In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback Julian “Juke” Lewis has officially decommitted from Ohio State and flipped his verbal commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs, spurning other national powerhouses including Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. The move was confirmed early Saturday morning via a heartfelt social media post from Lewis, who is widely regarded as one of the top overall prospects in the 2025 recruiting class.
The announcement comes just weeks after Lewis made a high-profile visit to Athens during Georgia’s spring game. It also signals a significant recruiting win for Kirby Smart, whose Bulldogs continue to assemble what may become the No. 1 class in the country for 2025.
The Flip Heard Across the Nation
Julian Lewis’s decommitment from Ohio State is not just a recruiting footnote—it’s a full-blown seismic shift. The Carrollton (GA) High School star had been committed to Ryan Day and the Buckeyes since early 2023, giving the program a long-standing edge in one of the most competitive quarterback races of the NIL era.
“I want to thank Coach Day, Coach Dennis, and the entire Ohio State staff for believing in me,” Lewis said in his announcement. “This decision was not easy. But after continued conversations with my family and a lot of prayer, I feel like the University of Georgia is where I’m supposed to be.”
Georgia, which had been lurking in the shadows for months, finally landed its man after a renewed push from offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and quarterbacks coach Todd Monken, who rejoined the Bulldogs in an off-field analyst role following his NFL stint. Lewis cited Georgia’s culture, player development, and national title pedigree as key factors in his decision.
Who Is Julian “Juke” Lewis?
Julian Lewis, nicknamed “Juke” for his slippery mobility and field awareness, is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound dual-threat quarterback who ranks as the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 class, per 247Sports Composite Rankings. Some scouts believe he could finish as the top-ranked quarterback when it’s all said and done.
Lewis has drawn comparisons to Bryce Young for his poise, quick release, and football IQ. Over the past two seasons, he has passed for more than 7,000 yards and 75 touchdowns, routinely showcasing an ability to pick apart defenses both from the pocket and on the run.
“He’s the most polished quarterback I’ve ever coached at this age,” said Carrollton head coach Joey King. “He has the arm talent, the mobility, and—most importantly—the work ethic. Georgia is getting a complete player.”
His impressive film and performance at elite quarterback camps have made Lewis the centerpiece of whatever class he chooses to anchor. It’s that very promise that made his flip such a devastating blow to Ohio State and a massive victory for Georgia.
Why Georgia?
While many assumed Lewis would stay loyal to the Buckeyes—especially after turning down offers from USC, LSU, and Michigan—the Bulldogs were always in the picture. Lewis grew up in Georgia, just 60 miles from Athens. His familiarity with the program and strong relationships with Georgia players and coaches ultimately helped tip the scales.
“I’ve been to Georgia probably more than any other school,” Lewis said during a recent interview. “There’s something about the way Coach Smart runs his program. The accountability, the competition—it’s all real. They don’t promise anything, but they show you what you can become.”
Additionally, Georgia’s track record in quarterback development under Smart has improved significantly in recent years. With players like Stetson Bennett, Carson Beck, and now Gunner Stockton showcasing their growth within the system, Lewis believes Georgia is no longer just a defensive powerhouse—it’s becoming a quarterback factory.
Reaction from Ohio State
For the Buckeyes, this is a gut punch at a critical time. Ryan Day has established a strong quarterback lineage in Columbus—developing NFL-caliber talents like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and Kyle McCord—but the 2025 class had largely been built around Lewis.
Now, Ohio State must scramble to re-engage with other elite quarterback targets such as Bryce Baker, Deuce Knight, or perhaps even dip into the transfer portal again down the line.
The Buckeyes still boast a strong recruiting foundation with several five- and four-star commitments in place, but Lewis’s departure leaves a glaring hole at the most important position in football.
Day issued a brief comment on the development, saying, “We wish Julian nothing but the best. He’s a great player and an even better young man. Our focus now is moving forward and finding the right quarterback for this class.”
The Programs He Passed Over
Lewis’s final decision came down to four schools: Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. All four made aggressive pitches in recent months, especially as rumors swirled about his wavering status with Ohio State.
- Alabama, under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, made a strong push and was believed to be in second place heading into the spring evaluation period. The Crimson Tide’s offensive style under DeBoer was appealing to Lewis, who had several conversations with former Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. during the process.
- Texas, with Arch Manning already in the quarterback room, was a dark horse but remained involved. Steve Sarkisian’s ability to coach QBs was a major draw.
- Tennessee, led by Josh Heupel, pitched an up-tempo offense that would have put Lewis in position to put up monster stats. However, questions about NIL stability and development kept them on the outside looking in.
In the end, the familiarity and structure at Georgia made the difference.
The National Recruiting Impact
Lewis’s commitment reshapes the national recruiting landscape for 2025. His decision could cause a ripple effect among offensive skill players still deciding between top SEC and Big Ten programs.
With Lewis now onboard, Georgia is expected to gain momentum with top wide receiver targets like Caleb Cunningham, Winston Watkins Jr., and Jaime Ffrench. Several of those targets expressed excitement on social media within minutes of the announcement.
“Let’s eat ,” tweeted Watkins, a fellow five-star.
Georgia’s 2025 class now vaults to the No. 1 spot nationally, overtaking Alabama and Michigan, according to 247Sports’ updated class rankings.
Georgia’s Quarterback Room
The commitment of Lewis adds to an already talented and competitive quarterback room in Athens. Current starter Carson Beck is expected to enter the NFL Draft after the 2024 season, while Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi are locked in a battle for the backup job.
Lewis will arrive in 2025 with an opportunity to compete right away, though redshirting remains a possibility depending on how the depth chart shakes out.
The Bulldogs have not signed a five-star QB since Brock Vandagriff in 2021. Landing Lewis not only breaks that drought but reasserts Georgia as a premier destination for elite quarterbacks—something critics once questioned during the early years of Kirby Smart’s tenure.
Final Thoughts
Julian Lewis’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Georgia will be analyzed, debated, and revisited countless times between now and National Signing Day. But one thing is clear: this was a massive win for Georgia, a crushing blow to Ohio State, and another example of how fluid, competitive, and emotional the world of college football recruiting has become in the NIL era.
For now, Georgia fans can celebrate. The Bulldogs just landed the crown jewel of the 2025 class—a quarterback who could carry them into a new era of dominance, one pass at a time.