Georgia has recorded its first transfer portal entry on the official opening day, marking the third overall this season. Freshman wide receiver Nitro Tuggle informed On3’s Hayes Fawcett of his intention to enter the portal after participating in seven games for the Bulldogs this season. He follows redshirt sophomore cornerback Julian Humphrey and former USC transfer wide receiver Michael Jackson III in making this decision.
A four-star recruit from Indiana, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Nitro Tuggle joined Georgia in the spring and appeared in seven games for the Bulldogs. He tallied three receptions, including two for 25 yards during Georgia’s victory over Tennessee, where he ranked as the third-highest graded offensive player in the impressive win.
This season, Tuggle has been a key part of Georgia’s receiver rotation, particularly in recent games. The preseason dismissal of Rara Thomas and the ongoing legal troubles of Colbie Young impacted the Bulldogs’ depth at the big-bodied X-receiver position. Both players were expected to play significant roles, and their absence led to Dillon Bell being moved out of position. When Bell suffered an injury, the 6-foot-1 Tuggle stepped in to fill the gap.
“Nitro has responded well. He’s been working hard and had a solid practice today,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart commented when asked about Tuggle’s performance following his appearance against the Volunteers. “I think he gained some confidence from that experience, going up against a strong defense and showing some good things. But to be fair, he faces a tough defense every day in practice. There have been moments of frustration for him—he’d openly admit that he wants to play and contribute. All freshmen want to be on the field.”
“He’s a really good player. Competing against him is fun. He probably has one of the best releases, which helps me because I know what to expect and try to stay patient,” said Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette about Tuggle. “It’s like iron sharpening iron—he’s getting better, and I’m getting better. It’s just fun to go up against him. I can see his improvement, just like I said earlier. Everyone’s getting better.”
Tuggle was one of two freshman receivers on the team this season, alongside Sacovie White. Georgia signed five wide receivers in the Class of 2025, including two top-100 prospects (five-star Talyn Taylor and four-star CJ Wiley). However, the Bulldogs are expected to lose several receivers this offseason. Colbie Young and Dominic Lovett will have used their final year of eligibility in 2024, while Rara Thomas and Michael Jackson III each had one year remaining. Thomas was dismissed in the preseason, and Jackson couldn’t break into the rotation, redshirted, and has now announced his intention to transfer. Neither will be returning next season. Arian Smith, now in his fifth year, still has eligibility but could choose to go pro. This has made the receiver position a top priority in both high school and transfer portal recruiting, and Tuggle’s decision only underscores the need for reinforcements.
