The Georgia Show: Chad Simmons on Georgia and the 2026 cycle
What’s the national buzz around the recent Georgia recruiting tear?
We’re joined by the always excellent Rivals Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons in this edition of the Georgia Show, and he’s giving the inside scoop on the shockwaves the Bulldogs have sent through the college football recruiting landscape with their insane run last week. Simmons has been in the game as long as anyone, and even he was taken aback by how the Dawgs put this one together, landing impressive, elite recruits on a daily clip. The main driver? It’s clear it was development, something the Bulldog coaches have been able to sell as hard and as well as anyone out there right now. Aside from NIL, there is no hotter topic on the lips of recruits than getting ready for the league, and Kirby Smart and company have proven themselves adept at preparing the nation’s best.
Who are we not talking about enough in this class?
Yes, there’s buzz around all those who just jumped aboard, but there are some hidden gems in this recruiting class that Chad has his eyes on. Starting things off, he dove in on Lincoln Keyes, a longtime committed tight end, and there’s much to love about what the Bulldogs have in this pickup. From his natural swagger and competitiveness to a great frame, Simmons has been impressed with Keyes at each and every turn. Of course, of the recent commits, there’s Khamari Brooks, who Simmons sees as one of the top prospects in the country on the defensive side of the ball, regardless of position. Safe to say Georgia landed a monster there. Lastly, we wrap it up with thoughts on Jordan Smith, a quiet, no nonsense defender from middle Georgia who plays with the nasty edge that should make him a natural fit in Kirby Smart’s secondary.
Looking ahead for Georgia recruiting…
There’s still more meat on the bone this month, with the likes of Brayden Fogle, Tyriq Green, and Kaiden Prothro set to commit. How do the Dawg stand in those races? Of course, everyone will want to know what’s up with Tyler Atkinson, and he certainly gets his shoutout in this one. Where do things sit for the coveted defender? Atkinson will also likely go a long way to determining who is the nation’s top class. Can Georgia finish atop the rankings? We covered it all.
