Brayden Fogle, Elite 2026 Four-Star Tight End, Commits to Georgia Over LSU and Penn State in Recruiting Stunner

In a move that sent shockwaves through the recruiting world and further solidified Georgia’s status as a national powerhouse, four-star tight end Brayden Fogle of Mansfield, Ohio, officially announced his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Fogle chose Kirby Smart’s program over two other national blue bloods—LSU and Penn State—marking yet another major victory on the recruiting trail for the Bulldogs as they continue to stack elite talent in their pursuit of future national championships.

Fogle, ranked among the top tight ends in the 2026 class, is more than just a prototypical pass-catcher. He is a multi-sport athlete with a basketball background, which has helped shape his athleticism, body control, and catch radius. A natural mismatch nightmare for defenses, Fogle presents the kind of versatility that has become a hallmark of Georgia’s offensive success in recent years. Whether split out wide or lined up tight to the formation, he has the tools to be a dynamic chess piece for offensive coordinators.

Georgia’s tight end tradition is already among the most respected in college football. Over the past decade, the Bulldogs have produced elite-level talent at the position, with names like Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington becoming household names. Bowers, in particular, redefined what the tight end position could look like at the collegiate level. Now, Georgia believes Fogle could be the next to carry that mantle, and his commitment only strengthens the Bulldogs’ tight end room moving forward.

Fogle’s decision to commit to Georgia was not made lightly. LSU and Penn State both put forward compelling cases, with strong relationships built by their respective coaching staffs and the promise of early playing time. LSU’s tradition of producing physical, SEC-ready tight ends and Penn State’s recent emphasis on tight end involvement under James Franklin gave Fogle plenty to consider. But in the end, the combination of Georgia’s winning culture, proven development track record, and offensive system won out.

Sources close to the recruitment indicated that Fogle had been leaning toward Georgia for weeks, particularly following an impressive visit to Athens this summer. There, he not only bonded with current players and staff, but also saw firsthand the investment Georgia makes in developing their players both on and off the field. The energy around the program, the detail-oriented approach of the staff, and the undeniable SEC pedigree all played key roles in swaying the Mansfield standout.

“I just felt like Georgia was home,” Fogle said during his commitment announcement. “Coach Smart and Coach Hartley laid out a vision for me that felt real. They develop guys at my position better than anyone. I want to be a part of something special, and Georgia is that place.”

Georgia tight ends coach Todd Hartley continues to cement his reputation as one of the nation’s premier recruiters. Known for his ability to build lasting relationships and evaluate top-tier talent, Hartley has now landed yet another cornerstone player at the position. His work in recruiting Bowers, Washington, Oscar Delp, and now Fogle underscores his consistency in keeping Georgia among the best at tight end, both on the field and on the recruiting board.

The addition of Brayden Fogle propels Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class into even more elite territory. Currently ranked No. 2 nationally, the class is loaded with blue-chip prospects across the board. With Fogle in the fold, Georgia now has a dynamic pass-catcher who can stretch the field vertically and dominate in the red zone. He’s a true weapon who will command attention from defenses and open opportunities for others.

Fogle also brings the kind of character and leadership Georgia values. At Mansfield Senior High School, he’s known as a team-first player, an unselfish competitor, and someone who leads by example. Coaches and teammates alike rave about his work ethic and commitment to improvement, both in football and in the classroom. That alignment with Georgia’s “standard” culture made him a natural fit for Kirby Smart’s program.

Smart has always emphasized toughness, discipline, and execution in his recruiting process, and Fogle checks every box. While his natural talent is apparent, it’s his mental makeup and willingness to be coached that could elevate him to All-SEC status in the years to come. He’s not coming to Georgia to sit back and wait his turn—he’s coming to contribute, compete, and chase championships.

As the Bulldogs continue building for the future, the commitment of a player like Fogle is another statement to the rest of the college football world. Georgia is not just aiming to compete—it’s looking to dominate the recruiting landscape year in and year out. The 2026 cycle has been particularly fruitful, with the Dawgs securing top-tier talent at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, and now tight end. Fogle’s presence provides yet another layer of depth and explosiveness to a group that will be among the most complete in the country.

With Georgia now sitting just behind Ohio State in the overall team recruiting rankings, there’s a very real possibility the Bulldogs could leap to the No. 1 spot as the cycle progresses. Several more high-profile targets remain on the board, and Georgia is in strong position for many of them. The commitment of Brayden Fogle could also serve as a catalyst for a domino effect, drawing more elite pass-catchers and quarterbacks who want to play alongside a difference-maker at tight end.

Georgia’s national brand continues to grow, and the program’s ability to recruit nationally has never been more evident. Pulling a top-four star tight end out of Ohio—a state traditionally locked down by Big Ten powers—shows the Bulldogs’ expanding footprint. They are no longer just dominant in the South; they are pulling elite talent coast to coast.

It also doesn’t hurt that Fogle’s skill set is tailor-made for the evolving landscape of college football offenses. As more programs prioritize spacing, tempo, and mismatches, a player like Fogle becomes invaluable. He can play in-line, flex out wide, or even be used in motion to confuse defenses. Georgia’s offensive staff will undoubtedly get creative with how they deploy him, especially with a future quarterback room that looks equally as promising.

For Georgia fans, Fogle’s commitment is more than just a recruiting win—it’s another signal that the program’s golden era is still in full swing. The Bulldogs have shown no signs of slowing down since back-to-back national championships and continue to replenish the roster with hungry, high-ceiling prospects who want to compete at the highest level.

As for Fogle, the decision is now made, and the work truly begins. He still has a senior season left at Mansfield, where he’ll look to dominate on both sides of the ball and add to his already impressive résumé. But beyond the Friday night lights, his eyes are now set on the bigger stage in Athens—a place where legacies are made, banners are hung, and greatness is the expectation.

The next chapter for Brayden Fogle will be written in red and black, between the hedges, with Sanford Stadium roaring in the background. And if his rise so far is any indication, it’s going to be one thrilling story.