In a move that underscores Georgia’s growing dominance in college football recruiting, 2026 four-star cornerback Chace Calicut has officially committed to the Bulldogs, choosing Athens over powerhouse programs Texas and Michigan. The announcement, made during halftime at the OT7 Finals in South Florida, marks a pivotal moment in Georgia’s recruiting surge and sends a clear message: the Bulldogs are building something special in the secondary.
Calicut, a standout from Galena Park North Shore High School in Houston, Texas, is ranked among the top defensive backs in the nation. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he brings elite length, physicality, and versatility to Georgia’s already stacked 2026 class. Though listed as a safety by some recruiting services, Georgia plans to deploy him as a cornerback—capitalizing on his ability to press, cover deep routes, and disrupt passing lanes with his rangy frame.
What makes Calicut’s commitment even more compelling is his mindset. In an era where NIL deals often dominate recruiting headlines, Calicut made it clear that his decision was rooted in development and long-term vision. “I would definitely say I’m leaving a couple thousands off the table, hundred thousands, I’d say… I’m choosing a college that will prepare me for the NFL,” he told Rivals. That kind of maturity and focus is exactly what Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and defensive backs coaches Donte Williams and Travaris Robinson look for in elite prospects.
Georgia wasn’t always the frontrunner. Calicut had been silently committed to Texas before his official visit to Athens changed everything. The coaching staff’s presentation, the culture of accountability, and the proven track record of sending defensive backs to the NFL flipped the script. Calicut described the visit as transformative, saying it felt like home the moment he stepped on campus. That feeling, combined with Georgia’s reputation for maximizing player potential, sealed the deal.
This commitment adds to Georgia’s impressive haul in the secondary for 2026, joining top-100 recruits Justice Fitzpatrick, Jordan Smith, and Caden Harris. The Bulldogs now have six defensive backs committed, showcasing their ability to attract elite talent across the board. Calicut’s pledge also pushes Georgia’s class into the top tier nationally, further solidifying its status as one of the hottest recruiting programs in the country.
For Dawg Nation, Calicut’s decision is more than just another star on the board—it’s a reflection of the program’s values. Georgia isn’t just selling facilities or NIL packages; it’s selling a pathway to greatness. Calicut’s choice to prioritize development over dollars speaks volumes about the culture Kirby Smart has built.
As Calicut prepares to graduate early and enroll in January, his commitment is locked in. No more visits. No wavering. He’s a full Dawg now. And with his arrival, Georgia’s defensive future just got a whole lot brighter. 🐾
