Arizona State strengthens secondary with Arkansas transfer Nigel Pringle

The Arizona State Sun Devils are still in the process of re-modeling their backfield and have officially picked up cornerback Nigel Pringle as a transfer from the University of Arkansas. Pringle signed on January 17, 2026, and will join the program before the next season.

Player Profile

Pringle arrives in Tempe as a long, athletic cornerback with significant developmental upside. He is a native of Houston, 6-foot-2 and 177 pounds, and can provide the size and range that Arizona State prizes on the perimeter.

• Position: Cornerback
• Previous School: Arkansas
• Hometown: Houston, Texas
• 2025 Season: Played eight games and got two tackles.

Role in ASU Rebuild defensively

There has been a high turnover rate in the secondary of Arizona State, and the head coach, Kenny Dillingham, and his staff members are keen to fill the vacancy aggressively using the transfer portal. Pringle is also transferring with other defensive backs, Chance Rucker and Ashton Stamps, which would give the young defensive force some depth and competition.

Although his performance on the field at Arkansas was poor, Pringle is considered a prospect with potential. His stature, physical appearance, and experience in an SEC program are good bases to develop in the ASU system.

Prospects of Versatility and Special Teams

Besides playing cornerback, Pringle has some potential worth in special teams. As a high school student, he played in the field as a kick returner, where, in his senior year, he managed to score two kickoff returns. Thus earned two kickoff return touchdowns. The latter would enable Arizona State to consider other uses for him other than the secondary.

Having several years of eligibility left, Nigel Pringle is a long-term investment for the Sun Devils. His size, athleticism, and versatility can make him an asset to the team in the future as Arizona State reconstructs its defensive identity.