Top Defensive Prospect Elijah Griffin Commits to Georgia Bulldogs

Five-star defensive tackle Elijah Griffin, ranked as ESPN‘s top uncommitted prospect for the 2025 class, has announced his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs. Griffin chose Georgia over Miami and the University of Southern California (USC) on Friday afternoon, seven weeks before the commencement of the early signing period.

Elijah Griffin, a formidable force from Savannah, Georgia, stands as the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300 and the leading defensive tackle of his class. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound star had previously considered extending his recruitment decision until the early signing period on December 4. However, ensuing a visit to Georgia, where the Bulldogs secured a 41-31 victory against Mississippi State, Griffin decided to pledge his commitment.

With Griffin’s decision, five-star defensive tackle Justus Terry remains the only uncommitted athlete among the top 10 prospects in ESPN’s 2025 rankings. Griffin now belongs to the highest-rated group under Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart, contributing to the 16 ESPN 300 prospects committed to the team, which includes nine within the top 100.

Ranked as the No. 2 prospect in Georgia, Griffin spearheads a defensive lineup bound for Athens in 2025. The incoming class includes notable talents such as outside linebacker Zayden Walker (No. 16 in the ESPN 300), defensive end Isaiah Gibson (No. 30), and cornerback Shamari Earls (No. 75). Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked fifth in ESPN’s latest team rankings.

Commencing his relationship with the Bulldogs when they offered him a position at age 13, Griffin has been a dominant player at Savannah Christian, leading the team to a state title game in 2023. Before the start of his senior season, he boasted 69 career tackles for loss, including 33.5 sacks.

Griffin embarked on an unofficial visit to Georgia in January before participating in Junior Day events at Florida and Clemson. His summer itinerary included official visits to Miami and USC. After attending Georgia’s game against Clemson in Atlanta for Week 1, he returned to the Sanford Stadium for another game, framing the context for his decision.

The fulfillment of Griffin’s commitment brings a significant boost to Georgia, with the prospect of influencing other recruits in their decision-making. Justus Terry, ESPN’s No. 7 prospect from Manchester, Georgia, remains a target for the Bulldogs, alongside attempts to sway committed players like Auburn’s Eric Winters and Tennessee’s Lagonza Hayward Jr.

As Griffin now steps aside, Terry emerges as the highest-rated uncommitted prospect among the ESPN’s top 100, with anticipation surrounding junior defensive end Jahkeem Stewart’s pending announcement. Having reclassified into the 2025 class, Stewart plans visits to Ohio State, LSU, and USC in the upcoming weeks.