Georgia adds elite Transfer Portal playmaker who’s ready to return home

Ja’Marley Riddle, a former standout safety with the East Carolina Pirates, announced his decision to commit to the University of Georgia on Friday.

Riddle, coming off his sophomore season with the Pirates, took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) confirming the next chapter of his collegiate career will continue in Athens with the Dawgs.

Georgia is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to the Ole Miss Rebels in the Sugar Bowl, but the focus has quickly shifted to rebuilding depth and addressing roster needs. In today’s college football landscape, there is little time to dwell on disappointment as the Bulldogs must turn the page.

Riddle becomes Georgia’s second defensive back the team has added through the Transfer Portal, joining former Clemson safety Khalil Barnes as the Bulldogs continue to strengthen and stabilize their secondary.

Over two seasons at East Carolina, Riddle emerged as one of the Pirates’ most productive defenders. In the 2025 season, he recorded 70 total tackles, breaking up six passes and pulling in three interceptions.

A Kingsland, Georgia native, Riddle was a three-star prospect coming out of high school. Listed by 247Sports at 6-foot, 182 pounds, he received just one FBS offer from East Carolina before developing into a versatile and dependable defensive playmaker at the collegiate level.

What Riddle Could Bring to Georgia’s Secondary

The Dawgs defensive staff have been active in reshaping the defensive backfield with NFL departures, graduations, and Transfer Portal movement. While Riddle’s exact role in defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann’s scheme remains to be seen, his production, experience, and versatility give him a clear opportunity to compete for snaps and provide immediate depth, particularly on the back end of the defense. 

As the offseason continues, Georgia will look to retain key contributors while continuing to add talent through the Transfer Portal in preparation for the upcoming season.