Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs just created a recruiting headache for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Vols
For the last several months, the Tennessee Vols have been the overwhelming favorites to land 2025 four-star safety Lagonza Hayward. But that may no longer be the case thanks to Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs. Hayward, 6-foot-1/200 lbs from Lyons, GA, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 10 safety in the […]
For the last several months, the Tennessee Vols have been the overwhelming favorites to land 2025 four-star safety Lagonza Hayward.
But that may no longer be the case thanks to Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Hayward, 6-foot-1/200 lbs from Lyons, GA, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 10 safety in the nation and the No. 12 player in the state of Georgia.
Last month, Hayward made it clear that Tennessee was his leader, leaving no doubt that the Vols were setting the pace in his recruitment.
“Tennessee is definitely No. 1 for me,” said Hayward to On3's Chad Simmons last month. “The way they went about recruiting me from the beginning means a lot. They believed in me early. Tennessee offered me before the stars, so they have been heavy with me from the jump."
A visit to Athens this past weekend, however, has muddied the waters a bit.
“Georgia made a big move,” said Hayward to On3 after his official visit to UGA this past weekend. “I didn’t really know how Georgia felt about me before the visit, but they showed a lot of love all weekend, they showed me I am wanted and Georgia moved up my list.”
Hayward, who plans to announce his commitment later this summer, also pointed out that his goal is to play in the NFL. And he thinks that Smart, who was a defensive back in college, can help him achieve that goal.
"I am not big on the NIL," explained Hayward. "It is the NFL for me. Georgia is the best vs. the best and being developed and getting that second and third NFL contract is my goal."
The Vols are still very much a team to beat in this recruiting battle. Georgia, though, has made this a closer race than expected.
The good news for Tennessee is that they'll receive Hayward's final official visit before he makes his decision. And that could be enough for the Vols to hold on for a win in the battle for Hayward.
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