TOODLE’S TURN: 2026 4⭐ LB Shadarius Toodle Flips from Auburn to Georgia in Shocking Move That Shakes the SEC
In a stunning twist that’s left Auburn’s War Eagle faithful in disbelief, 2026 four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle, one of the South’s most fearsome young defensive phenoms, has flipped his commitment from Auburn to the University of Georgia, just months after verbally pledging to the Tigers. The news broke early Saturday morning via a post on Toodle’s X (formerly Twitter) account that read simply: “Iron sharpens iron. Go Dawgs #Committed #UGA” — a message that ignited the college football world in seconds.
Toodle, a 6’3”, 225-pound tackling machine out of Opelika High School in Alabama, had long been viewed as the heart of Auburn’s 2026 class. His commitment last fall was celebrated as a defensive cornerstone. But behind the scenes, Georgia’s relentless recruiting machine—led by inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann and head coach Kirby Smart himself—had never stopped circling.
Sources close to Toodle say the turning point came during an unofficial visit to Athens earlier this month. Toodle walked into the Bulldogs’ practice facility and was met with a defensive culture unlike any he’d ever seen.
> “It was different. At Georgia, they don’t talk about dominance—they live it,” Toodle told reporters in an exclusive interview. “Coach Smart sat me down, showed me tape of Roquan Smith, Nakobe Dean, and Smael Mondon. Then he looked me in the eyes and said, ‘You’re next.’ That stuck with me.”
Toodle’s flip isn’t just symbolic—it’s seismic. Georgia, already ranked No. 1 in the 2026 recruiting rankings, just pulled off another elite-level steal. Toodle brings elite sideline-to-sideline speed, a high football IQ, and raw physicality that mirrors the tenacity Georgia fans expect from their linebackers.
Auburn, meanwhile, is scrambling. Tigers insiders reportedly had no idea the flip was coming. One assistant coach was said to have found out via social media. “He was our guy,” a source within Auburn’s recruiting staff admitted. “This one hurts.”
The decision sparked fiery debate across fan forums and message boards, with Auburn supporters calling it “a betrayal” and Georgia fans welcoming Toodle with open arms. “Another dog for the Death Squad,” one UGA fan posted. “Kirby just doesn’t miss.”
Toodle’s commitment now marks Georgia’s fifth top-100 defensive recruit in the 2026 class, continuing a recruiting dynasty that shows no signs of slowing. For Kirby Smart, this isn’t just about signing a linebacker—it’s about building a legacy.
> “I’m coming to Athens to win championships,” Toodle said. “Period.”
And with that, another elite prospect has chosen to wear red and black. The rest of the SEC has been put on notice—again.
