Sleeper Recruit Sends Strong Message on Georgia Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 1:14 PM ET

One 2026 defensive lineman described to On3's Jeremy Johnson that he grew up "a major supporter" of the Georgia Bulldogs. On June 18, the lineman participated in one of the program's camps in Athens, Georgia.

Yet, defensive lineman Colin Bussey suggested he never expected to have an opportunity to play for the Bulldogs.

But much to his surprise, Bussey will now get that chance. The Bulldogs made Bussey an offer after his camp workout.

“I was shocked, I didn’t know what to say,” Bussey told Johnson. “(They’re) number one, of course.”

Bussey adopted his admiration for Georgia football while watching games on television with his father. The defensive lineman, though, isn't just attracted to the Bulldogs because of his emotional attachment to the program.

“The development piece for sure (stands out the most),” Bussey added. “Man, I love the Georgia football program. They’re a winning program, they develop you as a player, and get you to the next level.”

Bussey also told Johnson that he was already learning new things from Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott, who extended the defensive lineman the offer.

Bussey doesn't have a star rating from recruiting websites. But Bulldogs recruiting insiders such as Dawg Nation's Jeff Sentell has touted the defensive lineman for his potential.

Class of 2026 DE at New Manchester i Douglasville picks earns a camp offer from the Dawgs.

Good size and potential ability here. https://t.co/WOSnM4jjUs
— Jeff Sentell (@jeffsentell) June 19, 2025

According to 247Sports , Bussey has received 19 offers, most of which are from smaller football schools. Besides, Georgia, the NC State Wolfpack and Oklahoma State Cowboys are the other Power 5 programs to make offers to the defensive lineman.

Johnson wrote that the On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine now considers Georgia the favorite, with a 39% chance, to land Bussey.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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