Georgia TE Commit Lincoln Keyes Rockets Up Final 2026 Rivals Rankings
The final Rivals300 rankings for the 2026 recruiting class dropped this week, and one Georgia commit made a serious statement. Tight end Lincoln Keyes, a four-star prospect out of Michigan, saw his stock skyrocket in a big way - jumping from unranked to No. 189 overall. That’s not just a bump; that’s a leap that puts him among the most notable risers in the country.
Keyes was one of the earliest pledges in Georgia’s 2026 class, but he wasn’t exactly a headline-grabber at the time. Quietly, though, he kept improving - stacking strong performances, refining his game, and turning heads along the way. Now, as the rankings lock in for good, Keyes finds himself firmly in the national conversation.
Let’s break down what this means.
First, the jump itself is massive. To go from outside the top 300 to inside the top 200 is rare air, especially this late in the cycle.
It speaks to the kind of development Keyes has shown throughout his high school career - not just physically, but in his route running, blocking technique, and overall football IQ. He’s now listed as the No. 8 tight end in the country and the top-ranked player in the state of Michigan.
That’s a major badge of honor in a region that consistently produces high-level talent.
Georgia fans know the tight end room in Athens is no joke. The Bulldogs have built a reputation for developing elite players at the position, and competition for snaps is always fierce.
That said, Keyes doesn’t strike anyone as the type to back down from a challenge. He’s been locked in with Georgia for a long time, and that loyalty - combined with his recent rise - suggests he’s ready to put in the work, even if early playing time isn’t guaranteed.
It’s also worth noting that Keyes wasn’t the only Bulldog commit making waves in the final rankings. Offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko finished at No. 9 overall, solidifying his status as one of the top linemen in the country. While his rise wasn’t as dramatic as Keyes’, it’s another reminder that Georgia’s 2026 class is loaded with top-tier talent across the board.
For Keyes, this surge in the rankings is more than just a number next to his name - it’s a reflection of the strides he’s made and the potential he brings to Athens. He may have flown under the radar early in the cycle, but that’s no longer the case. The spotlight is on, and if this trajectory continues, Georgia might have another difference-maker at tight end waiting in the wings.