Kirby Smart, UGA Football Staff Visit Top 2026 Targets On Recruiting Trail

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ATHENS - Now that the 2024 season has concluded, Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldog staff have hit the recruiting trail to get eyes on some top targets in the 2026 class and beyond.

Here’s who the staff went to see this week...

One of the biggest visits this week came on Thursday when Bulldog offensive coordinator Mike Bobo went to visit elite 5-star QB target Jared Curtis‍. The big 6-foot-4 225-pound gunslinger out of Nashville Christian (TN) committed to Georgia early in the process, but backed off that pledge in mid-October. Now, Georgia will have to battle it out with Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, among others to land him in the end. Ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 class, Curtis is coming off a giant junior season where he threw for 2,830 yards and 40 TDs with just three INTs. He also ran for 637 yards and 18 more touchdowns. He’s a priority target still and sources say the Bulldogs are still towards the top of his recruitment.

Another former Bulldog target to keep a close eye on is four-star ATH Derrek Cooper‍. The dynamic playmaker from Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL) was committed to Georgia for a cup of coffee in early June and got a home visit from running backs coach Josh Crawford this week. The speedy 6-foot-1 195-pounder ran for over 900 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior last fall while making 46 tackles, 10 TFLs and four sacks to go along with two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two blocked punts. He’s a playmaking machine no matter where he’s lined up and is currently ranked as the No. 2 RB and the No. 23 overall prospect in the country for the 2026 class.

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On Wednesday, head coach Kirby Smart and tight ends coach Todd Hartley went by Bowdown High to watch top tight end target Kaiden Prothro‍ play. One of the nation’s best prospect, Prothro is an elite pass-catching tight end with an excellent 6-foot-6 215-pound frame and terrific ball skills. He’s a major weapon in the passing game as he caught 56 passes for 1,203 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also led Bowdon to their third-consecutive state championship this past season. He’s a major Bulldog target and ranked as the No. 2 TE prospect and the No. 41 overall prospect in the country. Coaches From Florida State and Florida were also at the basketball game to check on Prothro.

On Wednesday offensive line coach Stacy Searels stopped by South Garner High in North Carolina to check on top target Ekene Ogboko‍. The elite tackle prospect is the brother of current Bulldog defensive lineman Nnamdi Ogboko and is ranked as the No. 6 OT and the No. 47 overall prospect in the country. Sources say the Bulldogs sit in an excellent position for the big 6-foot-6 285-pounder at this time. Another 2026 OL target, Malcolm Gaston out of North Augusta (SC), also received a visit from Searels this week, as did Timberland (SC) lineman Desmond Green‍.

Defensive backs coach Donte Williams was in Houston County this week to check on four-star DB target Jordan Smith. The versatile defensive back was outstanding for the Bears this fall as he made 85 total tackles and two INTs. He’s held a Bulldog offer since last year and is ranked as the No. 10 safety and the No. 99 overall prospect in the country.

Williams also made his way to Alabama to check on four-star Crimson Tide commitment Zyan Gibson‍. The 6-foot-1 175-pounder out of Gadsen City (AL) is ranked as the N. 9 CB and the No. 69 overall prospect in the 2026 class.