Georgia trending for a number of major 2025 targets

With the No. 1 recruiting class in 2024 locked in, Georgia’s focus has been on repeating the feat in 2025. The Bulldogs are already off to a hot start, with two commitments from projected five-star prospects and five pledges in total.

And among the other things that Kirby Smart and Co. have going for them, the Peach State is loaded with rising seniors, 33 of whom rank in the top 300 nationally. Georgia is already trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) for a few of those, including one of the nation’s top defensive linemen and linebackers.

Five-Star Plus+ DL Elijah Griffin

School: Savannah (Ga.) Christian Prep
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 3
On3 RPM: Georgia 92.1%, South Carolina 3.9%

Intel: “Leading up to this weekend, I have viewed Georgia as the favorite to land Elijah Griffin. After this weekend, the buzz is even higher around the Bulldogs. Griffin had his grandmother on campus for the first time. His younger sister loved it in Athens. His mother is very comfortable with the staff and Georgia continues to sit in a good spot for the No. 1 prospect in their state. After talking to sources, I have logged a pick for Georgia on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.” – Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting

5-star LB Zayden Walker

School: Ellaville (Ga.) Schley County
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 10
On3 RPM: Georgia 78.7%, Florida State 5.1%, South Carolina 4.4%

Intel: “At different times, there have been different programs competing with Georgia for the top spot on Zayden Walker’s list. But Georgia has always been right there at, or near the top. South Carolina was viewed as a strong contender early. Florida State has had Walker on campus numerous times. Miami came on over the summer. All three programs are still there, as are others, but early on, all are chasing Georgia.” – Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting

4-star IOL Cortez Smith

School: Snellville (Ga.) Parkview
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 160
On3 RPM: Georgia 95.4%, South Carolina 1.3%

Intel: “At different times, there have been different programs competing with Georgia for the top spot on Zayden Walker’s list. But Georgia has always been right there at, or near the top. South Carolina was viewed as a strong contender early. Florida State has had Walker on campus numerous times. Miami came on over the summer. All three programs are still there, as are others, but early on, all are chasing Georgia.” – Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting

4-star EDGE Isaiah Gibson

School: Warner Robins (Ga.)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 148
On3 RPM: Georgia 93.2%, South Carolina 2.1%

Intel: “Isaiah Gibson added an offer from Alabama on Friday and the Crimson Tide have his interest. Look for the four-star EDGE out of Warner Robins (Ga.) to make his way over to Tuscaloosa this spring. Heading into the spring, Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma and Oregon look to be high on Gibson’s list. He has visited each campus, he is working to lock in official visits with each program and when Gibson trims his list in the coming weeks, expect the Tigers, Bulldogs, Sooners and Ducks to be on it.” – Chad Simmons

4-star IOL Mason Short

School: Evans (Ga.)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 195
On3 RPM: Georgia 78.9%, Alabama 10.0%, Florida 2.9%

Notable Quote: “They have told me they love my film this year,” Short told BamaOnLine in November regarding the UGA staff. “They’ll always tell me ‘you must think we’re stupid in believing you are going to sign with Alabama.’ They think they have a good chance to flip me.

… I have a good relationship with Coach Searles and Coach Smart. Coach Smart calls me a lot. He texts me a lot. I am not only hearing from them; I hear it the hallways at my school from teachers and other students. I hear something about UGA at least once a day.”