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College Football Powerhouse Loses 17th Player To NCAA Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 12:38 PM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs have reasserted themselves as a juggernaut in NCAA football since head coach Kirby Smart returned to the university in 2016. Talent-rich Georgia claimed consecutive national championships in 2021 and 2022, and the Bulldogs returned to the College Football Playoff in 2024, where they lost to Notre Dame in the quarterfinals.

But the offseason has brought controversy to Smart's program. Last month, offensive lineman Marques Easley and wide receiver Nitro Tuggle were arrested in separate driving-related incidents in Georgia, two of more than 30 driving offenses involving Bulldogs players since January 2023.

For Tuggle, his arrest on misdemeanor charges of speeding and reckless driving signaled the end of his time with the Bulldogs program, as On3 reported Thursday that he is planning to enter the transfer portal.

BREAKING: Georgia WR Nitro Tuggle plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports

The 6’2 195 WR appeared in 6 games last season for the Bulldogs

Will have 3 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/ft12eSR8tA
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 17, 2025

Tuggle is a former four-star recruit out of Nappanee, Ind. As a freshman in 2024, Tuggle struggled for reps at first but ultimately took part in eight games; in a 31-17 home win over the Tennessee Volunteers on Nov. 16, Tuggle made two catches for 25 yards.

But Tuggle was not in a position where he could show off his length, athleticism, or ball skills very often against elite competition in the SEC. However, with three years of NCAA eligibility remaining, the 20-year-old should get plenty of opportunity yet when he finds his new home in the transfer portal.

For Georgia, Tuggle becomes the 17th Bulldogs player to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Though Smart gained commitments from wide receiver Zachariah Branch and safety Zion Branch after they entered the portal, Tuggle is the sixth prospect rated four stars or higher by 24/7 Sports to leave Georgia during this window -- a group that includes former five-star edge rusher Damon Wilson II.

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

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