Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs continue to build elite 2026 recruiting class by landing nation's top defensive lineman

Johnson, 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, chose Georgia over other powerhouse schools, including the Texas Longhorns, Florida Gators, and Miami Hurricanes.  

“Georgia is DLU,” Johnson told On3. “They are all about development. What made Georgia No. 1 is the way they develop defensive linemen, my relationships with the coaches and the fit into their scheme. They run a great defense that really fits the way I play, so I know I can excel there. That is what it came down to."

On3 has Johnson ranked as the nation’s No. 1 defensive lineman and the No. 15 overall recruit from the class of 2026. 

Georgia Bulldogs 2026 Commits

Georgia currently boasts the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class and has 24 players committed to their recruiting class of 2026:

• 4-star EDGE Khamari Brooks
• 4-star Cornerback Chace Calicut
• 4-star Defensive Lineman James Johnson
• 4-star Wide Receiver Craig Dandridge
• 4-star Running Back Jae Lamar
• 4-star Linebacker Shadarius Toodle
• 4-star Offensive Tackle Ekene Ogbok
• 4-star Cornerback Caden Harris
• 5-star Kicker Harran Zureikat
• 5-Star Punt Returner Wade Register
• 4-star Offensive Lineman Zykie Helton
• 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 EDGE Corey Howard
• 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