In what can only be described as a thunderclap across the recruiting world, Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have once again proven their dominance on the trail, flipping elite 4-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle from bitter SEC rival Auburn in a dramatic and perfectly timed recruiting coup.
Toodle, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound missile out of Mobile, Alabama, had been firmly committed to the Tigers since July of 2023—until now. The Georgia staff, playing the long game with tactical brilliance, offered Toodle in January and hosted him for an official visit in May. Fast-forward to the heat of flip season, and Toodle has officially made the jump from Plains to the Peach State. This isn’t just a win. It’s a message.
BOOM. Dawgs just struck oil in Auburn’s backyard.
Who Is Shadarius Toodle?
Toodle is not just another name on a list—he’s a future game-wrecker.
Ranked as the No. 9 linebacker in the nation for the class of 2026, Toodle brings the kind of sideline-to-sideline range, play-recognition, and physical violence that Georgia has made a trademark under Smart’s reign. He possesses a rare combination of measurables and instincts—standing 6’3” with a lean, twitchy frame, but also showcasing the ability to cover tight ends, mirror running backs, and shoot gaps with explosive acceleration.
Analysts rave about his versatility. Some see him as a future Will linebacker in Georgia’s system; others believe he may grow into a hybrid edge defender. Either way, one thing is certain: Toodle fits the mold of Georgia’s modern, positionless, chaos-causing defense.
Recruiting analyst Jordan Reid of ESPN compared Toodle to a young Quay Walker:
“Toodle’s tape is violent. He doesn’t just make tackles—he dismantles plays. His change of direction and football IQ are off the charts for a high school junior. This is a massive get for Georgia.”
Flip Season Strikes Again
The world of recruiting is increasingly defined by persistence, NIL savvy, and strategic timing—and no one navigates flip season quite like Georgia. While Auburn had every reason to feel confident in keeping Toodle in-state, Georgia’s relentless recruiting machine never let up.
Let’s rewind:
- July 2023: Toodle pledges to Auburn in a move seen as a major SEC West win.
- January 2025: Georgia quietly offers, signaling renewed interest despite Toodle’s verbal commitment.
- May 2025: Toodle visits Athens, and the Bulldogs roll out the red carpet.
- June 2025: He flips. Just like that.
It’s a classic Georgia play—patience, persistence, precision. They didn’t panic, didn’t over-promise, and didn’t give up when the commitment graphic went orange and blue. They simply waited for the right moment to pounce. And when they did, they flipped one of the South’s most coveted defenders.
Why Toodle Chose Georgia
Sources close to the recruitment point to a few core reasons for the switch:
1. NFL Development Pipeline
Toodle reportedly cited Georgia’s unrivaled linebacker pedigree as a deciding factor. With recent NFL success stories like Roquan Smith, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Channing Tindall, the Bulldogs are the gold standard for linebacker development.
2. Scheme Fit
Under co-defensive coordinators Glenn Schumann and Travaris Robinson, Georgia’s scheme offers a versatile, aggressive system perfect for Toodle’s skill set. At Auburn, he would’ve had a traditional LB role. At Georgia, he can become a weapon.
3. Championship Culture
The rings don’t lie. Georgia’s culture, built on competition, discipline, and national title contention, proved too strong to ignore. As one source put it:
“Toodle wants to play on the biggest stage, against the best, for the best. Georgia is the mountaintop right now.”
⚔️ The Rivalry Angle: Dawgs Bite Auburn Again
This isn’t just a recruiting flip—it’s a symbolic power move in one of the SEC’s oldest and fiercest rivalries. The “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” just got another layer of tension, and Auburn fans aren’t going to forget this one soon.
Toodle is a home-state product. Auburn had him locked up for nearly a year. And yet, Georgia swooped in and took him from their backyard—in prime recruiting season, no less. This is the type of win that alters the trajectory of defensive rooms and fires up recruiting boards in war rooms.
What It Means for Georgia’s 2026 Class
With the addition of Toodle, Georgia’s 2026 class takes another quantum leap forward, possibly moving into the No. 1 spot depending on subsequent dominoes. The Dawgs are assembling another defensive juggernaut:
- 5-star DBs and pass rushers already in the fold
- Elite trench talent on both sides
- Now, one of the fastest-rising linebackers in the country
It’s becoming increasingly clear: Georgia isn’t rebuilding or reloading. They’re simply reloading with better ammunition each time.
Final Take: Another Flip, Another Flex
Shadarius Toodle’s commitment to Georgia is more than a recruiting win—it’s a strategic masterclass. It’s the kind of flip that shows the Bulldogs not only scout better, but they strike smarter. In the chessboard of SEC recruiting, Kirby Smart is thinking five moves ahead—and this is checkmate.
With flip season in full swing, don’t be surprised if Georgia lands more shocking names before the cycle closes. But for now, Toodle’s flip is the headline—and the rest of the SEC is on notice.
