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SEC Powerhouse Is 'One To Beat' For Nation's No. 2 TE

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 31, 2025 6:13 PM ET

Recruitment is nearing an end for class of 2026 five-star tight end Kaiden Prothro.

Prothro (6-foot-6, 210 pounds) is one of the most coveted players in the country. He ranks as the No. 2 tight end and the No. 42 recruit overall in his class (247sports).

The Bowdon (Georgia) High School product and multi-sport athlete posted 56 catches for 1,203 yards with and 22 touchdowns as a junior last season. On the hardwood, Prothro averaged 20.7 points, 16.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 2024, per MaxPreps.

Prothro is considering a handful of major SEC programs, including in-state Georgia, Florida, Auburn, Alabama and Texas. Each of Prothro's contenders finished with top-10 classes in the 2025 cycle.

Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart have the benefit of hosting Prothro on his first official visit of the summer over the weekend. And according to On3's Steve Wiltfong, the Bulldogs are the "one to beat" in Prothro's recruitment.

"He is no stranger to the Georgia campus," Wiltfong said. "The in-state recruit has spent a lot of time around Kirby Smart, Todd Hartley and this coaching staff. And I think Georgia is the one to beat going into official visits."

Prothro will also take an official trip to Alabama next weekend before visits to Auburn (June 10), Florida (June 13) and Texas (June 20).

"But Georgia – what they've done with the tight end position, offense, proximity to home, the way that they prioritize Kaiden, the way they prioritize the position in the offense – Georgia is in really good position coming into this visit," Wiltfong said.

Georgia currently sits fifth nationally and second in the SEC behind LSU with 11 commitments in the 2026 cycle.

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

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