Georgia takes major blow, loses nation's top two recruits on the same day

Jeff Hauser

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Georgia takes major blow, loses nation's top two recruits on the same day image

Georgia suffered a late-cycle recruiting blow Tuesday as Copiah-Lincoln Community College offensive tackle Jarmaine Mitchell flipped his commitment from the Bulldogs to Arizona State. The No. 1 JUCO recruit gives the Sun Devils a major boost ahead of National Signing Day.

The move also comes as Kirby Smart and Georgia lose out on No. 1 five-star QB Dillon Curtis, who reportedly flipped to Vanderbilt. The phenom became the top-rated recruit in Commodores' history. 

At 6-foot-8 and 320-pounds, Mitchell is the nation’s top-ranked junior college player, according to Rivals. He had been committed to Georgia since Oct. 31 and this flip marks the second time he has changed course this fall. It continuing what has been one of the more unpredictable recruitments in the 2026 class.

A native of Vacherie, Louisiana, Mitchell was unranked out of St. James High School in the 2023 cycle before emerging as a dominant force at the JUCO level. His rapid rise attracted heavy SEC interest, with Mississippi State securing his initial commitment in August. Georgia later flipped him after a late-October push, appearing to solidify its future offensive line depth.

But Arizona State entered the race with a late offer in November, bringing Mitchell to Tempe for an official visit last weekend. Head coach Kenny Dillingham and his staff closed the deal, securing one of the program’s top overall additions regardless of position.

Georgia’s loss comes at a pivotal roster moment, with four draft-eligible offensive linemen — Micah Morris, Monroe Freeling, Earnest Greene III and Drew Bobo — weighing their futures. Freeling and Greene could still return, but Mitchell’s flip leaves the Bulldogs with one fewer high-upside option to reinforce the trenches.

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Staff Writer