Georgia’s 2027 recruiting class is already shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines in the early stages of the cycle. With six commitments already in the fold and a top-10 class nationally, the Bulldogs are off to a strong start. But this week, all eyes are on one name: Quinton Cypher.
Cypher, a four-star linebacker out of North Carolina, is set to announce his college decision on December 19. He recently narrowed his choices down to four powerhouse programs - Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, and Miami - but the buzz around this recruitment suggests it’s really a two-team race. And right now, it looks like Ohio State may have the inside track.
Cypher is ranked as the No. 150 overall player in the country and the No. 9 linebacker in the 2027 class, per 247Sports. He’s also the sixth-ranked player in talent-rich North Carolina - a state that’s become increasingly important in national recruiting battles.
Georgia’s inclusion in his final four isn’t surprising. The Bulldogs have been heavily involved in his recruitment, and their track record of developing elite defenders speaks for itself.
But the momentum seems to be shifting toward Columbus.
Both 247Sports and Rivals have logged predictions in favor of the Buckeyes, and with Cypher’s decision coming later this week, Georgia may simply be running out of time to make up ground. In most cycles, there’d still be plenty of runway to turn things around. But with an early commitment date locked in, the window appears to be closing fast.
Now, let’s be clear - missing out on Cypher wouldn’t be a catastrophic blow for Georgia. This is still very early in the 2027 cycle, and the Bulldogs have proven time and again that they can close strong.
But that doesn’t mean it won’t sting a little. Losing a top-10 linebacker to a fellow national title contender like Ohio State is never ideal, especially when you’re often going head-to-head with them in the postseason.
For Georgia, the focus now shifts to what’s next. The linebacker board is deep, and the Bulldogs have shown they’re more than capable of pivoting when a top target goes elsewhere. But Cypher’s decision will be one to watch - not just for what it means in the short term, but for the broader recruiting battles that are sure to unfold between these two bluebloods over the next year.
Bottom line: Georgia’s still in a good spot overall, but this particular race looks like it’s trending toward the Buckeyes. We’ll see if anything changes between now and Friday, but right now, Ohio State appears poised to land a key piece of their 2027 defensive class.