Georgia and Kirby Smart Surge Ahead in Race for Elite Tight End

With one of the nations top tight end prospects eyeing Athens, Georgias recruiting momentum under Kirby Smart is drawing fresh scrutiny from rivals.

Georgia’s Tight End Pipeline Still Rolling Strong, and Brock Williams Could Be Next

When it comes to tight ends, Georgia isn’t just recruiting - they’re building a legacy. Under head coach Kirby Smart and tight ends coach Todd Hartley, the Bulldogs have carved out a reputation as Tight End U, and the 2027 recruiting cycle could see that pipeline continue with one of the top prospects in the nation.

Brock Williams - a four-star recruit out of Illinois - has emerged as a major target for Georgia. And right now, the Bulldogs are in a strong position.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Williams ranks as the No. 2 tight end in the country, the No. 3 overall player from Illinois, and the No. 52 prospect nationally for the 2027 class. That’s not just elite - that’s the kind of profile that can shape a recruiting class.

Williams is currently considering three blue-blood programs: Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas. But the buzz around Athens is real. Georgia has a track record of landing out-of-state talent at tight end, especially when the name “Brock” is involved - and fans aren’t forgetting that anytime soon.

Meanwhile, over in Columbus, frustration is starting to simmer. Ohio State fans have taken to social media questioning whether position coach Keenan Bailey can close the deal on Williams. That kind of public pressure speaks volumes about how competitive this recruitment is - and how much Georgia’s presence is being felt in the Midwest.

Todd Hartley’s impact on Georgia’s recruiting success at tight end can’t be overstated. Since returning to Athens in 2019, he’s been a driving force behind the Bulldogs landing elite talent at the position year after year. His consistency, player development, and national reach have helped Georgia stay ahead of the curve in a college football landscape where tight ends are becoming more and more essential to offensive success.

And while Texas is still technically in the mix, the Longhorns appear to be trailing the Bulldogs and Buckeyes in this particular race.

Now, it’s important to remember: Williams still has another full season of high school football ahead of him. There’s time for things to shift. But the early signs suggest that Georgia is right where it wants to be - in the thick of the battle for one of the top tight ends in the country.

One wrinkle to watch? Ohio State’s new offensive coordinator.

Former NFL head coach Arthur Smith - who most in Georgia remember from his time with the Atlanta Falcons - is now calling plays in Columbus. Smith has a background in developing tight ends, dating back to his days as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.

If Bailey struggles to close the deal, Smith could become more involved in the pitch to Williams.

Still, Georgia holds a key advantage: continuity. Hartley has been a rock for the Bulldogs’ staff, and his track record speaks for itself. That kind of stability matters in recruiting, especially when you’re going head-to-head with other national powerhouses.

There’s a long way to go before Brock Williams makes his final decision. But if you’re a Georgia fan, there’s every reason to feel confident that the Bulldogs are firmly in the hunt - and maybe even leading the pack - for another elite tight end.