Georgia football lands ECU transfer safety Ja’Marley Riddle

Georgia strengthened the back end of its defense with the addition of East Carolina safety Ja’Marley Riddle, who announced his commitment to the Bulldogs on January 9.

Feels great to be home, Go DAWGS! #NATTY pic.twitter.com/vs5PqWIss6

— Ja’Marley Riddle (@JRiddle22_) January 9, 2026

The move continues Kirby Smart’s aggressive push to rebuild depth and experience in the secondary through the transfer portal, and Riddle arrives as one of the most productive Group of Six defensive backs available. The Camden County native returns to his home state after two standout seasons with the Pirates, where he posted 134 tackles, six interceptions, and double‑digit pass breakups across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

BREAKING: Georgia has landed a transfer commitment from standout East Carolina safety Ja’Marley Riddle.

The Georgia native is coming home.https://t.co/PfjNTzUQQv via @on3sports

— Jed May (@JedMay_) January 9, 2026

Riddle led ECU in tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups last season, earning American All-Conference First Team honors. His versatility stands out: he’s a willing tackler in space, a steady coverage defender, and a proven special‑teams contributor. At 6-foot and 182 pounds, he brings the physicality and instincts Georgia covets at safety.

He becomes Georgia’s second transfer safety addition this cycle, joining former Clemson standout Khalil Barnes, and the third defensive back overall added through the portal. With JaCorey Thomas departing and depth still unsettled, Riddle steps into a room where early playing time is very much on the table.

On Thursday, Georgia bolstered its roster with the addition of three portal transfers — Auburn defensive lineman Amaris Williams, Georgia Tech wide receiver Isiah Canion, and USC cornerback Braylon Conley.