Around the SEC: Recruiting News & Trends

Recruiting never stops across the SEC, and it is once again time to dive into the latest news, notes and headlines from across the area recruiting trails.

Big Gets

LB JaMichael Garrett‍ pledges to Ole Miss

Headlines

Back on the market – Arkansas’ 2026 recruiting class has seen a few departures in recent weeks. Headliner Bryce Gilmore‍ announced his decommitment and a few days later pledged to Texas Tech. Since then, the Hogs have seen longtime QB commit Jayvon Gilmore‍ re-open his recruitment, and tight end Jaivion Martin‍ has also had a change of heart.

2027s narrow the search – Cedar Hill (TX) DL Jalen Brewster‍ announced his Oct. 4 decision date with Oregon, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Indiana, LSU, SMU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC and Texas among the finalists. Tampa (FL) LB Kaden Henderson‍ also released a top 12 with SEC programs Alabama, Texas A&M, LSU, Florida and Tennessee in the running. Ohio State, Oregon, USC, Clemson, Florida State, Miami and Notre Dame also made the cut.

OL Johnnie Jones‍ decommits from UCLA – In June, the Venice (FL) offensive tackle originally chose the Bruins over Ole Miss, Penn State, Florida State, Colorado,and Vanderbilt, but after UCLA parted ways with head coach DeShaun Foster, Jones is reconsidering his options. Since announcing his decision to reconsider his options, SEC programs Mississippi State, Missouri, Georgia, LSU and Oklahoma are among the schools showing interest. He will visit Mississippi State this weekend.

Big game weekends – There are always big recruiting weekends in the SEC, and this week, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia and South Carolina all have matchups sure to attract attention. Arkansas hosts Notre Dame. A&M has Auburn coming to town. Ole Miss will host LSU. Tennessee is headed to Starkville. Georgia faces Alabama. Kentucky travels to South Carolina. Two SEC programs will have back-to-back big weekends as Texas A&M hosts Mississippi State next weekend, and Georgia welcomes Kentucky. Alabama also has a big matchup with Vanderbilt, and Florida will try to right the ship against Texas.

New Name to Know

OL Geraci Carson‍, Jackson (MS) Lanier – 2028

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound lineman prides himself on a versatile skillset in the trenches. He is a wrecking ball on the defensive side, equipped with a quick first step, powerful hands and the athleticism to put offensive linemen on their heels. On the offensive side of the ball, the size, bend and athleticism project highly to offensive tackle. As he continues to grow, it is not hard to imagine a bright future on the offensive line.

His physicality is hard to miss. He enjoys “bouncing kids off the turf,” but he also has a cerebral approach with an interest in technology and engineering. He even has a different approach to his football role models. He lists both QB Tim Tebow and LB Brandon Siler as players he has studied — Tebow for discipline and focus, and Siler for his relentless and tough mindset.

He was clocked at 4.9 in the 40-yard dash at Southern Miss, and his coaches and trainers have clocked him in the 4.8 range. He also has a basketball background, which is not surprising considering his hands. He is also starting to throw the shot put. Right now, his PR is in the 40s, but as he gets the technique down, his coaches believe he has state-champion-like ability.

College coaches are beginning to take notice. He spent the majority of his summer focused on training, so he only attended a Southern Miss camp at the end of the summer to test. Still, college coaches are quickly learning about his abilities. Southern Miss offered in January before his freshman year, and he now holds offers from Ole Miss, Old Dominion, Western Kentucky and Miami (OH). Strong interest has also arrived from Mississippi State, LSU and SMU. He plans to visit LSU, Mississippi State and Alabama, among others, this fall. He recently visited Ole Miss.

What’s up with the top

Top 2026 SEC commits at each position
QB: Jared Curtis‍, Nashville (TN) Nashville Christian – Georgia
RB: Ezavier Crowell‍, Jackson (AL) – Alabama
WR: Tristen Keys‍, Hattiesburg (MS) – Tennessee
TE: Kaiden Prothro‍, Bowdon (GA) – Georgia
iOL: Darius Gray‍, Richmond (VA) St. Christopher’s School – South Carolina
OT: Gabriel Osenda‍, Chattanooga (TN) Baylor School –Tennessee
DL: Lamar Brown‍, Baton Rouge (LA) University Lab – LSU
EDG: Tristian Givens‍, Columbus (GA) Carver –Texas A&M
LB: Xavier Griffin‍, Gainesville (GA) – Alabama
CB: Jorden Edmonds‍, Marietta (GA) Sprayberry – Alabama
S: Bralan Womack‍, Flowood (MS) Hartfield Academy – Auburn
ATH: Brandon Arrington‍, Spring Valley (CA) Mount Miguel – Texas A&M