Top Georgia high school football recruits for the 2026 class

The high school football talent level in the state of Georgia continues to skyrocket, with dozens of Peach State players considered to be among the nation’s most sought-after recruits.

In the 2025 class, the state had a whopping 36 players ranked among the nation’s top 300, second only to Florida (37) and Texas (42). And that’s despite having one-half the population of the Sunshine State and one-third of the Lone Star State’s numbers.

2026 looks to be another banner year for talent, with nine players among the top 100 and 36 total in the top 300. Below are the 10 best recruits in Georgia this cycle:

1. LB Tyler Atkinson

High School: Grayson
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 9

Atkinson is a multi-time high school All-American already and is one of the nation’s most ballyhooed recruits. He participated as a junior in the Navy All-American Bowl last month after a 2024 campaign where he totaled 166 tackles, (32 TFLs), 46 quarterback hits, 13 sacks, an an interception. Top Offers: Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida State

2. LB Xavier Griffin

High School: Gainesville
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 25

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Griffin is an early commitment to USC and another dynamic linebacker from inside the state’s borders. In addition to being a star on the gridiron, he’s also an All-Region basketball pick. Despite dealing with injuries in 2024, he racked up 43 tackles and six sacks, and is primed for a huge senior year. Top Offers: USC, Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M

3. TE Kaiden Prothro

High School: Bowdon
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 33

Prothro is a quarterback’s dream, standing in at 6’6 with exceptional leaping ability and soft hands. He was a top performer earlier this month at Under Armour’s camp in Atlanta, and is also a standout baseball and basketball player. He burst onto the football scene this fall with 1,203 yards and 21 touchdowns on 56 receptions for Bowdon. Top Offers: Texas, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia

4. WR Aaron Gregory

High School: Douglas County
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 48

A 6-foot-3, 170-pound wideout, Gregory is one of a handful of elite prospects on Douglas County’s loaded roster. He hauled in 53 passes, totaling 914 yards and nine touchdowns this fall. That comes on the heels of a strong sophomore campaign where he notched over 700 yards and eight TDs as well. Top Offers: Texas A&M (commit), Nebraska, Alabama, Arkansas, Miami, Michigan

5. EDGE Tristian Givens

High School: Carver
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 49

Givens is one of the country’s most impressive two-way athletes, playing wide receiver and defensive end while checking in at 6’4 and over 200 pounds. He is primarily projected to play the latter at the college level, and teams across the country are breaking down his door to sign him. Top Offers: Florida, Florida State, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee

6. DL Bryce Perry-Wright

High School: Buford
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 57

Playing for state and national powerhouse Buford, Perry-Wright has developed a reputation as an elite defensive line prospect. He was extremely disruptive to opposing offenses in 2024, collecting 57 total tackles, 13 TFLs, nine sacks and 17 quarterback hurries. Top Offers: Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, South Carolina

7. EDGE Jordan Carter

High School: Douglas County
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 60

Another early commit to Texas A&M out of Douglas County, Carter is one of the prizes of the Aggies’ recruiting class. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder has been a monster at the prep level, notching 146 tackles, 30 of them for loss, as well as 28 sacks over the past two seasons. Top Offers: Texas A&M (commit), Georgia, Auburn, Clemson, Alabama

8. DL Deuce Geralds

High School: Collins Hill
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 70

Geralds is one of the state — and the country’s — most coveted linemen, holding more than two-dozen offers already. He was a one-man wrecking crew as a junior for Collins Hill, rolling up 114 tackles, 30 TFLs, 13 sacks and 36 quarterback hurries. Top Offers: Ohio State, Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma

9. WR Devin Carter

High School: Douglas County
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 76

An early Auburn pledge, Carter put up strong numbers as a junior despite also playing alongside Aaron Gregory. In 14 games, he notched 41 catches, 669 yards and five touchdowns while also spending some time returning kicks. Top Offers: Auburn (commit), Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, LSU

10. CB Dorian Barney

High School: Carrollton
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 94

Carrollton was well-known for its offense in 2024 led by quarterback Julian Lewis, but Barney was a standout on the Trojans defense that helped them get all the way to the state title game. He made an early commitment to Alabama but has since backed off that. And he is now one of the nation’s top corners on the market. Top Offers: Texas A&M, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida State