The Georgia Bulldogs continue their dominant recruiting push in the 2025 cycle with yet another big-time addition to the secondary. Four-star safety Jordan Smith, one of the top defensive backs in the country, officially announced his commitment to Georgia on Sunday evening, choosing the Bulldogs over a loaded list of contenders that included Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, and Tennessee.
Smith’s pledge is a significant win for Kirby Smart and his staff, further cementing Georgia’s national recruiting prowess—especially in the defensive backfield. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Smith brings a rare combination of size, speed, physicality, and football IQ to the Bulldogs’ defense. He is currently ranked as the No. 5 safety in the 2025 class according to 247Sports Composite rankings and the No. 57 overall player nationally.
For Georgia, a program already overflowing with elite defensive talent, Smith’s commitment reinforces what the Bulldogs have consistently built under Smart: a defense-first identity that is attracting the best of the best from around the country. His decision also sends a message to the rest of the SEC—Georgia isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Smith, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, starred at Carver High School where he developed a reputation as one of the most complete safeties in the country. He burst onto the recruiting radar during his sophomore season after racking up 75 tackles, four interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles. His physicality stood out immediately, but it was his instincts and range in coverage that made college coaches take notice.
By his junior season, Smith had offers from nearly every major program in the South. He took visits to Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, and Tennessee, but it was Georgia that stood out most.
“From the first time I visited Athens, it felt like home,” Smith told reporters following his announcement. “The culture, the coaching staff, the player development—it’s everything I was looking for. Coach Smart and Coach Muschamp have built a defensive system that I know I can thrive in. I trust them to make me the best version of myself.”
He went on to say that Georgia’s track record of producing NFL defensive backs played a huge role in his decision. “When you look at what they’ve done—guys like Lewis Cine, Kelee Ringo, Malaki Starks, Javon Bullard—those are players who’ve made it to the league and made big plays in big games. I want to be part of that legacy.”
Smith’s commitment is part of a broader trend for Georgia, which has become the premier destination for elite defensive backs in recent years. Under the guidance of Kirby Smart and co-defensive coordinators Will Muschamp and Glenn Schumann, the Bulldogs have built a fearsome reputation for developing NFL-ready talent on the back end.
In the last three NFL Drafts alone, Georgia has seen multiple defensive backs taken, including first-rounders and Day 2 picks. The Bulldogs’ defensive scheme is complex, but it prepares players to succeed at the next level—and recruits are paying attention.
Smith fits perfectly into that mold. He’s a high-IQ safety who can play deep zone, drop into the box, and cover tight ends or slot receivers. His film shows a player who isn’t afraid to come downhill and make tackles in the run game, while also possessing the agility and awareness to make plays in space.
“He’s a plug-and-play guy,” one recruiting analyst said. “Jordan Smith is the kind of safety who can see the field as a freshman. He’s polished, he’s physical, and he doesn’t make a lot of mental mistakes. That’s what Georgia loves in their safeties.”
The Bulldogs have long valued versatility in their defensive backs. With players like Malaki Starks and Kamari Lassiter setting the standard in recent years, Smith joins a unit that is once again poised to be among the most feared in the nation.
The news of Smith’s commitment was met with celebration across Bulldog Nation. Social media lit up with reactions from current players, fans, and fellow recruits.
Five-star linebacker Zayden Walker, another Georgia commit in the 2025 class, tweeted, “Let’s go!!! Dawgs getting stronger every day. Welcome to the family, Jordan!”
Smith’s commitment could also have a ripple effect on other top targets considering Georgia. The Bulldogs are still in the mix for several high-profile defensive backs, including five-star cornerback DJ Pickett and top-100 safety Jonah Williams. With Smith on board, Georgia now has a major selling point for fellow defensive recruits: come be part of something special.
This commitment also continues a strong recruiting run for Georgia in the month of May. The Bulldogs recently secured pledges from four-star defensive end Elijah Griffin and top-100 wide receiver Brandon Locke, giving them major momentum as summer approaches.
Georgia now holds 15 commitments in the 2025 class and ranks No. 2 nationally, behind only Ohio State. With more announcements expected in the coming weeks, the Bulldogs could soon reclaim the top spot.
On the field, Jordan Smith is as complete a safety as there is in this class. He plays fast, hits hard, and rarely takes bad angles. Coaches love his maturity and the way he communicates in the secondary.
He has a background in track, which shows in his straight-line speed, but his ability to change direction and cover ground sideline to sideline is what separates him from others at his position. He’s also a film junkie who spends hours breaking down opponents, a trait that has endeared him to Georgia’s staff.
From a schematic standpoint, Smith gives the Bulldogs the flexibility to use him in multiple roles. He could thrive as a traditional free safety, but Georgia’s defensive staff may also deploy him in a STAR role, covering the slot and playing closer to the line of scrimmage when needed.
“He’s a Swiss Army knife,” said Carver High School head coach Jamarcus Miller. “You can put him anywhere on the field and he’s going to make plays. He’s a leader, he’s tough, and he’s hungry. Georgia is getting a special player and an even better young man.”
Beyond the stats and highlight reels, Smith brings strong leadership qualities to the Bulldogs. He’s been a team captain since his junior season and is well-respected by teammates and coaches alike.
Known for his calm demeanor and quiet confidence, Smith leads more by example than by words—but when he speaks, people listen. At Carver, he was instrumental in organizing team workouts and mentoring younger players.
He’s also active in his community, volunteering at youth camps and speaking at local schools about the importance of academics and accountability. Georgia has consistently recruited players with high character, and Smith fits that mold perfectly.
With Smith now in the fold, Georgia’s attention turns to filling out the rest of the secondary in this class. The Bulldogs will host several top prospects on official visits in June, including DJ Pickett, Jonah Williams, and four-star cornerback Jalyn Crawford.
Defensive backs coach Fran Brown has already made major waves on the recruiting trail, and his influence continues to grow. Brown was instrumental in landing Smith and will now turn his attention to locking in the rest of Georgia’s top DB targets.
The Bulldogs are also eyeing help at linebacker and on the defensive line. With players like Zayden Walker, Elijah Griffin, and Jordan Smith anchoring the class, Georgia is building yet another foundation for a championship-caliber defense.
Jordan Smith’s commitment to Georgia is another major win for a program that has redefined what it means to recruit elite defensive talent. He’s not just another star in a stacked recruiting class—he’s a player who could make a real impact in Athens as early as 2025.
With Smith in the fold, Georgia sends a clear message: the standard isn’t slipping. If anything, it’s rising.
And for opposing offenses in the SEC? The challenge just got a lot tougher.