Georgia is looking to become the first program since Alabama in 2014-15 to finish No. 1 overall in the On3 industry's football recruiting rankings two years in a row. The Bulldogs missed out on a title in 2024 and signed 23 blue-chip players, including five five-star prospects.
This time around, there will be stiff competition from the likes of Ohio State and LSU, who have already committed to three five-star recruits. But Georgia has been busy this cycle, and UGA plans to make the most of it by targeting a number of elite recruits in the state.
The Bulldogs have already garnered a few spots on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) and are trending big.
Five Star Plus+ DL Ilya Griffin
On3 industry ranking:No.4
On3 RPM: Georgia 96.8%, South Carolina 1.5%
intel: “Until this weekend, I saw Georgia as the frontrunner to acquire Griffin. After this weekend, the Bulldogs will get even more buzz. Mr. Griffin welcomes his grandmother to campus for the first time. His sister loved it in Athens. His mother is very comfortable with the staff and Georgia continues to be well positioned as the No. 1 prospect in the state. With sources. As a result of our conversation, I recorded Georgia's nomination. On3 recruitment prediction machine” — Chad Simmons, Director of Recruiting, On3 (January 15)
5-star LB Zyden Walker
On3 industry ranking:No.16
On3 RPM: Georgia 77.0%, Florida 5.0%, South Carolina 4.3%, Miami 3.6%
intel: “At different times, there were different programs competing with Georgia for the top spot on Walker's list. But Georgia was always at or near the top. South Carolina was seen as a strong contender from the beginning. Florida State welcomed Walker to campus multiple times. Miami came along over the summer. All three programs are still around, as are the others, but all were early on. Chasing Georgia. I like where the Bulldogs sit for Walker and put the pick in for the Bulldogs. On3 recruitment prediction machine” — Chad Simmons, Director of Recruiting, On3 (September 17, 2023)
4 Star EDGE Isaiah Gibson
On3 industry ranking:No.37
On3 RPM: Georgia 96.0%, South Carolina 1.1%
intel: “Gibson is familiar with Georgia's staff and could go to Athens with some frequency early in his recruitment, filling a huge need for the Dawgs as a potential EDGE or 5-technique depending on how he does it.'' I'm satisfied.' I'm fulfilled. From where I sit right now, everything is in Georgia's favor. Let's say this is a 60% chance for now. ” — Jake Reuse, DawgsHQ.com (March 5)
4-star WR Travis Smith
On3 industry ranking:No.99
On3 RPM: Georgia 95.4%, Auburn 1.4%
intel: “Georgia is in a good position early in the new year. Smith has visited Athens more than six times. He is familiar with the culture down there. kirby smartAthene's talent appeals to him and he already feels like part of the family.
brian mcclendon I also spent a lot of time with Smith over the weekend. The two have a strong relationship. The Bulldogs tend to be one of the best teams in the Peach State because of their connections, location, Georgia consistency, and buzz from the weekend. I recorded the Georgia pick in his On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. ” — Chad Simmons, Director of Recruiting, On3 (January 16)
4 stars SAF Lagonza Hayward
On3 industry ranking:No.113
On3 RPM: Georgia 84.4%, Florida 5.0%, Alabama 4.3%, Tennessee 2.7%
intel: “I put a candidate in Georgia to safely land Toombs County (Lyons, Georgia).” Lagonza Hayward. Georgia offered the 6-foot, 1,198-pound prospect last month. Hayward has become quite friendly with co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Travaris Robinson over the past six weeks. One of Robinson's first stops was Toombs High School, where he visited with his four-star talent. Heyward is being pursued by many other programs, and he appears to have a lot of interest in playing wideout. Georgia likes Robinson at safety, as evidenced by their placement to recruit him. My confidence in this nomination is at 60% for him. ” — Jake Rowe, DawgsHQ.com (March 5)
4 stars EDGE Darren Ikinnagbon
On3 industry ranking:No.118
On3 RPM: Georgia 91.7%, Pennsylvania 3.6%, Rutgers 2.1%
intel: “Ikinagbong came in after an evaluation period. Georgia made him a priority and went ahead with the recruitment. The Bulldogs are in a good position and this will be his first official visit. There's a reason for that. Ikinnagbon fits into Georgia's dominant culture. He also spoke openly about the program with Georgia at the top of the board. That's the main reason I recorded my predictions here. That’s one of the reasons.” — Jeremy Johnson, DawgsHQ.com (March 5)
