Kirby Smart silences doubters with Georgia's latest wave of recruit locks

Heading into the offseason, questions began to surface about whether Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs could maintain their recruiting dominance in the ever-evolving NIL landscape.

However, any lingering doubts should be put to rest after Georgia’s latest recruiting wave of lockdowns. Even after missing out on five-star offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell, the Bulldogs have proven they’re still a powerhouse. 

"If there were any doubts about Georgia Bulldogs recruiting maintaining momentum as College Football moves into the revenue sharing era, they have all been silenced now," A to Z Sports college football analyst Travis May said. Georgia has had seven top-tier recruiting commits since the start of May. Three commits shutting down their recruitment, going all-in on Georgia in the last week alone.

"Kirby Smart recognized the team's lack of depth throughout the last two offseasons and he's doing something about it. Georgia's dynasty is here to stay if they keep recruiting like this."

Just in the last 48 hours, three of the Bulldogs’ top commits, wide receiver Brady Marchese, cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick, and safety Jordan Smith, officially shut down their recruitments.

Despite earlier plans to visit other top programs, all three prospects have reaffirmed their commitment to coach Smart and the Bulldogs.

Marchese, who had shown some recent interest in Michigan, declared Georgia as “home” and canceled his remaining visits. Fitzpatrick called off a planned trip to Ohio State. Smith, one of the top safeties in the nation, also backed off scheduled visits to Florida and Tennessee.

With these commits' decisions, Georgia not only locks in three elite talents but also sends a strong message about their program amid the NIL era.

Georgia Bulldogs 2026 Commits

Georgia currently boasts the nation’s No. 6 recruiting class and has 13 players committed to their recruiting class of 2026:

• 4-star Wide Receiver Vance Spafford
• 4-star Cornerback Justin Fitzpatrick
• 4-star Defensive Lineman Carter Luckie
• 4-star Wide Receiver Ryan Mosely
• 4-star Safety Jordan Smith
• 5-star Quarterback Jared Curtis
• 3-star Offensive Tackle Graham Houston
• 3-star Offensive Lineman Zachary Lewis
• 4-star Tight End Lincoln Keys
• 3-star Safety Kealan Jones
• 3-star Defensive Lineman Seven Cloud
• 4-star Safety Zech Fort
• 3-star Wide Receiver Brady Marchese