Highly Touted Star Puts Georgia on Notice

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated May 22, 2025 12:37 PM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs were off to a fast start with one four-star edge rusher in the 2026 recruiting class. But he hasn't felt love from the Bulldogs since his initial offer.

That's what four-star edge rusher Tristian Givens, a top 2026 Georgia recruit, told On3's Jeremy Johnson this week.

“I don’t too much talk to them even though I’m in the backyard, you feel me,” Givens said. “It’s all love with them, it’s nothing against them… It bothers me a little bit because I’m from Georgia, so it kind of messes with me just a little bit.”

A Columbus, Georgia, native, Givens is a consensus top 10 recruit in the state for the 2026 class. The 247 Sports composite rankings rated him the No. 6 Georgia prospect.

Givens grew up with a grandmother who is an Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Yet, he rooted for the Bulldogs during his childhood.

“I always grew up watching them, and I’m a Georgia fan,” Givens added. “I’m from Georgia, and ever since my grandma always watched Alabama, I watched Georgia.”

These factors contributed to Givens not feeling super fuzzy about the Bulldogs, even though they are his "dream school."

4⭐️EDGE Tristian Givens has a boatload of SEC options on his board including Georgia. The in state program is a dream school. #GoDawgs

Story: https://t.co/EHNhxwUIEW pic.twitter.com/Z2t2vfBt72
— DawgsHQ (@DawgsHQ) May 22, 2025

Perhaps because of how the Bulldogs have approached his recruitment, the Texas A&M Aggies hold an overwhelming lead for Givens in On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine. According to RPM, the Aggies have a 90% chance of landing the edge rusher.

Johnson reported that the Tennessee Volunteers, USC Trojans and Florida State Seminoles are also involved with Georgia.

The 247 Sports composite rankings rated Givens the No. 7 edge rusher and No. 63 overall recruit in the 2026 class.

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

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