Georgia Bulldogs and Kirby Smart win with big five star commit ahead of Week 8 SEC rivalry game at Texas

Kirby Smart and the Georiga Bulldogs may have lost out on their top 2026 recruit for the time being , but Friday's announcement is making up for it.

Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports reports that 2025 five-star plus defensive lineman Elijah Griffin has committed to Georgia.

Griffin, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound prospect out of Savannah (Ga.) Christian Prep had offers from USC, Miami, and 37 other schools but chose his home state team.

"I put my heart in this, it’s time to take over the SEC," Griffin said.

Griffin is the No. 4 prospect, No. 1 defensive lineman in the nation, and No. 19 overall recruit in Georgia, per 247Sports Composite.

As a junior last year, Griffin registered 97 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, and an interception while leading his team to the state championship. He was named the 2023 Georgia AAA Class Defensive Lineman of the Year and a MaxPreps Junior All-American selection.

After landing Griffin, Georgia now has 23 recruits committed to their class of 2025.

Related: Georgia vs. Texas Week 8 Preview: Bulldogs have three boxes to check to beat Longhorns