Georgia trending for top in-state offensive lineman Juan Gaston

Florida State, Georgia, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, UCF and USC are among the biggest contenders for Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake four-star interior offensive lineman Juan Gaston.

Official visits are the next step in his recruitment, and he will be at Georgia from May 31-June 2, South Carolina from June 7-9 and Oregon from June 21-23. Texas and USC are also in the mix.

But only one school is trending right now in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), and it’s the in-state Bulldogs. After updated picks from recruiting insiders across the industry, UGA holds a substantial advantage over Gaston’s top eight schools.

“My top eight is really still the same,” Gaston told On3’s Chad Simmons last month. “Nothing is new there, but I am talking to Georgia, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee and USC the most out of the schools on my list. We talk a lot. I have good relationships with the coaches and they are schools I like a lot.” 

Gaston was back in Athens last month and is looking to return again before he takes his official visit in May. Auburn, meanwhile, is expected to host him this weekend for his second visit with Hugh Freeze’s staff.

For now, he plans to hold off on a commitment until his senior season, though an earlier decision isn’t out of the question.

“I am looking to make my decision around the middle of the season,” said Gaston, the No. 114 overall prospect and No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “What is important to me is my bond with the players on the team. My bond with the coaches is key too, but I do care about how I bond with the players a lot. When I go on visits, I hang out with the players and see how it goes.” 

Gaston discusses some of his top programs

Georgia: “At Georgia, I have good bonds with the players and the coaches. I know (offensive line) coach (Stacy) Searels well and he is a great guy.” 

Oregon and USC: “I haven’t been to any school on the West Coast yet, so I want to get out there and see what it is like. Both Oregon and USC have great programs, they sent coaches to see me at school and both schools have had great quarterbacks. I like what I have seen and know about them.” 

South Carolina: “South Carolina has a great campus, everything is close together and I like their coaches. I also have family in South Carolina, so that is nice.” 

Tennessee: (Glen) Elarbee is a good offensive line coach and he plays a big role in my interest in Tennessee. It is a good school with good fans and it is not far from home.”