Former Purdue wide receiver Nitro Tuggle has made it clear he’s doing more than browsing the transfer portal, and the South Carolina Gamecocks are firmly in the conversation. Tuggle, who previously spent time at Georgia before finding his footing at Purdue, took to social media to publicly acknowledge his visit to South Carolina, posting a photo taken with head coach Shane Beamer. Tuggle visited South Carolina on Jan. 6, according to a social media post from JGP Visuals.
@CoachSBeamer @GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/H16LbSUUG1
— SHOWTIME ! (@nitro_tuggle) January 7, 2026
Tuggle was a highly regarded four-star recruit out of NorthWood High School in Nappanee, Indiana, earning national recognition from 247Sports and Rivals. The 247Sports Composite ranked him as the No. 102 overall prospect nationally, the No. 20 wide receiver, and the No. 2 player in Indiana. Rivals rated him as the No. 127 player nationally, No. 23 receiver, and No. 3 prospect in the state.
College Career Progression
At Georgia, Tuggle began his collegiate career, playing eight games and recording three receptions for 34 yards as a freshman.
Tuggle transferred to Purdue for the 2025 season, where he became a more prominent part of the offense. Last season, he caught 34 passes for 500 yards and four touchdowns, finishing second on the team in receiving yards, emerging as a consistent contributor.
What Tuggle Brings to the Table
Tuggle has experience with both a top Power Five program and an FBS offensive opportunity at Purdue. His 2025 stats show that he can be a reliable part of a passing game, averaging 14.7 yards per catch and showing ability in contested situations. With two years of eligibility left, Tuggle offers a window of availability for offensive development.