4-star EDGE Darren Ikinnagbon commits to Georgia: ‘They just want to win’
Hillside (N.J.) four-star EDGE Darren Ikinnagbon received an offer from Georgia on Nov. 3. He eventually visited the Bulldogs three months later.
Ikinnagbon returned to Athens on Saturday for Georgia’s spring game. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass rusher left as the newest member of the Bulldogs’ 2025 recruiting class after committing to head coach Kirby Smart and his staff.
“It’s about the culture and the winning mentality that all the players had when I was talking to them,” Ikinnagbon told On3. “They just want to win. I think Georgia can go to the national championship. I am going to be surrounded by winners and people are going to push me the hardest every day and make me be my best self.”
Ikinnagbon, who chose Georgia over Ohio State, will take an official visit to the Bulldogs from May 31-June 2. While the No. 2 player in New Jersey still plans to take an official with the Buckeyes from June 21-23, he is locked in with Georgia.
“It really means a lot to me because they’re one of the top schools in the country and they could pick anybody ,” said Ikinnagbon, the No. 60 overall prospect and No. 7 EDGE in the 2025 On300. “They decided to say I’m their No. 1.”
Ikinnagbon is excited to play for Georgia’s coaches
After leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, Smart helped Georgia win 13 games and the Orange Bowl this past season. Ikinnagbon is excited to play for the Bulldogs’ head man once he gets to Athens.
“Coach Smart keeps it straightforward and he wants you to get after it on and off the field,” Ikinnagbon said. “He wants you to be a good player on the field and a good student in the classroom. He wants you to do good.”
Ikinnagbon is confident that Georgia will use him well in its defense and develop him for the NFL. One of the staffers who will work closely with him is outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who played a big role in his decision to choose the SEC program.
The four-star already feels comfortable speaking with Uzo-Diribe about how to solve problems. He also appreciates the advice he gets from the Bulldogs assistant.
“It’s been really good,” Ikinnagbon said. “We basically talk every day. That’s the college football coach that I have the closest relationship with. He’s been hitting me up and seeing if I’m doing good and I ask him questions. We keep talking.”