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Kirby Smart and Georgia Bulldogs projected to flip 4-star Auburn commit's decision

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated May 20, 2025 9:23 AM ET

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs hosted nine recruits this past weekend for their annual "Scavenger Hunt" in Athens.

Among them was four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle, who has been verbally committed to rival Auburn Tigers since last July during Big Cat Weekend.

Toodle previously cited the Tigers' family-oriented culture and the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin as major factors in his decision. He stated that Auburn “felt like home” and praised the coaching staff for their player-first approach.

However, Smart and the Bulldogs may have changed his mind.

“Georgia is number one on my board," Toodle said following Georgia's big recruiting weekend, where he shadowed Georgia star Jalon Walker.

Getting Toodle to flip his decision certainly won't be easy, but it won't be impossible either. In fact, On3's Steve Wiltfond predicts it will happen.

FONG BOMB: On3’s @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Georgia to flip Auburn 4-star LB commit Shadarius Toodle

Intel: https://t.co/YS76QfswSZ pic.twitter.com/pUziD1N7MM
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 19, 2025

Toodle, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker from Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama, is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 class. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is ranked as the No. 168 overall player nationally, the No. 9 linebacker, and the No. 10 overall recruit in Alabama.

In addition to Georgia and Auburn, Toodle also holds offers from Michigan, LSU, and Miami, and several other top programs.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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