The Georgia Bulldogs, already known as one of college football’s fiercest dynasties of the 21st century, have once again made headlines. But this time, it’s not about a national title though that’s never far from the discussion in Athens. On Saturday, the Dawgs delivered a gut punch to one of their most heated SEC rivals on the recruiting trail, landing their 13th commitment for the 2026 class in a move that underscores the program’s unrelenting momentum under head coach Kirby Smart.
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The commitment in question? Four-star linebacker Cameron “Cam” Delaney, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound freight train of a defender from Hoover, Alabama a player once thought to be a near-lock for the rival Alabama Crimson Tide. But in a move that stunned insiders and reignited a century-old rivalry, Delaney announced via a nationally streamed commitment ceremony that he’s headed east to Athens.
“This is about family, tradition, and winning at the highest level,” Delaney said while donning a red-and-black Georgia cap. “Coach Smart and his staff made me feel like a top priority from day one. Georgia is where I belong.”
A Recruitment Battle With Fire
Delaney’s recruitment wasn’t just a tug-of-war; it was an all-out war between Southern football powerhouses. Alabama, Auburn, LSU, and even Florida State pursued him heavily. But none harder than Alabama, who had hosted Delaney no fewer than five times over the past year and sent Nick Saban’s successor and current Tide head coach, Kalen DeBoer, to Hoover High School for an in-person visit during the spring evaluation period.
By flipping Delaney, Georgia not only added a future defensive star to its already elite class but also delivered a psychological blow to a rival program still trying to reclaim national dominance post-Saban.
“It’s not just about who commits—it’s about who you keep from your rivals,” said former Georgia safety and SEC Network analyst Bacarri Rambo. “Landing Cam is a win on multiple fronts. It’s a sign that Georgia is out-recruiting everybody, including their fiercest enemies.
Georgia’s 2026 Class: An Embarrassment of Riches
With Delaney’s pledge, Georgia now holds 13 commitments in its 2026 recruiting class—an impressive haul given the cycle is still in its early stages. The Bulldogs sit atop nearly every national recruiting ranking, including 247Sports and Rivals, and have commitments from players at virtually every position of need.
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The class already includes:
QB Jalen Mays (5-star, California): The #2-ranked QB in the nation and a player already being compared to former Bulldog and current NFL starter Carson Beck.
OL Braydon Wallace (4-star, Texas): A powerful interior lineman who chose Georgia over Ohio State and USC.
WR Koryn Bell (5-star, Florida): A speedster with elite ball skills and SEC-ready physicality.
DT Zion Merriweather (4-star, Georgia): A homegrown talent who’s considered the next Jordan Davis-type anchor
Delaney, as the 13th commit, is being pegged as a foundational defensive piece—a hybrid linebacker who can cover tight ends, set the edge, and rush the passer.
“His tape reminds us a bit of Nakobe Dean,” said Georgia linebackers coach Glenn Schumann. “Cam’s instincts, explosiveness, and football IQ are off the charts. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Dawg family.”
Why Georgia Keeps Winning on the Trail
So, what makes Georgia so dominant on the recruiting front, particularly when it comes to stealing targets from rivals like Alabama and Florida?
The answers are both obvious and layered:
Sustained On-Field Success: Three national championship appearances in five years and two titles will do wonders for a brand.
NFL Development Pipeline: Georgia has sent more defenders to the NFL since 2018 than any other program.
Elite Facilities and NIL Support: With new upgrades to their player development complex and a robust NIL infrastructure backed by boosters and alumni, Georgia is a destination for top-tier talent.
“There’s a swagger in Athens that’s hard to replicate,” said recruiting analyst Chad Simmons of On3. “These kids see what Georgia’s building, and they want to be part of that dynasty.”
The Rivalry Reignites
For Georgia fans, flipping Delaney from Alabama carries more meaning than just filling a roster spot it’s personal.
The Georgia Alabama rivalry has long been fueled by postseason heartbreak, high-stakes SEC Championship clashes, and endless recruiting battles. Though Georgia has gotten the better of Alabama in recent seasons, the Crimson Tide remain their toughest measuring stick.
Now, with Delaney turning down the Crimson Tide and choosing to wear the “G,” social media has lit up with celebratory posts, trolling memes, and warnings to future opponents.
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“Kirby ain’t just winning games he’s snatching souls on the trail,” wrote one Georgia fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Roll tears, Bama.”
Even former Georgia players joined in the revelry, with linebacker Roquan Smith tweeting: “That boy Cam made the right choice. Dawgs stay eatin’.”
Looking Ahead: Title Runs and a Defensive Reload
With the 2025 season on the horizon and Georgia already pegged as the preseason #1 in most way-too-early polls, the Delaney commitment serves as a reminder: the rich are getting richer.
Though the Bulldogs will say goodbye to multiple NFL-bound defenders after the season, Smart and his staff are more than prepared to reload rather than rebuild. Delaney won’t arrive until 2026, but Georgia fans are already imagining him as a centerpiece of the next great Bulldog defense.
“We’re building something special,” Delaney said. “By the time I get there, I want to be the piece that keeps it going.”
That mindset the buy-in to a larger vision is what separates Georgia from the rest. They’re not just recruiting stars; they’re building a culture that has staying power.
Final Word
The commitment of Cam Delaney isn’t just a recruiting win—it’s a declaration. Georgia is not just dominating the SEC; it’s rewriting the script of college football’s power hierarchy.
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As the 2026 class continues to take shape, one thing is certain: the Bulldogs have become the team to beat, not just on the field, but in living rooms across America. And for their rivals especially Alabama the future looks as daunting as ever.
Georgia didn’t just land a linebacker. They landed a statemente
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