June 2, 2026, 4:43 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Four-star linebacker Ja’Bios Smith has committed to the Florida Gators over several other schools, including the Georgia Bulldogs.Smith is a highly-rated prospect from the class of 2027, ranked as the No. 12 linebacker in the nation.<\/p>\n
The Georgia Bulldogs<\/a> lost out on the top linebacker from their own state. Four-star linebacker Ja’Bios Smith, who is the No. 1 linebacker in Georgia, committed to the Florida Gators<\/a>, according to Hayes Fawcett<\/a>. He chose the Gators over Georgia, Texas Tech, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.<\/p>\n Smith is a four-star linebacker<\/a> from the class of 2027. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound LB plays high school football for Swainsboro High School in Swainsboro, Georgia. He is the No. 12 linebacker and No. 142 prospect in the nation.<\/p>\n The Gators have been rolling on the recruiting trail recently. They have the No. 8 class in the nation and No. 3 in the SEC, highlighted by the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the nation (Maxwell Hiller<\/a>) and four other recruits in the top 10 of their positions. Running back Andrew Beard<\/a> was No. 8, Quarterback Davin Davidson<\/a> was No. 9, and interior offensive lineman Peyton Miller was No. 10, and offensive tackle Elijah Hutcheson was No. 7.<\/p>\n Georgia, meanwhile, hasn’t built much momentum. They have the No. 21 recruiting class<\/a> in the nation and No. 8 in the SEC. While they’ve earned a five-star rating (Kemon Spell), they have only 12 commitments in their class so far. However, they earned several recently. June is a big recruiting month for Georgia on the recruiting trail.<\/p>\n Follow UGA Wire on Instagram<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> (formerly Twitter) or Threads<\/a> for more Georgia football coverage!<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a>