Georgia makes Top 3 for elite 2026 Prospect PJ Dean

PJ Dean, a highly regarded two-way lineman from West Forsyth High School in North Carolina, has officially trimmed his list of top college choices to three national powerhouses: Georgia, South Carolina, and Ohio State. The announcement of the three final schools came via an X post by On3 graphic artist Hayes Fawcett.

NEWS: Elite 2026 IOL/DL PJ Dean is down to South Carolina, Georgia, & Ohio State, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’4 260 IOL/ DL from Clemmons, NC is ranked as the No. 22 Recruit in ‘26 (per On3)

Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/rdkiNXm3Xl pic.twitter.com/ODhYEdeWB9

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 8, 2025

A four-star prospect in the 2026 class, Dean has attracted significant attention from top-tier programs thanks to his combination of strength, athleticism, and upside.

Dean is also the younger brother of former Georgia offensive lineman Jared Wilson, giving the Bulldogs a personal connection in their pursuit. Georgia has been involved in Dean’s recruitment for quite some time, originally targeting him as an offensive lineman. However, a major shift has taken place in recent months. Dean underwent a physical transformation, dropping from over 300 pounds to around 260, which altered how schools project him at the next level. As a result, Georgia appears to have pivoted and is now recruiting him on the defensive side of the ball.

Pierre “PJ” Dean is the younger brother of former Georgia center Jared Wilson. @deanpj56 getting some work today on the defensive line pic.twitter.com/D0QyebaQK3

— Jed May (@JedMay_) April 6, 2025

Tray Scott, Georgia’s defensive line coach, will take over for Stacy Searels as the lead in Dean’s recruitment, if Dean has indeed embraced the new direction. While he was initially unsure how his weight loss might impact his status with college programs, it has opened new doors and shown his versatility. That flexibility is something coaching staffs value as they build future defensive fronts.

Dean has set official visits to both Georgia and South Carolina, with Ohio State also likely to host him soon. Each program offers a strong case, but Georgia’s longstanding interest and family ties may give the Bulldogs an edge.

As one of the top linemen in the 2026 class, Dean’s decision will be closely watched. Whether on offense or defense, his athleticism and motor make him a major asset for whichever school earns his commitment.