaris Williams for 2026 season

"The injury came towards the end of the practice, with Williams trying to work on a pass rush move in a non-contact situation," Coffey reported. "The knee buckled under Williams, and further diagnosis revealed the torn ACL. The expected recovery timeline for Williams is 9-12 months, which would mean he will not play for Georgia in 2026."

This is a big loss for UGA, because Williams was expected to be an important depth piece behind Quintavius Johnson at outside linebacker in 2026. The Bulldogs were also undoubtedly hoping that they could tap into Williams' unlimited potential in this upcoming season.

As a senior in high school coming out of Clinton, North Carolina, Williams had notched 40 tackles (20 for loss) and 11 sacks. 

He was ranked as the No. 4 EDGE available in the 2026 transfer portal, according to 247Sports.