Georgia defensive back Chris Peal enters transfer portal

Georgia defensive back Chris Peal has entered the NCAA transfer portal, becoming the Bulldogs’ first defensive player to depart during the spring window.

Peal, a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining, spent two seasons in Athens but never carved out a consistent role in Georgia’s crowded secondary. He appeared in five games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, recording two tackles.

Originally a four-star signee in Georgia’s 2023 recruiting class, Peal was rated the No. 234 overall player in the country and the No. 8 prospect in North Carolina by 247Sports. He committed to the Bulldogs over offers from Michigan, NC State and South Carolina.

Peal redshirted as a freshman after battling a foot injury in fall camp. He made his debut in Georgia’s Orange Bowl win over Florida State and earned praise from teammates for his growth despite the setback.

“He’s a very smart kid. Big, fast, can cover,” former-cornerback Kamari Lassiter said last December. “There’s not very much he can’t do. Once he gets comfortable within the defense, he’s going to be great.”

That opportunity never materialized, though.

Peal saw some first-team reps at safety early this spring but was ultimately sidelined by another injury and missed Georgia’s G-Day scrimmage while wearing a sling. He appeared to be behind JaCorey Thomas in the competition at safety and did not factor heavily into either secondary battle.

Peal becomes the 16th Georgia player to enter the transfer portal this offseason and the fourth to do so since the spring window opened on April 16, joining wide receiver Nitro Tuggle, running back Branson Robinson and offensive lineman Marques Easley.

Georgia has brought in nine transfer players this offseason to ease the burden, including three defensive backs in Adrian Maddox (UAB), Zion Branch (USC) and Jaden Harris (Miami).

Due to SEC transfer rules, Peal will be unable to transfer to another conference school without sitting out a season.

The NCAA’s spring transfer window closes April 25.