For the second consecutive season, Georgia has strategically tapped into the transfer portal to bolster its safety position. The Bulldogs first secured Khalil Barnes from Clemson, but it's the addition of Ja’Marley Riddle from ECU that's creating quite a stir in the offseason chatter.
Riddle, a standout at ECU, has been a defensive force over the past two seasons. In 2025, he racked up 70 tackles, snagged 3 interceptions, and added 6 pass breakups along with 4.0 tackles for loss.
His performance hasn't gone unnoticed, with CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer highlighting Riddle as a transfer to keep an eye on for the upcoming season. “Personnel staffers love his tape,” Hummer noted, emphasizing Riddle's tackling prowess, spatial coverage, and impressive ball skills.
Though Riddle might not yet be a household name among Georgia fans, the Bulldogs are confident in the value he brings. His connection with current Georgia tight end Elyiss Williams, a former high school teammate at Camden County, adds an intriguing layer to his arrival.
Georgia's safety lineup needed reinforcement after Ja’Corey Thomas completed his eligibility and Adrian Maddox, Jaden Harris, and Joenel Aguero transferred out. Returning to the fold are KJ Bolden, Kyron Jones, and Zion Branch, while the Bulldogs have also signed four safeties in their 2026 recruiting class. Expectations are high for Barnes and Riddle to make an immediate impact.
Barnes, with just one year of eligibility, and Riddle, with two, are set to play crucial roles. They're not the only new faces in the defensive backfield; cornerbacks Gentry Williams and Braylon Conley have also joined the ranks.
In total, Georgia added nine players through the transfer portal this offseason, the fewest in the SEC. However, the Bulldogs have prioritized quality over quantity.
As head coach Kirby Smart explained, “We don’t go after necessarily the flashiest, biggest guy. We go after the guy that fits - the guy that is a fit for us.”
Riddle's addition underscores Georgia’s meticulous approach to building a cohesive and effective roster.