Kirby Smart’s Recruiting Masterclass: Is Georgia About to Steal Oklahoma’s Star QB?
In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, it’s often said that the battlefield is won off the field. And right now, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is proving he’s the ultimate general, launching a full-scale offensive to snatch Oklahoma’s prized quarterback commit, Jaden O’Neal.
Georgia’s Strategic Strike: Target Locked on Jaden O’Neal
Jaden O’Neal, a four-star gunslinger out of California, pledged his allegiance to Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners in June 2024. But fast forward to today, and that commitment is hanging by a thread. Why? Because Georgia is knocking on the door with the charm, the facilities, and the championship pedigree that makes recruits question everything they once believed.
Renowned recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong revealed that O’Neal’s recent visit to Athens left him and his family thoroughly impressed. “Georgia is really climbing the ranks for Jaden O’Neal. His commitment to Oklahoma is on thin ice after spending time in Athens with his inner circle. An official visit is already in the works,” Wiltfong reported.
And let’s face it—Georgia isn’t just looking for a quarterback to manage the game. They want a true field general who can launch deep bombs and dominate defenses. O’Neal fits that mold perfectly, standing at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, with a cannon for an arm and the stats to back it up. After throwing for 2,475 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 61% completion rate at Newport Harbor, he elevated his game to 71% accuracy at Mustang High School in Oklahoma, racking up 1,798 yards and 16 TDs in just eight games.
Oklahoma’s Nightmare Scenario: A Two-Front War
The Sooners’ situation is already fragile. O’Neal’s commitment has been shaky for months, and with Georgia aggressively pursuing him, Oklahoma’s grip is slipping. But here’s the twist—O’Neal isn’t even Georgia’s primary target.
Enter Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class and the crown jewel of this recruiting cycle. Curtis, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound phenom from Nashville, was once committed to Georgia before reopening his recruitment in October. Since then, it’s been a dogfight between the Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks, with other programs like Alabama and Auburn lurking in the shadows.
Curtis’ advisor, Peter Webb, made it clear that this isn’t about chasing the biggest NIL deal. “For Jared, it’s not about who pays the most. It’s about finding the perfect fit,” Webb told On3.
If Georgia lands Curtis, O’Neal might see the writing on the wall and pivot to other programs like Florida State or Arizona. However, if Curtis opts for Oregon’s Nike-fueled empire, O’Neal becomes Georgia’s top priority. Either way, Brent Venables is stuck in a recruiting nightmare.
Kirby Smart’s Recruiting Empire: An Unstoppable Force
Georgia’s dominance in recruiting isn’t new. The Bulldogs have secured top-three recruiting classes in four of the past five years, and with back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, their appeal is undeniable. The program’s ability to develop elite quarterbacks and send players to the NFL is a massive draw for prospects like O’Neal and Curtis.
O’Neal’s visit to Athens reportedly included in-depth discussions about Georgia’s offensive strategy, NIL opportunities, and a taste of that famous Southern hospitality. And from all accounts, the experience left a lasting impression.
What’s Next in This Recruiting Drama?
Oklahoma fans are holding their breath as Georgia inches closer to flipping O’Neal. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are playing a game of chess, positioning themselves to either secure Curtis or land O’Neal as a backup plan. With an official visit on the horizon, the pressure is mounting for Brent Venables to reinforce O’Neal’s loyalty before Georgia delivers the knockout blow.
In the unpredictable world of college football recruiting, one thing is clear: when Kirby Smart sets his sights on a target, he rarely misses. And if he pulls off this double heist, Oklahoma might be left scrambling for answers while Georgia continues its march toward SEC domination.
