4-Star Defensive End Prospect Narrows College Choice to Georgia Bulldogs and LSU Tigers
In a development stirring excitement across SEC recruiting circles, 4-star defensive end prospect Marcus “Tank” Holloway has officially named the Georgia Bulldogs as one of his final two preferred destinations, alongside the LSU Tigers. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound pass rusher from Cedar Ridge High School in Dallas, Texas, revealed his decision during a live interview Wednesday evening, sending ripples through the national recruiting landscape.
“I’ve built strong relationships with the staffs at both Georgia and LSU,” Holloway told reporters after a summer workout session. “These are two championship-level programs that can develop me as both a player and a man. It’s not an easy decision, but I’m close to knowing where I belong.”
Holloway, ranked No. 7 among defensive ends in the 2025 class according to 247Sports Composite, boasts a rare combination of size, explosiveness, and technique. His senior season was marked by 72 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and three forced fumbles — numbers that sparked attention from nearly every major program in the country, including Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas. But it’s the SEC powerhouses Georgia and LSU that have risen to the top of his list.
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs have prioritized Holloway since his sophomore year, regularly sending defensive line coach Tray Scott to Dallas. Holloway took two unofficial visits to Athens this past spring, raving about Georgia’s new training facilities, academic support staff, and the camaraderie among the defensive front.
“Coach Smart sees me fitting in like Travon Walker or Jalen Carter — versatile, disruptive, and dangerous off the edge or inside,” Holloway said. “They showed me film breaking down exactly how they’d use me in their scheme. That meant a lot.”
Meanwhile, LSU has made an equally compelling case. Under new defensive coordinator Blake Baker, the Tigers have emphasized an attacking 4-3 front that suits Holloway’s aggressive style. His official visit to Baton Rouge in May featured one-on-one meetings with head coach Brian Kelly and past Tiger greats like Marcus Spears, who shared their experience of life on and off the field at LSU.
“Baton Rouge feels like family, and the energy at Death Valley is real,” Holloway admitted. “They want me to be the next great Tiger defensive lineman — they even let me hold the 2019 National Championship trophy.”
Recruiting analysts suggest Georgia holds a slight edge, citing Holloway’s repeated praise of the Bulldogs’ player development program and NFL pipeline. Steve Wilfong of 247Sports noted, “Georgia has positioned itself perfectly. Marcus respects LSU but feels Georgia can make him a first-round pick.”
Still, Holloway has not tipped his hand, vowing to make his final decision public on July 4th via a televised ESPN special titled The Commitment.
“Both programs are incredible,” Holloway said with a smile. “I’m just trying to find the right place where I can win a national title and get to the league.”
Until then, the college football world waits — and watches — to see whether the Georgia Bulldogs or the LSU Tigers will land one of the crown jewels of the 2025 defensive class.
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