During this offseason, Georgia has bolstered its roster with the nation’s top recruiting class, according to 247Sports, marking the third time Kirby Smart has secured the No. 1 class (in 2024, 2020, and 2018). Georgia has consistently amassed talent, finishing no worse than sixth in recruiting rankings under Smart, and no lower than fourth with a class he had a full year to assemble. At last week’s SEC Media Days, Smart discussed the challenges he’s faced in recruiting throughout his tenure as Georgia’s head coach.
Smart reflected on his recruiting experience, noting, “The home base I get to recruit from has always been a topic of discussion since my time working for him for nine years,” referring to his stint as an Alabama assistant under Nick Saban. “Georgia produces many talented football players. At Alabama, we had excellent starters from Georgia, and we’ve also had a few players from Alabama who performed well for us.”
“The geographical advantage means kids often prefer to stay close to home,” Smart said. “Finding the right fit is key, but local players who want to stay and play for Georgia take great pride in that. Georgia’s high school football programs are exceptional, providing a steady stream of skilled players.”
Smart has adeptly navigated shifts in the recruiting landscape, including the Early Signing Period, the Transfer Portal, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. “The biggest changes have been the portal and NIL,” Smart acknowledged. “Now, a player wanting to stay local has the option to travel to schools like Oregon or USC, with those programs covering travel expenses. That flexibility is a significant advantage.”
Georgia football is also strengthening its secondary with a new 2026 commitment. Jontavius Wyman, a four-star defensive back from Jonesboro, GA, committed to Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs early Saturday morning. Wyman, who stands 5’11” and weighs 170 pounds, recorded 37 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and 5 interceptions as a sophomore, earning the Georgia Region 3-AAAAAA Player of the Year title.
Wyman shared his enthusiasm with UGASports.com after receiving an offer on May 8, saying, “It’s a winning program. They provide support for life after football. They help you even after your playing days are over. Their defense is exceptional, and they use their corners in various roles like man coverage, zone, and blitzes. It’s a great system that produces top corners for the NFL. Coach Donte (Williams) and Coach T-Rob (Travaris Robinson) have a strong track record with great players.”
Ranked as the No. 12 cornerback and No. 154 overall recruit for 2026, Wyman chose the Bulldogs over schools like Oregon, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. Additionally, he has track experience, with personal bests of 12.16 seconds in the 100-meter dash, 24.17 seconds in the 200-meter dash, and a 5’4″ long jump from his freshman year.
