Georgia’s momentum on the recruiting trail shows no signs of slowing down, as the Bulldogs have secured a commitment from one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 class, PJ Dean out of West Forsyth High School in North Carolina. Dean, a four-star lineman and the younger brother of former Georgia offensive lineman Jared Wilson, announced his pledge to the Bulldogs on Monday, kicking off the week with a major addition to an already loaded class.
Dean becomes the 25th commitment for Georgia in the 2026 cycle, strengthening what is now the No. 2-ranked recruiting class nationally. His decision comes on the heels of a red-hot week for the Bulldogs, who landed five other commitments over the past seven days. Kirby Smart and his staff are clearly in rhythm, stacking elite talent at nearly every position group—and now they’ve added one of the most versatile big men in the country.
Initially recruited as an offensive lineman, Dean’s recent body transformation has changed his projection at the next level. After dropping close to 40 pounds and reshaping his frame, Georgia began evaluating Dean as a defensive lineman. That shift proved significant, with Tray Scott, Georgia’s defensive line coach, spearheading the push to bring Dean into the fold as a disruptive force on the interior.
Dean’s commitment represents more than just another blue-chip addition. It’s a sign of Georgia’s adaptability and long-term evaluation success. Few programs could make the kind of mid-recruitment pivot Georgia did with Dean, and even fewer could pull it off while still landing the prospect over other national powers like South Carolina and Ohio State.
With Dean now on board, the Bulldogs continue to build a class that reflects their status as a perennial championship contender. The 2026 group is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most balanced hauls of the Smart era.