Georgia picked up a major recruiting win last weekend, securing a commitment from Zykie Helton, a four-star, in-state inside offensive lineman. Helton, ranked No. 41 nationally at his position in the 2026 class, chose the Bulldogs over SEC rivals Alabama, plus Georgia Tech and Florida State—flipping his pledge after an official visit to Athens. Reflecting the sentiment among Dawg Nation, Helton told On3’s Hayes Fawcett:
> “Dawg Nation, the wait is over. I’m home.”
Helton’s decision to switch from Alabama to Georgia underscores the power of Kirby Smart’s program pull and the strength of the Bulldogs’ recruiting pitch. At 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, Helton is poised to bolster Georgia’s interior offensive line—a position that’s become a strategic focus as the Bulldogs aim to support a high-powered offense while preserving their dominance up front.
This commitment builds on a strong week for Georgia. Earlier, three‑star OL Zachary Lewis pledged to the program, emphasizing depth in the trenches. On the recruiting radar, savvy additions like Helton help round out UGA’s prospects along the offensive front—an area where Smart isn’t afraid to invest heavily.
But Georgia’s recruiting momentum doesn’t stop there. Mid‑week brought another highlight: Justice Fitzpatrick, a four-star cornerback and younger sibling of NFL standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, pledged to UGA. As the No. 3 cornerback and No. 47 overall recruit in the 2026 class, Justice chose Georgia over heavy hitters like Florida, Texas, Miami, and Ohio State. This landing further cements UGA’s defensive class pedigree under Kirby Smart, echoing the legacy of his own Alabama roots.
Layering commitments at both offensive and defensive spots highlights Georgia’s balanced approach to recruiting, ensuring strength across the board. In particular, snaring Helton away from powerhouse programs not only amplifies Georgia’s talent pool—it showcases their recruiting edge in key battlegrounds.
Georgia’s 2026 class continues to surge forward, blending high-upside prospects with foundational pieces and impactful visitors. With Kirby Smart’s staff continuing to flex strong relationships and execute polished pitching, these types of flips and high-profile commits are likely the blueprint moving forward.