Texas A&M DB Jordan Pride Announces Intent to Enter Transfer Portal
Texas A&M defensive back Jordan Pride is looking for a fresh start. The redshirt sophomore announced Tuesday that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal during the upcoming 15-day window, which opens January 2 and runs through January 16. Pride still holds three full years of eligibility.
In a statement posted to social media, Pride expressed gratitude to the Aggie program, particularly to defensive backs coach Ishmael Aristide and head coach Mike Elko, for believing in him through adversity. Pride began his college career battling an injury as a freshman, but credited the staff and fanbase for their unwavering support during his time in College Station.
“Coming in and battling an injury as a freshman wasn’t easy,” Pride wrote. “But Coach Aristide and Coach Elko still took a chance on me, and I can’t thank them enough. To the fans - we can’t thank you enough for the support you showed us throughout my two seasons in Aggieland.”
While Pride’s time on the field was limited, his decision to move on comes with the hope of carving out a larger role elsewhere. Over two seasons with the Aggies, the 6-foot-1, 196-pound defensive back appeared in just two games and logged five defensive snaps, recording a single tackle - all coming during the 2025 season. He redshirted his true freshman year, and during that time, transitioned from safety to cornerback.
Pride was a member of Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class, flipping his commitment from Florida State before signing with the Aggies. Coming out of Blountstown High School in Florida, he drew solid recruiting marks.
247Sports rated him as a three-star prospect, ranking him the No. 63 safety and No. 87 player in Florida. The 247Sports Composite was even more favorable, giving him a four-star grade and slotting him as the No. 19 safety nationally, No. 30 player in Florida, and No. 228 overall.
Pride isn’t the only Aggie planning to test the portal. Reserve linebacker Tristan Jernigan also announced his intent to transfer, with that news breaking Monday.
However, under NCAA rules, players can’t officially enter the portal until January 2. Until then, they’re only allowed to declare their intentions publicly.
For Pride, the move marks a new chapter - and potentially a new opportunity to see the field. With three years of eligibility remaining, he’ll have time to develop and contribute at his next stop.