Georgia Making Big Push to Poach Rival's Star Commit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated May 19, 2025 9:48 PM ET

One of the top linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class is already committed to the Auburn Tigers. But the Georgia Bulldogs aren't out of the race.

In fact, four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle visited Athens, Georgia for a fifth time this past weekend. After the visit, Toodle told On3's Chad Simmons that he remains "very high" on the Bulldogs.

It's possible Georgia is now even in the lead.

"It is still fresh off the visit, and he has an official visit to Auburn scheduled for June 13, so nothing is expected to happen before then, but we are told that Kirby Smart‘s program made a significant move this weekend," wrote Simmons.

The linebacker has seen a lot of Georgia lately. Bulldogs defensive coaches Glenn Schumann and Chidera Uzo-Diribe visited Toodle in his home last week.

The Bulldogs defensive coaching staff also visited Toodle in January.

“Georgia’s consistency and how authentic they are have been there since day one,” a source told On3.

Simmons reported that Toodle has spent a lot of time with former Bulldogs linebacker and Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Jalon Walker as well.

Shadarius Toodle and Jalon Walker pic.twitter.com/08DXbhhNk7
— 704 Dawg (@FSFRecruits) May 18, 2025

Simmons added the linebacker has cancelled an official visit to the North Carolina Tar Heels and is not expected to visit the Florida Gators either.

It's possible the Baylor Bears are still involved, but Simmons wrote the Bulldogs are "a true threat" to the Tigers, particularly with Georgia's momentum.

The 247 Sports composite rankings have Toodle rated as the No. 9 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class. The same ratings also have the linebacker as the No. 10 Alabama prospect and No. 168 overall recruit in the class.

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

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