Georgia wide receiver Nitro Tuggle has officially transferred to Purdue after entering the NCAA transfer portal, he confirmed to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. His time in the portal was brief, signaling a quick decision to make a new start elsewhere.
Tuggle’s departure comes during a period of personal turmoil, as he was arrested in mid-March on misdemeanor charges for reckless driving and speeding. His incident is part of a troubling trend involving several Georgia football players in recent years.
This spring wasn’t Tuggle’s first brush with the portal. He had entered during the winter window but ultimately decided to return to Georgia. After going through spring practices, however, he reconsidered and chose to leave the program permanently.
As a freshman from Indiana, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound receiver was a four-star recruit who joined Georgia in the spring and saw action in seven games. He made a modest impact statistically, catching three passes, including two for 25 yards in a notable win over Tennessee. His performance in that game earned him one of the highest offensive grades for the Bulldogs.
Tuggle’s role in Georgia’s offense became more prominent late in the season due to issues within the receiver group. With Rara Thomas dismissed before the season and Colbie Young facing legal problems, Tuggle found himself getting more opportunities.
Dillon Bell, who was expected to help fill the void, also dealt with injuries, pushing Tuggle further into the spotlight. The freshman stepped up when called upon and contributed when Georgia needed depth at the position.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart praised Tuggle’s resilience and growth, especially after the Tennessee game. He acknowledged that the freshman had experienced frustration at times but was improving through practice and showing a strong desire to contribute.
Smart noted that Tuggle’s development was part of the natural learning curve for young players. He saw promise in the receiver’s effort and acknowledged how valuable his reps against elite defenders were for his progress.
Tuggle’s talent also earned the respect of his teammates. Defensive back Daylen Everette complimented Tuggle’s quickness off the line and credited their daily battles in practice with helping both players improve.
As a recruit, Tuggle was a top talent in the 2024 class, ranked No. 127 overall by the On3 Industry Ratings. His move to Purdue offers a new chapter for a player whose potential was evident, despite the rocky road at Georgia.
Leave a Reply