The rivalry between Georgia and Alabama isn’t limited to the gridiron this fall—it’s heating up on the recruiting trail, too. One of the top uncommitted defensive prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, Khamari Brooks, is set to make his long-awaited college decision on Monday, and the Georgia Bulldogs appear to be in the lead.
According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Bulldogs currently hold a 62.7% chance of landing the commitment from Brooks, edging out the Alabama Crimson Tide, his other finalist.
Brooks’ Background and Ranking
A standout at North Oconee High School (GA), Brooks is rated as:
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The No. 13 player in Georgia
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The No. 14 EDGE rusher nationally
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The No. 112 overall recruit in the 2026 class, per 247Sports Composite
While Brooks had previously shown interest in Texas and USC, those schools are no longer in contention. On June 11, he cancelled all remaining official visits and narrowed his focus to the two SEC powerhouses—Georgia and Alabama.
Why Georgia Is the Favorite
Despite Alabama’s push—led by defensive assistant Christian Robinson—it’s the Bulldogs who seem to hold the edge for several key reasons:
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Brooks is a Georgia native and has been on campus “too many times to track.”
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He has family ties to the Georgia program.
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Georgia has made Brooks a top defensive priority, with head coach Kirby Smart, DC Glenn Schumann, and OLB coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe all heavily involved in his recruitment.
What’s Next?
Barring a last-minute change, Brooks is expected to announce his decision on Monday. If the projections hold, it would be a big recruiting win for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, who are once again building one of the most talented defensive hauls in the country.
A Georgia commitment would also be a tough blow for Alabama, which is adjusting to a post-Nick Saban recruiting landscape under new leadership.
Bottom Line:
Khamari Brooks is a highly sought-after edge rusher with the potential to be a difference-maker at the next level. Georgia is in prime position to land another blue-chip defensive weapon—and they may officially seal the deal in a few short days.
