Kaiden Prothro, the No. 1 tight end in Georgia and No. 2 tight end in America, has officially committed to the Georgia Bulldogs, giving head coach Kirby Smart and tight ends coach Todd Hartley yet another major recruiting win. Prothro, a dynamic five-star prospect out of the 2026 class, chose to stay home and play for the in-state powerhouse over strong pushes from Texas and Florida.
Prothro’s decision to commit to Georgia is no surprise to those who closely followed his recruitment. The Bulldogs identified the elite pass-catching tight end as a top priority early in the cycle. Hartley, who has become one of the nation’s most respected recruiters at the position, ensured the Bulldogs never lost traction. Now, Georgia adds a blue-chip talent to a position room that has become a pipeline to the NFL.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Prothro brings elite athleticism, excellent ball skills, and versatility. He projects as a mismatch nightmare at the next level—too fast for linebackers and too big for defensive backs. His ability to create separation, strong hands, and run-after-catch ability make him an ideal fit in Georgia’s offensive system.
With former Bulldog Brock Bowers expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia’s reputation for tight end development has never been stronger. That legacy was undoubtedly a significant factor in Prothro’s decision. The Bulldogs have made tight end a featured position, and Prothro looks poised to carry on that tradition once he arrives in Athens.
For Georgia, the addition of Prothro is another sign that the program continues to dominate on the recruiting trail, especially within the state’s borders, even in the era of major NIL and revenue sharing. Keeping an elite prospect like Prothro home is not only a win in terms of talent, but also a statement of Georgia’s staying power when it comes to locking down top in-state talent.
Prothro becomes one of the headliners in Georgia’s 2026 class, and his commitment further solidifies Hartley’s reputation as arguably the best tight ends recruiter in college football. With Prothro now in the fold, the Bulldogs have added another elite weapon in a class that came into the day already having 27 commitments and was ranked 2nd in all of the FBS overall.