Todd Hartley’s Recruiting Rise: Georgia’s Tight End Whisperer Cementing His Status Among the Nation’s Elite
In a college football landscape where elite assistants are constantly on the move, Georgia’s Todd Hartley stands out not just for staying put, but for thriving. Since rejoining his alma mater in 2019, Hartley has become a cornerstone of Kirby Smart’s staff - and a major reason why Georgia has earned the unofficial title of Tight End U.
It certainly helps when you’ve coached a generational talent like Brock Bowers, who brought home back-to-back Mackey Awards during his time in Athens. But Hartley’s impact goes far beyond one superstar. His ability to consistently recruit and develop top-tier talent at a position that’s often overlooked in the recruiting world has made him one of the most respected names in the game.
That respect was reinforced this week when Hartley was named one of the top recruiters in the 2026 cycle by Rivals, landing at No. 7 on their national list. And when you look at the company he’s keeping, it’s clear - this isn’t just a nod to his work ethic. It’s a recognition of elite-level results.
Several of the coaches ranked alongside Hartley have already made major career moves. Mike Mickens and Al Washington are heading to the NFL after their time on Marcus Freeman’s staff.
Brian Hartline is now leading the program at South Florida. Frank Wilson has joined Pete Golding at Ole Miss.
These are big-time names making big-time moves - and Hartley is right there with them in terms of impact.
What Separates Hartley from the Pack
When you break down what makes the top recruiters in college football so effective, three traits come to the forefront - and Hartley checks every box.
First, there’s positional excellence. At Georgia, Hartley has built a tight end room that’s not just talented but dominant.
It’s not just about landing highly ranked players - it’s about turning them into game-changers. That’s what he’s done year after year.
Second, there’s the ability to translate recruiting wins into on-field success. Georgia isn’t just stockpiling talent; they’re winning at a national level. And Hartley’s tight ends have played a key role in that success, both in the run game and as dynamic pass catchers.
But maybe the most underrated - and arguably most important - factor is emotional intelligence. The best recruiters aren’t just great evaluators or smooth talkers.
They connect. They build trust.
They understand the human side of the sport. And Hartley is a master at it.
In a game that’s increasingly driven by scheme and analytics, Hartley reminds us that relationships still matter. That authenticity, that ability to relate to players and their families, is what separates good recruiters from great ones.
What’s Next for Hartley?
With the spotlight growing brighter, it’s fair to wonder what’s next for Todd Hartley. He’s already proven himself as one of the top recruiters and position coaches in the country.
The next logical step? A bigger role - whether that’s a coordinator title or, eventually, a head coaching opportunity.
We’ve seen it happen with other top assistants. Brian Hartline made the leap.
Others on this list are climbing fast. For Hartley, the trajectory is clear - he’s on the radar, and it’s only a matter of time before someone takes a serious look at giving him the keys to a bigger piece of the program.
For now, Georgia fans should savor having him in Athens. In a sport where turnover is constant and loyalty is rare, Hartley has been a steady presence - and a major reason why the Bulldogs continue to reload, not rebuild.
He’s more than just a recruiter. He’s a builder.
A connector. A coach who understands that success isn’t just about stars on a spreadsheet - it’s about developing players, earning trust, and delivering results.
And right now, few are doing it better than Todd Hartley.