When a Georgia Bulldogs coach says, “I gotta get him. I gotta get him. I gotta get him,” it sends a clear and resounding message: that player isn’t just on the radar—he’s circled, underlined, and starred. That player is a priority. And right now, Cambridge wide receiver Craig Dandridge is a priority for the University of Georgia in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Dandridge turned heads across the Southeast with a stellar 2024 season, hauling in 15 touchdowns and establishing himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the class of 2026. His combination of speed, hands, football IQ, and a relentless motor has made him a household name among recruiting insiders and college coaches alike. But for Georgia, the interest goes deeper than the stat line.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Dandridge boasts the prototypical size and athleticism that programs covet in a WR1. He’s a fluid route-runner who can stretch the field vertically, but he’s just as comfortable slipping into open space across the middle and making defenders miss after the catch. He plays with a physical edge that reflects his work ethic, and his competitive fire is evident on every snap. There are no wasted reps when Dandridge is on the field—he treats every play like it’s fourth-and-goal.
UGA wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, known for his eye for talent and his ability to connect with elite prospects, has made it clear that Dandridge is at the top of his board. Multiple sources close to the program have confirmed that Georgia is in constant contact with the Cambridge star, and his visits to Athens have only further fueled mutual interest. The staff loves his game, but they might love his mentality even more.
“He just gets it,” one Georgia coach said recently. “He’s locked in. He’s mature. He knows what he wants, and he works for it every day. Guys like that fit here.”
The Bulldogs have made it a point in recent years to stockpile explosive receivers who can impact games from anywhere on the field. In a time when the SEC arms race is defined by perimeter playmakers, Dandridge fits the mold of recent Georgia targets who can flip a game in one play. He’s the kind of athlete who makes quarterbacks look good and defensive coordinators lose sleep.
But Craig Dandridge is more than just a talented football player. Off the field, he’s a high-character individual who commands respect in the locker room and in the classroom. Coaches rave about his leadership, maturity, and humility. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but it always seems to find him. Teammates gravitate toward him because of his consistency, work ethic, and team-first attitude.
In interviews, Dandridge is thoughtful and well-spoken. He talks about wanting to be great, not just for himself but for his community and for everyone who believes in him. He trains like a pro, studies film like a senior, and already carries himself like a college athlete. For Georgia, that kind of mindset is as important as any physical trait.
“When you talk about building a championship team,” said another UGA staffer, “you’re looking for guys who live the standard every day. Craig is that guy. He’s the standard.”
Dandridge has drawn interest from powerhouse programs across the country. Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida State have all been in pursuit. But Georgia has something others can’t replicate: proximity, culture, and a track record of developing talent at every position. Athens is less than two hours from his home, and the chance to stay in-state while playing for one of the premier programs in college football is appealing.
For Dandridge, it’s not about chasing hype—it’s about finding the right fit. He wants to be challenged. He wants to win. He wants to be a part of something special. Georgia checks every box.
The 2026 recruiting cycle is just beginning to heat up, but it’s already clear that Craig Dandridge will be one of the most talked-about players in the Southeast. Every visit he takes, every offer he receives, will be watched closely. And in every conversation surrounding elite wide receiver prospects, his name will be front and center.
Georgia fans should take note. Dandridge is a name to know, and if the Bulldogs have their way, he’ll be making plays in red and black for years to come.
The Bulldogs’ aggressive pursuit is part of a broader recruiting philosophy under head coach Kirby Smart. It’s not just about stockpiling five-star athletes; it’s about identifying players who elevate the program’s identity on and off the field. And in Dandridge, the coaching staff sees a player who can do both.
He’s the kind of talent who can come in early and contribute. He can stretch the defense and open up opportunities for others. He’s a matchup nightmare with a rare blend of size, speed, and fluidity. But more than that, he’s a worker. He doesn’t ask for handouts. He earns everything.
That’s what makes him a priority.
As Dandridge’s profile continues to rise, expect Georgia to remain relentless in its pursuit. The Bulldogs have built a recruiting machine under Smart, and when they lock in on a target, they rarely miss. It helps that McClendon has built a strong relationship with Dandridge and his family. There’s trust there, and in recruiting, trust often tips the scale.
Still, Dandridge is taking his time. He knows the gravity of the decision ahead. This isn’t just about football; it’s about finding a place that will help him grow as a person and prepare him for life beyond the game. He’s doing his homework, asking the right questions, and surrounding himself with the right people.
In a recruiting landscape that often feels chaotic, Dandridge is a steady presence. He’s not chasing headlines. He’s chasing greatness. And that’s exactly why Georgia wants him.
As the 2026 cycle unfolds, all eyes will be on Craig Dandridge. The Bulldogs are pushing hard, and for good reason. They see what the rest of the country is beginning to realize: he’s the kind of player who changes programs.
So when a coach at Georgia says, “I gotta get him,” you listen.
Because odds are, they will.
