Georgia Scores Major Recruiting Victory Over Ohio State with 2026 4-Star Commitment
ATHENS, Ga. — In a move that reverberated across the college football landscape, the University of Georgia landed a massive commitment on Monday from elite 2026 four-star wide receiver Malik “Jet” Coleman, choosing the Bulldogs over powerhouse Ohio State. The announcement, made via a live stream on Coleman’s Instagram, marked another strategic triumph for Kirby Smart’s staff as they continue to build one of the most dominant recruiting classes in recent memory.
Coleman, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound playmaker out of IMG Academy, had narrowed his list to Georgia, Ohio State, and USC earlier this spring. But after an official visit to Athens during the final weekend of June, the Florida native said the decision became clear. “Georgia just felt like home,” Coleman said, seated between his parents with a red and black hat perched proudly on his head. “Coach Smart and Coach Bobo made me feel like I’m not just a player — I’m family.”
Sources close to the recruitment say Georgia’s push during June’s crucial visit window played a pivotal role. Coleman, known for his explosive speed and crisp route running, toured Georgia’s upgraded facilities, met one-on-one with position coach Bryan McClendon, and even attended a private film session with quarterback commit Jalen Farris. “I saw the chemistry right there,” Coleman added. “We could do something special.”
The commitment is a dagger to Ohio State, which had been trending as the favorite for months. Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes’ revered wide receivers coach, had built a strong relationship with Coleman, pitching the program’s NFL pipeline. But the timing of Georgia’s visit and the program’s ascending momentum proved decisive.
“This is a major get,” said national recruiting analyst Tyler Simmons. “Coleman’s commitment gives Georgia a reliable vertical threat in the 2026 class and sends a message — they’re not just winning in the trenches anymore. They’re winning battles for elite skill guys.”
Georgia’s 2026 class now features 12 verbal commitments, including two five-stars and seven four-stars. The addition of Coleman vaults the Bulldogs back into the No. 2 spot nationally in the 247Sports composite rankings, just behind Alabama. It also reflects a broader strategy shift under Smart: a greater emphasis on explosive offensive weapons to complement the team’s traditionally dominant defense.
Coleman’s junior tape reveals a receiver with rare acceleration and the ability to create separation deep downfield. Last season, he racked up 1,212 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, including a pair of 90-yard scores in nationally televised games. Scouts have compared him to former Georgia great George Pickens — but with more burst off the line.
While it’s early in the cycle and other programs will continue to push, Coleman says his decision is final. “I’m shutting it down. I’m a Dawg.”
With momentum snowballing and recruiting dominoes falling their way, Georgia appears poised to stack another elite class — and perhaps, once again, reshape the national championship conversation.
