ACC Program Lands Another Georgia Transfer on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 5, 2025 3:31 PM ET

Another former Georgia Bulldog is headed to the ACC to play for former Kirby Smart assistant Fran Brown.

Brown helped the Syracuse Orange put together an impressive year in his first year as head coach in 2024 after serving as defensive backs coach at UGA.

The Orange hadn't won 10 games since 2018 before accomplishing that feat last season.

Syracuse previously overhauled its roster in the 2024 transfer cycle, signing 19 players and three former Bulldogs. This year's transfer class is taking a similar shape with 16 players in the fold, including the first Georgia transfer of the 2025 cycle for the Orange.

Former UGA cornerback Chris Peal committed to Brown and Co. on Monday after spending his first two seasons in Athens, per On3.

Peal (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) was originally recruited by Brown at Georgia before signing with the Bulldogs as a four-star recruit rated as the No. 21 cornerback in the 2023 class.

Injuries plagued Peal's short career at UGA, holding him to one appearance as a true freshman and four appearances last season with two total tackles.

BREAKING: Georgia transfer CB Chris Peal has committed to Syracuse, @Hayesfawcett3 reportshttps://t.co/kSYG7dYADj pic.twitter.com/J02UH5MPE5
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) May 5, 2025

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native will get a fresh start at Syracuse under the familiar direction of Brown. And, if Peal can stay healthy, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him carve out a key role.

Syracuse did witness a surge from former UGA wide receiver Jackson Meeks last season, as he led the team with 1,021 receiving yards after totaling just 132 yards over three seasons as a Bulldog.

Peal is expected to make his Syracuse debut when the Orange travel to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Tennessee on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: