In a thrilling development for college football, the nation’s top-ranked linebacker for the 2026 class, five-star prospect Anthony Davis, committed to the Georgia Bulldogs on June 13, 2025, spurning offers from powerhouse programs Ohio State, Michigan, and Texas. The announcement, reported by ESPN and DawgNation, marks a significant coup for head coach Kirby Smart, whose lifetime contract deal, solidified earlier this week, continues to bolster Georgia’s recruiting dominance. Davis, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Lufkin, Texas, is ranked No. 10 overall and No. 1 at his position in the 2026 ESPN 300, bringing elite athleticism and playmaking to Athens.
Davis cited Georgia’s unmatched reputation as “Linebacker U” and Smart’s defensive expertise as key reasons for his commitment. “Georgia develops linebackers like no one else—look at Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and now CJ Allen,” Davis told ESPN. “Coach Smart’s vision for me, playing inside or edge, fits my game perfectly.” His decision followed official visits to Athens in April and June, where he bonded with defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and saw firsthand Georgia’s NFL pipeline, which has produced 15 first-round draft picks since 2018. The electric atmosphere at Sanford Stadium and Georgia’s 104-22 record under Smart, including two national titles, sealed the deal.
Ohio State, Michigan, and Texas mounted fierce campaigns for Davis. Ohio State, with its top-10 2025 class led by five-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn, offered a dynamic defense under Jim Knowles. Michigan, rebounding from a 7-5 season, pitched early playing time and its 2023 national championship pedigree. Texas, fresh off a 2024 SEC Championship Game appearance, leveraged its SEC move and coach Steve Sarkisian’s offensive firepower. Yet, Davis, who recorded 112 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks as a junior, chose Georgia for its defensive culture and stability, especially after Smart’s “forever” commitment to UGA.
The impact of Davis’ pledge is profound. He joins a loaded 2026 class featuring five-star quarterback Jared Curtis and four-star wide receiver Ryan Mosley, pushing Georgia’s ranking to No. 4 nationally per On3. His versatility—capable of playing inside linebacker or rushing off the edge—complements returning star CJ Allen, a 2024 Pro Football Focus top-10 linebacker. Davis’ speed (4.5-second 40-yard dash) and physicality make him a plug-and-play prospect for Schumann’s scheme, which ranked No. 5 in scoring defense in 2023. Posts on X from fans erupted, with one user declaring, “Anthony Davis to UGA? Kirby’s building another natty defense!”
For rivals, the loss stings. Ohio State shifts focus to four-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis, while Michigan and Texas recalibrate for targets like four-star linebacker TJ White. Davis’ commitment, paired with Georgia’s recent recruiting surge—five commitments in June, including punter Wade Register—signals a program poised for sustained dominance. As Smart prepares for the 2025 season, Davis’ pledge ensures Georgia’s defense will remain a force, setting the stage for another championship run in the expanded 12-team playoff era.
