Top high school football recruits in Georgia's 2026 class

The high school football talent level in the state of Georgia stacks up well against any other state in the country, 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 ten players among the top 100 and 45 total in the top 400. Below are the 10 best recruits in Georgia this cycle:

1. LB Tyler Atkinson

High School: Grayson
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 8

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 in January 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. CB Jorden Edmonds — Alabama commit

High School: Sprayberry (Marietta, GA)
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 22

Edmonds has skyrocketed up the rankings in recent months. In February, he sat outside the top 10 in the state and now checks in as one of the country’s top 25 prospects. He starred on both sides of the ball as a junior, hauling in 32 receptions for 648 and 4 TD on 20.3 yards per catch on offense. Defensively, he is a lockdown corner who also recorded 30 tackles and 1 TFL. In March, he committed to Alabama over Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC and others.

3. LB Xavier Griffin

High School: Gainesville
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 28

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Griffin was an early commitment to USC and another dynamic linebacker from inside the state’s borders. However, he backed off that pledge in May and is among the most coveted uncommitted recruits in the country. 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, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M

4. TE Kaiden Prothro

High School: Bowdon
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 30

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

5. DL Bryce Perry-Wright

High School: Buford
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 34

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

6. 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

7. WR Aaron Gregory — Texas A&M commit

High School: Douglas County
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 72

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

8. S Jordan Smith — Georgia commit

High School: Houston County
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 74

Smith checks in as one of the country’s best safety prospects, ranking No. 6 nationally at his position. As a junior, he totaled 85 total tackles, three TFLs, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He garnered more than two dozens offers, but ultimately chose to stay home and play for the home state Georgia Bulldogs in May.

9. 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

10. LB Brayden Rouse

High School: Kell
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 100

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Rouse stars as both a wideout and linebacker at the next level. As a junior, he pulled in 28 receptions for 382 yards and an impressive eight touchdowns. On the defensive side, he’s a menace for opposing offenses. Across 12 games, he racked up 111 total tackles, including 15 TFLs, to go along with 3.5 sacks and an interception. Alabama, Michigan, Texas and Tennessee are among the top schools involved with him.