ESPN Reports: Kirby Smart Drops Recruiting Bombshell: Names 3 Decommitting Players and 2 Top Recruits Flipping to Georgia Bulldogs in Candid Interview

ESPN Reports: Kirby Smart Drops Recruiting Bombshell — Names 3 Decommitting Players and 2 Top Recruits Flipping to Georgia Bulldogs in Candid Interview

 

Athens, GA — June 5, 2025

 

In a candid and headline-grabbing interview aired on ESPN earlier today, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart sent shockwaves through the college football world by revealing significant changes to the team’s 2025 recruiting landscape. Smart confirmed that three highly-rated recruits have decommitted from Georgia, but in a surprising twist, he also announced the flips of two top national recruits to the Bulldogs — a move that could reshape the upcoming college football season.

 

Three Key Decommitments

 

During the interview, Smart acknowledged that three verbal commits — wide receiver Jaylen McKnight (4-star, FL), defensive back Marcus Holloway (4-star, TX), and linebacker Trey Burton (4-star, NC) — have officially reopened their recruitments.

 

> “Recruiting is fluid. You win some, you lose some. We respect their decisions, and we wish them the best wherever they go,” said Smart.

 

 

 

All three players had previously committed to Georgia in late 2024, but recent coaching changes, depth chart evaluations, and reported NIL opportunities at other programs were cited as contributing factors to their departures.

 

Massive Flips: Two Elite Recruits Choose Georgia

 

While the decommitments caused a stir, Smart quickly shifted the conversation by announcing two blockbuster flips in Georgia’s favor. The Bulldogs have secured commitments from:

 

Noah “Tank” Richardson (5-star defensive end, CA) – formerly committed to USC

 

Devin James (5-star quarterback, OH) – previously pledged to Ohio State

 

 

Richardson, ranked as the No. 2 edge rusher nationally, is expected to immediately boost Georgia’s defensive line, which already ranks among the top in the SEC. Meanwhile, James — widely regarded as one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in the 2025 class — is seen as a future cornerstone for the Bulldogs’ offense.

 

> “Landing Tank and Devin speaks to the culture we’ve built here in Athens. They believe in what we’re doing, and they want to be part of something special,” Smart stated confidently.

 

 

 

Impact on Georgia’s Recruiting Class

 

With these changes, Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class remains firmly in the national top five and could rise higher depending on late-cycle additions. According to ESPN Recruiting Analyst Tom Luginbill:

 

> “Losing three four-stars is never easy, but flipping two five-stars — especially a quarterback like Devin James — is monumental. Kirby Smart just turned a potential setback into a major win.”

 

 

 

What’s Next for the Bulldogs

 

The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the summer recruiting camps and the early signing period in December. With momentum on their side, Georgia is expected to remain aggressive on the trail.

 

> “This is just the beginning,” Smart teased. “There are a few more surprises coming. Stay tuned.”

 

 

 

As always in college football, recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint — but Kirby Smart just made it clear that Georgia is still running at the front of the pack.

 

 

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Stay tuned to ESPN and follow @ESPNCFB for continuing coverage of the 2025 recruiting season.