Georgia Bulldogs' Ja'Marley Riddle Among Top Under-the-Radar Transfers in CFB

Bulldogs safety Ja'Marley Riddle expected to make immediate impact on Georgia's defensive secondary.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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According to a major college football outlet, the Georgia Bulldogs have one of the most under-the-radar transfers portal players in the nation this season. Ja'Marley Riddle, a safety who previously played for East Carolina, is expected to bolster the Bulldogs' defensive secondary after transferring to Georgia in the offseason.

Why it matters

The Georgia Bulldogs saw several departures from their secondary this offseason, so Riddle's addition is crucial as the team looks to maintain its defensive dominance in the SEC. Riddle's impressive stats and playing style at East Carolina have drawn comparisons to other Georgia defensive standouts, and he is expected to make an immediate impact on the Bulldogs' defense.

The details

Riddle was a two-year starter at safety for East Carolina, where he recorded over 130 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and 6 interceptions. Despite suffering an injury in ECU's bowl game, Riddle's tape has impressed personnel staffers, who praise his sure tackling, coverage ability, and ball skills. At 6'0" and 182 pounds, Riddle is expected to seamlessly transition to the Bulldogs' defensive scheme.

  • Riddle transferred to Georgia in the offseason.
  • Riddle and the Bulldogs will make their season debut on September 5 against Tennessee State.

The players

Ja'Marley Riddle

A safety who previously played for East Carolina and is now transferring to the Georgia Bulldogs, where he is expected to make an immediate impact on the team's defensive secondary.

Georgia Bulldogs

The college football team that Ja'Marley Riddle is transferring to, as they look to replace several departures from their secondary this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Riddle suffered an injury in ECU's bowl game, which may have contributed to him flying under the radar. But personnel staffers love his tape. The 6-foot, 182-pound safety is a sure tackler, covers a ton of space and has shown excellent ball skills with three interceptions in each of his underclassman seasons.”

— Chris Hummer, CBS Sports Writer (CBS Sports)

What’s next

Riddle, along with a handful of other Georgia additions, are expected to make their Bulldogs debut on Saturday, September 5 when the team faces Tennessee State and their season opener.

The takeaway

Ja'Marley Riddle's transfer to the Georgia Bulldogs could prove to be a major coup for the team, as they look to bolster their defensive secondary and maintain their status as one of the top programs in the SEC. Riddle's impressive stats and playing style at East Carolina have drawn comparisons to other Georgia defensive standouts, and he is expected to make an immediate impact on the Bulldogs' defense this season.