Georgia Bulldogs Make the Cut in Four-Star IOL Jared Smith’s Top Four Schools.

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful college football program, and securing top-tier talent is crucial to maintaining a team’s competitiveness year in and year out. For the University of Georgia, a school that has consistently ranked among the elite programs in college football, landing highly coveted recruits is just part of the formula. One recruit that could make a significant impact on Georgia’s future is Jared Smith, a four-star interior offensive lineman (IOL) from the class of 2025, who recently listed his top four schools — and the Bulldogs made the cut.

For head coach Kirby Smart and his coaching staff, securing the commitment of Jared Smith would be an important win, as the Bulldogs continue to strengthen their roster with high-caliber players capable of making an immediate impact. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Smith such a highly rated prospect, why Georgia is among his finalists, and what this recruitment could mean for the Bulldogs in the years to come.

Jared Smith: A Highly Sought-After Prospect

Jared Smith, a standout offensive lineman, has been turning heads since he first stepped onto the field. Playing for Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Georgia, Smith has displayed the skills and physical attributes that make him one of the top interior offensive linemen in the country. At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Smith possesses an ideal combination of size, strength, and mobility that is highly coveted by college programs.

Smith’s playing style is defined by his ability to dominate in both the run and pass games. His size allows him to create lanes for running backs, while his footwork and balance make him a reliable protector of the quarterback in pass protection. As a result, Smith is widely regarded as one of the most complete offensive linemen in the 2025 recruiting class.

As a four-star recruit, Smith has been consistently ranked among the top players at his position and in his class. His performance in high school, combined with his physical traits, has made him a target for some of the top college football programs across the nation. However, it’s not just his physical gifts that have earned him such recognition — his work ethic, commitment to improvement, and understanding of the game make him a special prospect with tremendous upside.

The Top Four Schools: Georgia Bulldogs Make the Cut

Jared Smith’s recruitment process has been highly competitive, with dozens of top-tier programs vying for his commitment. However, Smith has narrowed his list to four schools, and much to the delight of Georgia fans, the Bulldogs are among the lucky finalists. The other three schools on Smith’s list include Alabama, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.

Each of these programs offers something unique, making Smith’s decision a difficult one. Let’s take a look at why Georgia made the cut and how the Bulldogs stack up against the competition.

1. The Case for Georgia: Stability and Championship Pedigree

The Georgia Bulldogs have been one of the top programs in college football in recent years, consistently competing for national championships and SEC titles. Under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has become a perennial powerhouse, with a strong tradition of developing NFL-caliber talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. However, Georgia’s offensive line play has also improved significantly over the years, and the Bulldogs have made a concerted effort to recruit elite offensive linemen to protect their quarterbacks and create running lanes for their high-powered offense.

For Smith, Georgia offers the stability and success that comes with a championship-caliber program. The Bulldogs have been to the College Football Playoff multiple times in recent seasons and captured the 2022 national championship, cementing their status as one of the elite programs in the country. This success is appealing to a player like Smith, who wants to be part of a winning culture and contribute to a program with championship aspirations.

Moreover, Georgia’s offensive line development has been outstanding. Under offensive line coach Matt Luke, who has a proven track record of developing talent at positions like guard and tackle, Smith would have the opportunity to hone his skills in a program that prioritizes development. With Georgia’s recent success in producing NFL draft picks, such as Jamaree Salyer and Trey Hill, Smith can be confident that his time in Athens would put him on the path to reaching the next level.

2. Alabama: A Contender with Tradition

The University of Alabama, led by head coach Nick Saban, has long been a powerhouse in college football. The Crimson Tide has claimed multiple national championships under Saban, and their reputation for developing NFL talent is second to none. In particular, Alabama’s offensive line has been a consistent strength, churning out players who go on to succeed at the professional level.

For Smith, Alabama represents another opportunity to join a program with a rich history and a championship mindset. The Crimson Tide’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, both in the run and pass game, has been a hallmark of their success under Saban. Like Georgia, Alabama provides the chance to compete at the highest level and develop under one of the most respected coaching staffs in college football.

However, the decision to choose Alabama would likely come down to a combination of personal fit and the coaching staff’s ability to develop Smith’s skillset. Alabama has a strong tradition of winning, but Smith must weigh whether he believes that he would have the best opportunity to contribute and develop in Tuscaloosa.

3. Ohio State: A Tradition of Excellence and Offensive Innovation

Ohio State, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, has been one of the most dominant programs in the Big Ten and college football as a whole. The Buckeyes have long been known for their offensive firepower, and they’ve produced some of the top offensive linemen in recent memory, including Billy Price and Isaiah Prince. Ohio State has also produced a number of top-tier quarterbacks and skill players, giving their offensive line an important role in the team’s overall success.

For Smith, Ohio State represents a chance to play in a high-powered offense that is constantly in the spotlight. The Buckeyes have a reputation for being innovative and aggressive on offense, and their commitment to developing offensive linemen is a major selling point. Ohio State’s recent success, including making the College Football Playoff and winning Big Ten titles, makes it a strong contender for Smith’s commitment.

Ohio State’s appeal may also stem from the university’s overall reputation and academic excellence, which can provide Smith with a well-rounded college experience. The combination of a championship-caliber football program and top-tier academics may make Ohio State an attractive option for the four-star recruit.

4. Notre Dame: Tradition and Development

Notre Dame, one of the most storied programs in college football history, has long been a prestigious destination for recruits. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish have emphasized player development and building a strong culture. Notre Dame has been known for its strong offensive lines, and Smith would be joining a program with a long history of producing NFL-caliber talent, particularly at the offensive line position.

For Smith, Notre Dame offers the chance to play for a program with a storied tradition and a commitment to excellence. The Fighting Irish are consistently competitive, often finishing near the top of the rankings, and they offer a unique blend of high-level football and academic prestige. With a strong recruiting class and a track record of success, Notre Dame is certainly a viable option for Smith as he evaluates his next steps.

Why Georgia Stands Out

While each of Smith’s four finalists offers strong arguments for why they should be the choice, Georgia stands out for several key reasons. First and foremost, Georgia’s success on the field speaks for itself. The Bulldogs are not only a championship contender, but they have proven they can develop players into NFL-caliber athletes. The program’s commitment to building a strong offensive line, combined with their ongoing success, makes them an appealing destination for any recruit.

Additionally, Georgia’s culture of success and the opportunity to play in front of passionate fans at Sanford Stadium is a major draw. Smith would have the chance to be part of a team with a rich football tradition while competing for national championships. The Bulldogs’ ability to recruit elite players and their track record of developing talent make them a top contender for Smith’s commitment.

Jared Smith’s decision will be a pivotal moment in his recruitment process, and whichever school he chooses will benefit from his immense talent and potential. The fact that Georgia has made the cut in Smith’s top four is a testament to the program’s standing in the world of college football. As Smith evaluates his options, it will be interesting to see which factors weigh the most heavily in his decision — whether it’s the opportunity to contribute to a championship contender, the chance to develop under world-class coaches, or the fit within a program’s culture.

Georgia’s recruiting success, combined with its ongoing quest for championships, makes the Bulldogs a strong contender to land Smith’s commitment. Should he choose to join Kirby Smart’s program, he would be stepping into a dynamic offense that will continue to be a powerhouse in college football for years to come.