Xavier Crowell Chooses Alabama, Declines Offer from Georgia

 

The University of Georgia football program is experiencing a surge in recruiting success for the class of 2026. Over the past few weeks, the Bulldogs have added several new commitments to their roster, pushing their total number of verbal pledges to 20. This impressive recruiting streak has solidified Georgia's position as a major player in the upcoming recruiting cycle. However, not every target has fallen in line with the Bulldogs' plans. One of the most highly anticipated recruits, running back Xavier Crowell, recently made headlines by announcing his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Crowell’s decision comes as a notable loss for Georgia, especially considering his ranking and talent level. Widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the 2026 class, Crowell's recruitment had drawn significant attention from powerhouse programs across the country. Adding to his allure, Crowell initially belonged to the class of 2027 before reclassifying to 2026—a move that only intensified the buzz surrounding him. When Crowell publicly shared in January that he would make the leap to join the 2026 class, the intensity of his recruitment ramped up significantly. Programs including Georgia and Alabama zeroed in on him as a top-tier prospect with immediate potential at the collegiate level.

Although Georgia had been considered a strong contender for Crowell, Alabama ultimately won the recruiting battle. The Tide’s ability to pull in a player of his caliber reinforces their ongoing dominance on the recruiting trail and serves as a reminder that even the most successful programs, such as Georgia, can face stiff competition and occasional setbacks in the recruiting landscape.

Despite missing out on Crowell, the Bulldogs' overall recruiting efforts remain strong. Head coach Kirby Smart and his staff have laid the groundwork for a class that continues to grow both in size and in quality. One of Georgia's primary goals for the 2026 cycle has been to secure elite talent at the running back position. Crowell was part of a select group of top targets in that role, alongside players like Jae Lamar, Derek Cooper, and Savion Hiter.

Jae Lamar, a standout back from Colquitt County High School in Georgia, gave the Bulldogs a much-needed win at the position just a day before Crowell’s announcement. On June 26, Lamar committed to Georgia, giving the coaching staff a boost of momentum and showing that they are still making key inroads with premier talent. Lamar’s commitment was viewed as a strategic move for Georgia, especially given the increased competition among SEC programs for top-tier running backs.

Now, with Crowell no longer in the picture, Georgia's focus has shifted primarily to two remaining running back targets: Derek Cooper and Savion Hiter. Cooper, a Florida-based recruit, has garnered attention from several major programs and is considered one of the top backs still on the board. His recruitment is nearing a conclusion, with a public decision expected on July 12. Georgia is believed to be among the frontrunners for Cooper's commitment, and his decision could play a significant role in shaping the final makeup of the Bulldogs’ 2026 backfield.

Savion Hiter is another name to watch. Though he hasn’t set a public announcement date yet, his recruitment is being closely followed by coaches and fans alike. Hiter has been pursued by numerous elite programs and is seen as a high-upside prospect with the versatility to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Georgia remains heavily involved in his recruitment and could make a strong push as Hiter narrows down his options.

For Georgia, the outcome of these remaining running back recruitments will be crucial. Securing commitments from both Cooper and Hiter would allow the Bulldogs to recover quickly from the disappointment of losing Crowell to Alabama. On the other hand, missing out on multiple top targets at one position could create depth challenges and force the staff to reevaluate their options later in the cycle.

Nevertheless, Georgia’s current recruiting class remains among the most promising in the nation. The Bulldogs have already addressed several key positions and are building a well-rounded group of young talent that aligns with the team’s long-term goals. The coaching staff’s ability to maintain momentum, adapt to setbacks, and continue pursuing elite prospects is a testament to the strength of their recruiting strategy.

In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, missing out on a single player—even one as highly rated as Xavier Crowell—does not spell disaster. Programs like Georgia understand that the process is fluid and that persistence often pays off. With more key decisions looming in the coming weeks, the Bulldogs still have the opportunity to land game-changing talent and further solidify their standing as a recruiting powerhouse.

As the summer recruiting season heats up, all eyes will be on the announcements of players like Derek Cooper and Savion Hiter. Their decisions could help determine not only the success of Georgia’s 2026 class but also provide a clearer picture of how the Bulldogs intend to shape their offense for years to come. While Crowell’s commitment to Alabama marks a rare miss during this otherwise dominant stretch for Georgia, the Bulldogs remain well-positioned to close the summer on a high note.

In summary, although Georgia suffered a setback with the loss of five-star running back Xavier Crowell to Alabama, their overall recruiting efforts for the class of 2026 continue to impress. With 20 commitments already in place, including standout running back Jae Lamar, the Bulldogs are maintaining a strong foundation. Attention now turns to the upcoming decisions of Derek Cooper and Savion Hiter, two players who could help Georgia rebound and round out one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. The next few weeks will be crucial as Kirby Smart and his staff look to finish the summer with continued success on the recruiting trail.