# A New Recruiting War Brews Between Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs as College Football’s Next Powerhouses
The landscape of college football is ever-evolving, with dynasties rising and falling as programs jockey for supremacy on the recruiting trail. In recent years, few teams have dominated the conversation like the Georgia Bulldogs, who have cemented themselves as a modern powerhouse under head coach Kirby Smart. Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns, after years of inconsistency, are surging back into the national spotlight under Steve Sarkisian. Now, as both programs gear up for the future, a fierce recruiting battle is brewing—one that could shape the next era of college football.
Since Kirby Smart took over as head coach in 2016, Georgia has transformed into a recruiting juggernaut. The Bulldogs have consistently landed top-five recruiting classes, leveraging their SEC pedigree, elite player development, and a relentless pursuit of the nation’s best talent. The results speak for themselves: back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, multiple SEC titles, and a pipeline of NFL talent that rivals any program in the country.
Georgia’s recruiting success is built on more than just on-field performance. Smart has cultivated a culture of toughness, discipline, and family—a selling point that resonates with high school prospects. The Bulldogs’ ability to identify and develop underrated players (see: Stetson Bennett, a former walk-on turned national champion quarterback) further enhances their appeal. For elite recruits, Georgia isn’t just another option—it’s the standard.
While Georgia has been the model of consistency, Texas has spent much of the past decade searching for an identity. After years of underachieving under coaches like Charlie Strong and Tom Herman, the Longhorns turned to Steve Sarkisian in 2021, hoping his offensive genius and recruiting prowess could restore the program to glory.
Early returns were mixed, but Sarkisian’s vision is finally coming to fruition. In 2023, Texas made its first College Football Playoff appearance, signaling a return to national relevance. The Longhorns’ move to the SEC in 2024 further elevates their profile, offering recruits the chance to compete in the nation’s premier conference while playing for one of the most storied brands in college football.
Sarkisian’s recruiting strategy hinges on Texas’ unparalleled resources, including the state’s deep high school talent pool and the program’s financial muscle. The Longhorns have also embraced the modern NIL era, leveraging their wealthy donor base to create lucrative opportunities for recruits. With a blend of tradition, exposure, and financial incentives, Texas is once again a major player in the recruiting wars.
As both programs ascend, their recruiting paths are increasingly crossing—particularly in the Southeast and Texas, two of the most talent-rich regions in the country. Georgia has long plucked elite players from Texas (see: five-star QB Brock Vandagriff in the 2021 class), while the Longhorns are now making inroads into Georgia’s backyard.
One of the most notable recent battles was for five-star quarterback Arch Manning, the crown jewel of the 2023 class. Both Georgia and Texas were finalists, with Manning ultimately choosing the Longhorns—a massive win for Sarkisian and a rare high-profile loss for Smart. Manning’s commitment signaled that Texas could go toe-to-toe with Georgia for the nation’s top recruits.
The competition extends beyond quarterbacks. In the 2024 cycle, Georgia and Texas have gone head-to-head for elite defensive linemen, receivers, and offensive linemen. Five-star linebacker Justin Williams initially considered Texas before committing to Georgia, while the Longhorns flipped four-star defensive back Jordon Johnson-Rubell from the Bulldogs. These skirmishes are a sign of what’s to come as both programs vie for the same elite prospects.
Texas’ impending move to the SEC adds another layer to this rivalry. No longer will these teams only clash in recruiting—they’ll soon meet on the field in conference play, turning every recruiting battle into a potential preview of future matchups. The SEC’s brutal schedule means that roster construction is more critical than ever, and both Georgia and Texas know that landing the right players could be the difference between a playoff berth and a disappointing season.
For recruits, the SEC offers unparalleled exposure and competition. Georgia can sell its recent dominance and NFL pipeline, while Texas can pitch the opportunity to be part of a historic program’s resurgence in the nation’s toughest conference. The stakes are higher than ever, and both coaching staffs are treating every recruitment like a must-win game.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have revolutionized recruiting, and both Georgia and Texas are at the forefront. Texas’ “Godzillatron” collective and deep-pocketed boosters have made the Longhorns a major player in the NIL space, offering recruits lucrative endorsement opportunities. Georgia, meanwhile, has its own robust collective, leveraging its passionate fanbase and recent success to create attractive packages for top talent.
While NIL isn’t the sole factor in a recruit’s decision, it’s increasingly a tiebreaker between elite programs. Both Georgia and Texas are using it strategically, ensuring that their pitches extend beyond football to long-term financial opportunities.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle heats up, the battle between Georgia and Texas is only intensifying. Both programs are in contention for multiple five-star prospects, and each head-to-head win could shift the balance of power in the SEC.
For Georgia, maintaining its status as the nation’s premier program means fending off challengers like Texas. For the Longhorns, overtaking the Bulldogs would signal that they’ve truly returned to college football’s elite.
In the end, this isn’t just about individual recruits—it’s about which program can sustain its momentum and build the next great dynasty. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the battle is just beginning.
One thing is certain: as long as Kirby Smart and Steve Sarkisian are at the helm, the recruiting wars between Georgia and Texas will be must-watch drama, shaping the future of college football for years to come.
