GEORGIA STARTING QB won’t be available for opener against Arkansas.

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom got the news as he stepped off the practice field Wednesday that projected Georgia starting quarterback Jamie Newman won’t be available for the season opener against the Razorbacks on Sept. 26.

Newman, a transfer from Wake Forest, announced Wednesday he was opting out of the season to prepare for the NFL Draft.

The Razorbacks are just more than three weeks away from facing the Bulldogs.

“We’re going to have to really study that,” Odom said on a video call. “I heard that news before I walked into the room. So, that maybe changes the dynamics of who they are.

“I know personnel wise what they have, and I know what I’ve gone up against the last few years. They’ve been a very disciplined, tough football team that attacks you in every area. We’ll get on that this weekend for sure, heavy. And into next week, starting for us defensively at least, trying to gather our thoughts on what maybe gives us the best chance.”

Writing on his Twitter account, Newman said his decision was made in part due to “the uncertainties of this year amid a global pandemic.”

Newman passed for 2,868 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and rushed for 574 yards and 6 touchdowns last year while leading the Demon Deacons to an 8-5 record in his first season as a starter.

Newman’s decision leaves the Georgia quarterback race open, though Southern Cal transfer JT Daniels is the likely front runner. While Daniels has been practicing during camp, Georgia Coach Kirby Smart said last weekend he had not been fully cleared to engage in game situations yet.

The NCAA’s decision to grant Daniels immediate eligibility with the Bulldogs now takes on greater meaning. Daniels passed for 2,672 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a starting freshman at USC in 2018. He suffered a knee injury in the 2019 season opener and was lost for the year.

Stetson Bennett, a former walk-on who was Jake Fromm’s top backup last year, and redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis are also possibilities.