Top prospects in the 2026 class

Georgia’s high school football talent stacks up against any other state in the country, with dozens of Peach State players considered to be among the nation’s most sought-after recruits.

In the 2025 class, the state had a whopping 36 players ranked among the nation’s top 300, second only to Florida (37) and Texas (42). And that’s despite having one-half the population of the Sunshine State and one-third of the Lone Star State’s numbers.

2026 looks to be another banner year for talent, with 12 players among the top 100 in the updated Rivals Industry Rankings and 45 total blue-chippers. As the high school season gets ready to kick off around the state in the next few weeks, Rivals is breaking down the top 10 players:

High School: GraysonRivals Industry Ranking: No. 9 (#1 LB)Status: Committed to Texas

Atkinson is a multi-time high school All-American already and is one of the nation’s most ballyhooed recruits. He participated as a junior in the Navy All-American Bowl in January after a 2024 campaign where he totaled 166 tackles, (32 TFLs), 46 quarterback hits, 13 sacks, an an interception.

High School: GainesvilleRivals Industry Ranking: No. 23 (#2 LB)Status: Committed to Alabama

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Griffin was an early commitment to USC and another dynamic linebacker from inside the state’s borders. However, he backed off that pledge in May and then chose Alabama a month later. In addition to being a star on the gridiron, he’s also an All-Region basketball pick. Despite dealing with injuries in 2024, he racked up 43 tackles and six sacks, and is primed for a huge senior year. 

High School: BowdonRivals Industry Ranking: No. 26 (#3 TE)Status: Committed to Georgia

Prothro is a quarterback’s dream, standing in at 6’6 with exceptional leaping ability and soft hands. He was a top performer earlier this month at Under Armour’s camp in Atlanta, and is also a standout baseball and basketball player. He burst onto the football scene last fall with 1,203 yards and 21 touchdowns on 56 receptions for Bowdon. 

High School: SprayberryRivals Industry Ranking: No. 29 (#3 CB)Status: Committed to Alabama

Edmonds skyrocketed up the rankings this spring. In February, he sat outside the top 10 in his own state state and now checks in as one of the country’s top 32 prospects. He starred on both sides of the ball as a junior, hauling in 32 receptions for 648 and 4 TD on 20.3 yards per catch on offense. Defensively, he is a lockdown corner who also recorded 30 tackles and 1 TFL. In March, he committed to Alabama over Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC and others.

High School: BufordRivals Industry Ranking: No. 39 (#7 EDGE)Status: Committed to Texas A&M

Playing for state and national powerhouse Buford, Perry-Wright has developed a reputation as an elite defensive line prospect. He was extremely disruptive to opposing offenses in 2024, collecting 57 total tackles, 13 TFLs, nine sacks and 17 quarterback hurries. 

High School: CarverRivals Industry Ranking: No. 59 (#10 EDGE)Status: Committed to Texas A&M

Givens is one of the country’s most impressive two-way athletes, playing wide receiver and defensive end while checking in at 6’4 and over 200 pounds. He is primarily projected to play the latter at the college level, and teams across the country are breaking down his door to sign him.

High School: Houston CountyRivals Industry Ranking: No. 63 (#6 S)Status: Committed to Georgia

Smith checks in as one of the country’s best safety prospects, ranking No. 6 nationally at his position. As a junior, he totaled 85 total tackles, three TFLs, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He garnered more than two dozens offers, but ultimately chose to stay home and play for the home state Georgia Bulldogs in May.

High School: GainesvilleRivals Industry Ranking: No. 78 (#13 EDGE)Status: Committed to Alabama

Matthews is coming off a highly productive junior season with 57 tackles, 17 sacks, 29 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hurries at Sparkman (Ala.). In February, he transferred from Sparkman to Gainesville, and a few weeks later committed to the Crimson Tide despite leaving his home state for the final year of his high school career.

High School: Douglas CountyRivals Industry Ranking: No. 88 (#10 WR) Status: Committed to Texas A&M

A 6-foot-3, 170-pound wideout, Gregory is one of a handful of elite prospects on Douglas County’s loaded roster. He hauled in 53 passes, totaling 914 yards and nine touchdowns this fall. That comes on the heels of a strong sophomore campaign where he notched over 700 yards and eight TDs as well. 

High School: Collins HillRivals Industry Ranking: No. 93 (#8 DL)Status: Committed to LSU

Geralds is one of the state — and the country’s — most coveted linemen, holding more than two-dozen offers already. He was a one-man wrecking crew as a junior for Collins Hill, rolling up 114 tackles, 30 TFLs, 13 sacks and 36 quarterback hurries.