Georgia on his mind: Kirby Smart sets new trend with historic in-state recruiting class

In the 2025 recruiting cycle, the Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, secured a record number of in-state prospects. The 22 high school signees and transfer portal additions from the Peach State mark the highest tally during Smart’s tenure.

The highest total of Georgia natives Smart had brought in before the Class of 2025 was the Class of 2017, which had 18 signees from Georgia. Dawg legends would come out of that class, including the likes of Jake Fromm, Andrew Thomas, Richard LeCounte, DeVonte Wyatt, and Eric Stokes.

This strategic focus on homegrown talent aims to produce even more Georgia-bred legends, but also to foster stability within the program amidst the evolving landscape of college football, characterized by the transfer portal’s perpetual free agency and the expansive influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. By prioritizing recruits from Georgia, Smart and his coaching staff are tapping into a rich vein of local talent and bringing in players and families with inherent emotional ties to the program. These individuals have grown up immersed in the state’s football culture, often harboring lifelong aspirations to don the Bulldogs’ red and black.

This intrinsic connection is anticipated to translate into a deeper commitment to the team, potentially reducing the allure of transferring to other programs. Also, Kirby is cashing in some capital gained from back-to-back national championships and recent SEC dominance during very impressionable years of local high school standouts. Smart, whose late father Sonny, was a high school coach in the state for a long time, also has tremendous relationships with the high school coaches in Georgia and is tapping into those.

Additionally, the proximity to home offers significant advantages for these young athletes as they transition from high school standouts to college freshmen trying to find their way. Being closer to family provides a support system that can ease the challenges associated with this pivotal life change, both academically and athletically. The familiar environment can mitigate homesickness and culture shock, allowing players to focus more intently on their development on and off the field.

This approach also aligns with the broader dynamics of college football, where the transfer portal and NIL opportunities have introduced new variables into team composition and player retention. By cultivating a roster rooted in local talent, Georgia aims to build core principles of connection, composure, resilience, and toughness in a more meaningful way.

Here are the 2025 Dawg additions from the Peach State:

5-Stars (Rated By At Least 1 Recruiting Service)

• Isaiah Gibson (6’5″ 270) EGDE – Warner Robins, GA
• Elijah Griffin (6’5″ 300) Defensive Tackle – Savannah, GA
• Elyiss Williams (6’7″ 245) Tight End – Folkston, GA
• Juan Gaston (6’7″ 360) Interior Offensive Lineman – Atlanta, GA
• Zayden Walker (6’2″ 225) Linebacker – Ellaville, GA

4-Stars

• Anthony Kruah (6’1″ 215) Linebacker – Marietta, GA
• Bo Walker (5’8″ 215) Running Back – Ellenwood, GA
• Chase Linton (6’4″ 215) EDGE – Atlanta, GA
• CJ Wiley (6’4″ 210) Wide Receiver – Milton, GA
• Cortez Smith (6’3″ 315) Interior Offensive Lineman – Snellville, GA
• Dennis Uzochukwu – (6’5.5″ 285) Offensive Tackle – Lawrenceville, GA
• Dontrell Glover (6’3″ 310) Interior Offensive Lineman – Fairburn, GA
• Ethan Barbour (6’2.5″ 240) Tight End – Alpharetta, GA
• Jontae Gilbert (6’1″ 180) Cornerback – Atlanta, GA
• Landon Roldan (6’0.5″ 175) Wide Receiver – Athens, GA
• Mason Short (6’5.5″ 310) Interior Offensive Lineman – Evans, GA
• Thomas Blackshear (6’0.5″ 195) Wide Receiver – Savannah, GA
• Todd Robinson (5’11” 195) Athlete – Valdosta, GA
• Rasean Dinkins (5’10.5″ 185) Safety – Warner Robins, GA

3-Stars

• Hezekiah Millender (6’3″ 195) Quarterback – Athens, GA

Transfers

• Adrian Maddox (6’3″ 200) Safety – Conyers, GA (UAB)
• Jaden Harris (5’11” 180) Safety – Atlanta, GA (Miami)