Recruiting status: Where Does UGA Football Sit With 5-Star Targets?
The Georgia Bulldogs have firmly established themselves as a dominant force in college football recruiting, consistently securing top-tier talent to bolster their roster. As the 2025 recruiting cycle progresses, UGA remains a formidable contender for several elite five-star prospects. Here’s an in-depth look at where Georgia stands with some of its most coveted targets.
1. Elijah Griffin – Defensive Line
Elijah Griffin, a 6’4″, 290-pound defensive lineman from Savannah Christian Prep, is ranked as the No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 4 overall prospect in the 2025 class. Griffin committed to Georgia in October 2024, choosing the Bulldogs over USC and Miami. His decision was influenced by Georgia’s commitment to player development and the longstanding relationship he had with Head Coach Kirby Smart, who began recruiting him in eighth grade.
2. Isaiah Gibson – EDGE Rusher
Isaiah Gibson, a 6’5″, 230-pound edge rusher from Warner Robins, Georgia, is considered the top-ranked edge rusher in the 2025 class. After initially committing to USC, Gibson decommitted and chose Georgia over other programs like Ohio State. His commitment adds significant depth to Georgia’s defensive front seven.
3. Zayden Walker – Linebacker
Zayden Walker, a 6’1″, 225-pound linebacker from Ellaville, Georgia, has been a frequent visitor to Georgia’s campus, attending nearly a dozen times. The Bulldogs are considered the frontrunners in his recruitment, with predictions favoring Georgia in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. Walker is expected to make a commitment soon, and Georgia is in a strong position to secure his services.
4. Justus Terry – Defensive Line
Justus Terry, a 6’5″, 275-pound defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, was previously committed to Georgia before decommitting and pledging to USC. However, he has since decommitted from USC and is now reconsidering his options. Georgia is once again a strong contender in his recruitment, and analysts predict that he may choose the Bulldogs once more.
5. DJ Pickett – Defensive Back
DJ Pickett, a 6’4″, 180-pound defensive back from Zephyrhills, Florida, is ranked as the No. 2 player at his position in the 2025 class. After visiting Georgia during their game against Tennessee, Pickett was impressed by what the Bulldogs have to offer. With the departure of Julian Humphrey to the transfer portal, Pickett could see significant playing time early in his career at Georgia.
6. Kevin Wynn – Defensive Line
Kevin Wynn, a 6’2″, 320-pound defensive lineman from Greensboro, Georgia, has been committed to Florida State since June but has recently taken visits to other colleges, including Georgia. With Florida State’s struggles during the season, Georgia is looking to capitalize on the opportunity to bring Wynn into their fold.
7. Tyler Atkinson – Linebacker (2026 Class)
Although part of the 2026 recruiting class, Tyler Atkinson, a 6’2″, 215-pound linebacker from Loganville, Georgia, has been a frequent visitor to Georgia’s campus. He attended games against Clemson, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, and has met with Head Coach Kirby Smart and Defensive Coordinator Glenn Schumann. Atkinson is currently ranked as the No. 7 recruit in the nation and the top linebacker in the 2026 class.
The University of Georgia continues to be a powerhouse in college football recruiting, with a strong presence in the 2025 and 2026 classes. The Bulldogs are well-positioned to secure commitments from several elite five-star prospects, further solidifying their status as a national championship contender. With a combination of in-state talent and national recruits, Georgia’s future looks exceptionally bright.
