College Football
Bernard Gooden Transfer Portal: UGA Leads From Ohio State & Penn State for USF’s DT
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Get to know David Evans betterPublished22 Apr 2025
Bernard Gooden is one of the most experienced defensive tackles available in the portal. After a strong 2024 season at USF—posting 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries—he’s now drawing attention from multiple playoff contenders. With Power Five programs reshuffling defensive fronts after key departures, Gooden has quickly become a priority target.
USF defensive line transfer Bernard Gooden is now ranked as the best available player in the transfer portal.
Posted 35 tackles and 10 tackles for loss last year. Also had the 15th-best run defense grade nationally among interior defenders, per @PFF.https://t.co/sJANocow8m https://t.co/y2PffcCsRN pic.twitter.com/a9Rr6uru0g
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 22, 2025
Why Georgia Leads for Bernard Gooden
- Georgia’s defensive tackle room is young and currently dealing with injuries.
- Presumed starter Christen Miller missed spring with a shoulder injury.
- Jordan Hall, Xzavier McLeod, and Elijah Griffin are all underclassmen with limited reps.
- Gooden fits the Bulldogs’ 4–2–5 scheme, which leans on quick, disruptive interior linemen.
- NFL prospects.
Kirby Smart doesn’t usually rely on transfers to anchor his defensive front, but this is a unique case. Gooden brings Power Five-level production and physicality, and he could immediately push for playing time in Athens. With Miller sidelined and questions around the depth chart, Georgia offers the clearest path to high-leverage snaps for a veteran looking to boost his draft stock.
Penn State a Fit for Gooden
- Zane Durant is locked in at one DT spot, but the other is wide open.
- Alonzo Ford Jr. is returning from injury, and Kaleb Artis hasn’t solidified himself.
- Penn State’s system favors active linemen who can penetrate and cause backfield disruption.
Gooden would walk into a legitimate position battle in Happy Valley. He wouldn’t be handed a starting job, but the opportunity is there. Penn State also rotates its defensive line heavily, giving him a clear path to reps and exposure.
Ohio State Still in the Mix for Gooden
- Both starting defensive tackles from the 2024 national title team have moved on.
- Current options—Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald—are talented but unproven.
- Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia wants his interior linemen to collapse the pocket and disrupt timing.
Gooden would add veteran reliability to a unit that’s now banking on upside over experience. If he’s looking for a program where he can compete at the highest level and contribute to another title run, Columbus makes sense.
Gooden Set to Land at Championship Contender
Georgia is the frontrunner, but Penn State and Ohio State remain firmly in the chase. All three offer a path to playing time and national relevance, but Georgia’s immediate need and NFL development pipeline may give them the edge.
