CJ Stroud Shocks Nation with Decommitment, Flips to Georgia Bulldogs Over Auburn and Alabama
In a stunning twist that rocked the college football world, top-ranked five-star quarterback CJ Stroud has officially decommitted from his long-time pledge to the Auburn Tigers and announced his new allegiance to the Georgia Bulldogs, choosing Athens over both Auburn and arch-rival Alabama. The decision, which came late Tuesday night via a video posted to his social media, was both unexpected and seismic—reshaping the recruiting landscape and igniting fervor among Dawgs fans.
Stroud, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, is widely considered the crown jewel of the 2025 class. Ranked as the No. 1 QB and a consensus top-3 overall recruit, Stroud possesses a cannon arm, surgical accuracy, and field awareness that belies his age. His play has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and C.J. Stroud of the NFL—notably ironic, given they share a name.
The decommitment came just weeks after Stroud had reaffirmed his verbal commitment to Auburn during the Elite 11 Finals. Sources close to the situation suggest the decision was brewing quietly. According to insiders, Stroud had grown increasingly impressed with Georgia’s development pipeline, quarterback-friendly scheme under OC Mike Bobo, and most importantly—Kirby Smart’s vision for his role as a leader on Day 1.
“Georgia’s just different,” Stroud said in his commitment video, filmed at the Bulldogs’ indoor facility and ending with him donning a red and black #1 jersey. “I want to be coached hard. I want to win national championships. I want to be legendary. Georgia gives me that.”
Alabama made a strong push late, with Nick Saban even making a rare in-home visit accompanied by multiple assistants. But sources say Stroud felt a deeper connection in Athens, particularly with receivers from Georgia’s loaded 2025 class, including five-star WR Jaylen McFadden.
News of the flip caught Auburn coaches off guard. Head coach Hugh Freeze reportedly found out just minutes before the public announcement and was “blindsided,” according to one staff member. The Tigers had made Stroud the face of their future offense, designing plays and branding materials around him. His sudden departure leaves a massive void—and sets up an intriguing future matchup should Auburn and Georgia meet with Stroud under center.
For Georgia fans, however, this is the coup of the cycle. Stroud’s arrival signals a new era in Bulldog football. After years of elite defensive dominance, the Dawgs are now building a quarterback factory to rival USC and Ohio State.
“This isn’t just a commitment,” one Georgia staffer said. “This is a warning to the rest of college football.”
With CJ Stroud’s flip, the 2025 recruiting landscape has shifted dramatically—and the SEC arms race just added another rocket.
