South Carolina added a notable piece to its offense Friday night, securing former Purdue wide receiver Nitro Tuggle through the transfer portal. His arrival gives quarterback LaNorris Sellers a proven receiving option following Tuggle’s strong 2025 season.
Tuggle saw action in all 12 games for Purdue and started 11 times in his only year in the Big Ten. He totaled 34 catches for 500 yards and four touchdowns, finishing second on the team in receiving yards and leading the Boilermakers in touchdown receptions. He showed steady production throughout the year, recording at least three receptions in seven games.
Several of Tuggle’s top performances came against quality opponents. He posted a season-high 80 receiving yards on five catches in the finale against Indiana. He also totaled 69 yards against USC and 66 yards versus Notre Dame, finding the end zone in both contests. Additional solid efforts included games against Minnesota (three catches for 58 yards) and Washington (three for 57 yards).
Originally a member of Georgia’s 2024 recruiting class, Tuggle began his college career with the Bulldogs. As a true freshman, he appeared in eight games and recorded three receptions for 34 yards. Coming out of NorthWood High School in Indiana, he was regarded as a four-star recruit, ranked No. 127 nationally in the 2024 class by the Rivals Industry Ranking and listed among the top 25 wide receivers by multiple services.
After an indefinite suspension at Georgia, Tuggle transferred to Purdue, where he quickly emerged as the team’s second-leading receiving option. Following one season with the Boilermakers, he entered the portal and visited both South Carolina and Vanderbilt before committing to the Gamecocks. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Tuggle is South Carolina’s second wide receiver pickup from the transfer portal this offseason and the program’s 10th total transfer addition for the 2026 cycle. He joins a class that includes recent wideout commit Jayden Gibson, multiple offensive line additions, and several defensive transfers. Former Purdue offensive lineman Hank Purvis is also part of the incoming group.
The Gamecocks return several key contributors at wide receiver, including Nyck Harbor, Jayden Sellers, and Donovan Murph. With Sellers, Harbor, and standout EDGE Dylan Stewart all expected back in 2026, South Carolina hopes to rebound after a 5–7 finish last season, despite opening the year ranked No. 13.
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