🔴⚫ GEORGIA STUNNED: Five-Star RB Slips Away to SEC Rival in Major Recruiting Blow Ahead of 2026 Season
ATHENS, GA — In a recruiting twist that has left Bulldog Nation reeling, the University of Georgia has officially missed out on one of its top 2026 targets: five-star running back Darian “Jet” Caldwell, who announced his commitment to LSU in a nationally televised ceremony on Saturday evening.
The loss of Caldwell — a 5’11”, 205-pound back from Humble, Texas, known for his blistering speed, elite vision, and downhill running style — marks a rare recruiting stumble for Georgia, which has built a national reputation for producing NFL-caliber running backs.
🔥 A BACK BUILT FOR SATURDAYS
Caldwell, ranked No. 2 at his position and No. 14 overall in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, had long been viewed as a potential heir to the Georgia tailback throne once held by legends like Nick Chubb, Todd Gurley, and D’Andre Swift.
His junior season numbers were staggering: 1,978 rushing yards, 27 touchdowns, and a 6.9 yards-per-carry average in Texas 6A football. On tape, Caldwell blended raw explosiveness with polished patience — equally dangerous bouncing outside or bursting through the A-gap.
🟣 WHY LSU?
Though Georgia was considered the early front-runner, sources close to Caldwell’s camp say LSU head coach Brian Kelly and running backs coach Frank Wilson made an all-out late push, emphasizing immediate impact, offensive fit, and — notably — a strong NIL structure tailored for high-profile athletes.
> “Coach Kelly made it clear they weren’t just offering a jersey — they were offering a blueprint,” Caldwell said at the podium. “It just felt like home. Tiger Stadium. That energy. That opportunity.”
The decision came after a final unofficial visit to Baton Rouge, where Caldwell was seen on the sidelines during a closed scrimmage, in close conversation with multiple LSU offensive staffers and current players.
🐶 GEORGIA’S RESPONSE
Georgia’s staff, led by Kirby Smart and RB coach Dell McGee, had recruited Caldwell for nearly two years. According to insiders, they were “blindsided” by the last-minute pivot.
Still, the Bulldogs aren’t empty-handed. Georgia remains in strong standing with fellow five-star back Tariq Wallace from Florida and four-star bruiser Jalen Ricks out of Alabama — both of whom are scheduled to visit Athens in July.
> “It’s a setback, not a surrender,” one Georgia assistant told DawgNation. “We’ve lost top backs before and ended up with future stars. This is Georgia. The backfield will reload.”
🏈 LOOKING AHEAD
While the loss of Caldwell hurts — both symbolically and strategically — it also highlights the escalating arms race in SEC recruiting battles, particularly with NIL and early playing time becoming key decision-making factors.
For Georgia, it’s a reminder that even the most dominant programs can be humbled. For LSU, it’s a shot of momentum and a clear signal to the conference: The Tigers are back in the game — and hunting Bulldogs.
