Highly-touted 4-star linebacker Brayden Carter is set to make his college decision tomorrow, and the anticipation is building across the recruiting landscape. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound defensive standout from Buford High School in Georgia has been one of the most sought-after linebackers in the 2025 class, with several powerhouse programs battling for his signature.
Carter has narrowed his choices to a final group that reportedly includes Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU. Each program offers a different appeal — Georgia brings proximity and familiarity, Alabama has a legacy of developing elite defensive talent, Ohio State offers national exposure and a fast-track to the NFL, while LSU provides an aggressive defensive scheme that fits Carter’s style of play.
Throughout his recruitment, Carter has taken multiple official visits and received strong pitches from each coaching staff. He’s praised the relationships he’s built with position coaches and head coaches alike, emphasizing that trust and development are major factors in his final decision. His most recent visit to Georgia is believed to have gone particularly well, fueling speculation that the Bulldogs may have the edge heading into announcement day.
On the field, Carter has showcased elite instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and physicality that make him a difference-maker. His ability to diagnose plays and deliver punishing hits has drawn comparisons to current NFL linebackers. He finished his junior season with 98 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions — stats that solidified his status as a top-100 national prospect.
With a decision looming, Carter’s commitment could have ripple effects on the linebacker recruiting boards of several top programs. If he chooses Georgia, he would join an already stacked class and strengthen their hold on in-state talent. A commitment to Alabama or LSU would signal the SEC’s continued dominance in recruiting elite defenders, while an Ohio State pledge would be a major win for the Big Ten in the South.
Carter plans to make his announcement via social media on Wednesday afternoon, with his high school set to host a small ceremony for family, coaches, and teammates. Wherever he lands, Brayden Carter is poised to be a centerpiece in a college defense — and his decision will be one of the most watched of the summer.