BREAKING: 5-Star EDGE Corey Howard Commits to Georgia Bulldogs, Turns Down Florida and National Powerhouses
By Hayes Fawcett | Fictional Report for @on3recruits
In one of the biggest recruiting headlines of the 2026 cycle, elite EDGE rusher Corey Howard has committed to the University of Georgia. The 6’5″, 265-pound defensive juggernaut from Valdosta, Georgia made the announcement in a video posted to social media, surrounded by family, teammates, and coaches.
“I’m staying home,” Howard said with a grin. “Georgia just felt right from the start—coaching, culture, and that relentless defensive tradition. I want to be part of something legendary.”
Ranked as the No. 2 overall EDGE in the country and a consensus Top 10 player nationally by major recruiting services, Howard was heavily courted by the Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, Ohio State Buckeyes, and USC Trojans. Florida, in particular, was considered a strong contender late in the process, with multiple in-home visits and Howard’s strong connection to Gators defensive line coach Sean Spencer.
But in the end, Georgia’s consistency, player development, and defensive reputation won out.
“Coach Smart and Coach Schumann never let up,” Howard said. “They’ve developed guys like Travon Walker, Nolan Smith, and Jalen Carter. I see myself in that lineage.”
Corey Howard’s film speaks for itself. As a junior at Valdosta High, he racked up 19 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, and forced 5 fumbles. His blend of size, speed, and explosiveness off the edge has drawn comparisons to former Georgia and current NFL star Travon Walker.
What separates Howard, however, is his off-the-field maturity and football IQ. “He’s the total package,” said Valdosta head coach Jarvis Allen. “He studies film like a college senior, not a high school junior. Whoever gets him is getting a future first-rounder.”
Georgia fans are already calling his commitment a game-changer for the Bulldogs’ 2026 class, which now ranks No. 1 nationally following Howard’s pledge.
This commitment is particularly meaningful for Georgia given the recent rise of Florida under new leadership and the aggressive push by Alabama and Ohio State for elite Southern talent. Holding onto an in-state superstar with national options sends a message: Georgia isn’t just defending national titles anymore—they’re reloading with elite talent year after year.
Howard is expected to enroll early in January 2026, with eyes already on making an immediate impact as a freshman. His commitment video ended with a simple phrase that will echo through Athens for years to come:
“Built by Georgia. Built for Georgia.”