Georgia Intensifying Pursuit of Elite Wide Receiver Prospect
As the Georgia Bulldogs football program inches closer to a key recruiting decision, the team continues to apply steady pressure in their pursuit of a prized wide receiver prospect. The Bulldogs are placing significant focus on four-star pass-catcher Craig Dandridge, one of the top names on their recruiting board.
According to a recent report by Jeremy Johnson of On3, Georgia is making an aggressive push to land Dandridge, a standout in the 2026 recruiting class. Johnson characterized the Bulldogs’ interest as being in “hot pursuit,” reflecting the intensity of the staff’s efforts to secure the receiver’s commitment.
Dandridge himself confirmed that the communication with Georgia has been frequent and consistent. “I’m always hearing from one of their coaches,” he said during his interview with Johnson. “Even when I was there for the 7-on-7 event, they made it a point to pull me aside to check in—not just with me, but asking about how my family was doing. They really go out of their way to show how much they care.”
This personal attention appears to be making a significant impression. Dandridge recently visited the University of Georgia in Athens, and the experience left a lasting mark. Johnson reported that the Bulldogs made a “major impression” during that visit, with Dandridge feeling appreciated and well-received throughout his stay.
Johnson elaborated on the situation through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, “Georgia is in hot pursuit of 4WR target Craig Dandridge. The 4WR has a commitment date and is feeling the love from Georgia’s staff. #GoDawgs.” The momentum Georgia is building in Dandridge’s recruitment comes as he prepares to make his college decision, which is currently scheduled for June 26.
Adding to Georgia’s optimism is the projection from On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, which lists the Bulldogs as the frontrunner in the competition for Dandridge’s commitment. Their biggest challenger appears to be in-state rival Georgia Tech, but other schools are still in the mix. Dandridge is also set to visit the University of Tennessee and Stanford, signaling that his decision is not yet finalized and other programs could still sway him.
What’s helping Georgia stand out is not only the frequency of contact but also how the coaching staff treats Dandridge’s family. According to the receiver, this family-centered approach has weighed heavily in his evaluation of potential programs.
“I saw my family having an amazing time during our visit,” Dandridge recalled. “That was a big deal for me. It meant so much to see them enjoy the experience, and I’m really grateful to even be in a position to take these trips. I know a lot of people don’t get that opportunity, so I don’t take it for granted.”
Recruiting services have consistently ranked Dandridge as one of the top prospects in his class. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is currently listed as the 38th-ranked wide receiver in the country and the 26th-best player in the state of Georgia for the class of 2026. He also falls within the top 250 recruits nationally, highlighting just how competitive the race for his signature has become.
Dandridge’s recruitment storyline represents a common theme in college football: programs must not only win on the field but also connect with athletes on a personal level, making the player and their family feel like part of a larger community. Georgia appears to be excelling in that department with Dandridge.
As the June 26 decision date approaches, Georgia will continue to put its best foot forward, hoping that the persistent effort from head coach Kirby Smart and his staff will pay off.
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In Other Recruiting News: Ahmad Hudson Accepts Navy All-American Bowl Invite
While the Bulldogs chase top talent for future classes, another young star has earned national recognition. Tight end Ahmad Hudson, a four-star recruit out of Ruston High School in Ruston, Louisiana, has officially accepted an invitation to participate in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl. This prestigious event, now in its 26th year, showcases 100 of the top high school football players in the country.
Hudson will be part of the East vs. West matchup scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game will be broadcast live on NBC at 1:00 PM ET and is expected to draw significant national attention.
The Navy All-American Bowl Selection Committee, composed of officials from the Bowl itself, recruiting platform 247Sports, and scouting group NXGN, selected Hudson for the game. Being named a Navy All-American is a major honor in the high school football world, placing Hudson among the elite at his position nationally.
Participation in the game also makes Hudson eligible for several prestigious individual honors. These include the Navy All-American Bowl Player of the Year Award, the Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year Award, Defensive Player of the Year, Man of the Year, and Game MVP.
Each year, only 100 athletes receive the distinction of wearing the Navy All-American Bowl jersey, a symbol of excellence and hard work in high school football. With thousands of players across the nation vying for recognition, Hudson’s selection highlights his talent, performance, and potential at the next level.
The All-American Bowl is an NBC Sports property and part of its elite programming portfolio, which includes major events like the Olympic Games, Premier League matches, and the top-rated Sunday Night Football. The Bowl consistently ranks as the most watched and discussed high school all-star football event in the country, drawing over 4 million viewers annually and hosting more than 25,000 fans in attendance.
The Bowl has a storied history of featuring players who went on to have exceptional collegiate and professional careers. Over the years, the event has included 631 NFL draft picks, 103 Super Bowl champions, 274 Pro Bowlers, and 18 Heisman Trophy finalists.
Ahmad Hudson’s participation in this high-profile game places him in excellent company and adds another highlight
to his already promising football journey.
