The 2025 college football season might be at its peak. But that does not mean that the head coaches are putting their recruiting game on autopilot mode. Talking about the timing? Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs got a golden opportunity to catch their breath. Thanks to their bye week. But instead of chilling after grueling three weeks or hitting the Bulldogs’ practice camp, Smart chose to ramp up their recruiting push. And what better way to do that than wooing a hot 5-star prospect? 

As per On3’s 2026 Industry Ranking football Team Recruiting Rankings, Smart’s Georgia stands at No.2 with 31 recruits locked in. About the 2027 class, Georgia already has two commitments, in four-star corner Donte Wright (Long Beach Poly) and three-star wide receiver Gavin Honore (Mater Dei). But now his next goal is to woo 5-star EDGE David Jacobs. And how did Smart try to leap ahead in the recruiting race? Simple, adding a personal touch.  

On September 19, On3 Sports’ Jeremy Johnson posted a clip of Smart standing near the sideline, engrossed in watching something. The caption revealed, “Kirby Smart in the house at Blessed Trinity. 5⭐️EDGE David Jacobs and Blessed Trinity hosting Hebron Christian.” The Blessed Trinity Catholic product other than Smart’s squad holds offers from Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami, Michigan, Tennessee, and a couple of other programs. But what makes him such a hot option for the programs?

The 6-5, 220-pound, 5-star EDGE rusher is ranked No. 2 overall in the state of Georgia, No. 2 player in the country at the edge position, and the No. 4 overall player in the entire 2027 class. He posted 112 tackles, 35 tackles for losses, and 12 sacks. Smart might have become more interested in Jacobs, given his skills as highlighted by 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins. As the analyst wrote, “Cast-iron edge player who has the frame and physicality to hold his own in the trenches. Finds a flat back and works to get around obstacles while also displaying the ability to turn and redirect with his suddenness and agility.”

Jacobs’ integrity and hardworking skills also gained praise from his Blessed Trinity head coach Ed Dudley, who has been heading the program since 1992. “Every day,” Dudley said. “Every day without fail. He’s just a special person. He brings a special energy to rushing the passer and kind of lives life that way. I just love being around him. He elevates my game.” Will Smart be lucky to bring the spark to the Athens camp?

On August 26, Josh Newberg tweeted a big intel, “’I start with Georgia as the clear team to beat’ @ChadSimmons_ says the Dawgs are trending for an elite in-state 5-star 👀🐶.” But while Smart devotes his costly time to strengthen Georgia’s future, the present needs his attention, too.

Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs under the microscope 

Talking about the Bulldogs’ current situation? They have been average, just enough to keep themselves away from catching side eyes. As Alabama Crimson Tide insider Chris Stewart shared his take on the Jox 94.5 podcast. He said, “Vulnerable but resilient and still with a mindset. Yes, they caught a huge break when Tennessee missed the kick at the end, but once they got that, once they missed it, you just had the feeling that Georgia was going to find a way to get them once again. And that certainly proved to be the case.” 

It was a game of resilience. Georgia dodged a 43-yard scare, kept their composure in overtime, and left Neyland stunned. So, we definitely know what’s coming next for Smart’s squad. A lot of pressure to prove themselves, and this time without any shortfall, a clean slate. But will that be possible? For Smart’s Bulldogs, their quarterback, Gunner Stockton, is carrying the burden on his shoulders. But he too failed to get an A+ grade from an analyst. 

The expectations for Stockton were touching the roof. But looks like Smart’s quarterback has been put off the hype train. As Joel Klatt did not mince his words and said, “Georgia’s starting QB had to throw 34 passes against Austin Peay! If Julian Sayin or Dante Moore would’ve thrown 34 passes against Austin Peay, they would’ve scored 873,000 points.” The review came after Stockton’s weak feat against a cupcake rival like Austin Peay. He completed 76% of his passes for 227 yards 

This was then doubled down by David Pollack on his See Ball Get Ball podcast. “The passing attack does not look good. It does not look in sync. The weapons look fine, but the connection and seeing it with Gunner, seeing it and delivering it, is not there yet,” said the Georgia alum. Kirby Smart’s quarterback stuck to short, safe throws, and his usual big-play spark just didn’t appear. Recruiting the next wave is fine, but Georgia’s present lineup needs a serious facelift.