BOOM ‼️ Georgia Bulldogs Flip Elite 4-Star Linebacker Shadarius Toodle From SEC Rival Auburn in Major 2026 Recruiting Win

The Georgia Bulldogs have done it again, pulling off another high-profile recruiting flip that is sure to make waves across the Southeastern Conference. Kirby Smart and his staff have officially secured a commitment from Shadarius Toodle, one of the most coveted linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class. The 4-star talent had been pledged to the Auburn Tigers for nearly a year, but Georgia’s relentless pursuit paid off in the end, as Toodle has now announced his commitment to the Bulldogs in a significant recruiting victory that underscores Georgia’s dominance on the trail.

Toodle, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker from Mobile, Alabama, ranks as the No. 9 linebacker nationally and is widely considered one of the most athletic and versatile defenders in his class. His decision to flip from Auburn to Georgia comes after months of speculation, fueled by Georgia extending an offer in January and hosting the standout linebacker for a critical visit in May.

For the Bulldogs, this addition represents more than just a recruiting win—it’s another example of how Georgia continues to flex its muscle within the SEC, especially when it comes to plucking elite talent away from its conference rivals. The Dawgs have consistently made linebacker a position of strength under Kirby Smart, and adding a player of Toodle’s caliber only reinforces the program’s reputation for producing NFL-ready defenders.

Toodle’s recruitment has been one to watch for months, given his status as one of Alabama’s most promising prospects. Hailing from the football-rich city of Mobile, Toodle first committed to Auburn in July 2023, joining a class that was seen as critical to new head coach Hugh Freeze’s efforts to rebuild the Tigers into an SEC contender. At the time, his commitment was viewed as a major victory for Auburn, as they kept a home-state star away from programs like LSU, Alabama, and of course, Georgia.

However, things began to shift earlier this year when Georgia officially entered the picture with an offer in January. The Bulldogs had been evaluating Toodle closely and saw enough in his junior season film to make their move. From there, the coaching staff ramped up their efforts, building a strong relationship with both Toodle and his family. Georgia’s defensive pedigree, coupled with their recent success in developing elite linebackers, made Athens an increasingly attractive destination.

By the time Toodle made his visit to Georgia in May, it was clear the Bulldogs had gained serious momentum. Sources close to the recruitment indicated that the visit left a lasting impression, highlighting not just Georgia’s facilities and coaching staff but also the opportunity for early playing time and development under one of college football’s most respected defensive minds in Kirby Smart.

Toodle’s skill set fits perfectly within Georgia’s defensive system. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for a modern linebacker—long, athletic, and fluid in space. His sideline-to-sideline range, combined with his ability to drop into coverage and rush the passer, makes him a versatile weapon for defensive coordinators. Scouts have praised his instincts, football IQ, and ability to read plays quickly, which are essential traits for success in Georgia’s complex defensive schemes.

Additionally, Toodle has shown significant upside as a playmaker, racking up tackles, sacks, and key defensive stops during his high school career. His combination of length, speed, and physicality allows him to match up against tight ends, running backs, and mobile quarterbacks, a must-have in today’s SEC where offenses continue to evolve.

Georgia’s linebacker tradition undoubtedly played a role in Toodle’s decision. Under Kirby Smart and his staff, the Bulldogs have produced a string of NFL-ready linebackers, including Nakobe Dean, Roquan Smith, and Quay Walker. The program’s reputation for defensive excellence, coupled with its consistent national championship contention, provides recruits with both development and exposure at the highest level.

For Auburn, losing Toodle is a tough blow, especially considering the Tigers’ need to stack talent to compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and LSU in the SEC arms race. Hugh Freeze and his staff worked hard to keep Toodle in the fold, but ultimately, Georgia’s defensive pedigree and championship culture proved too enticing.

Recruiting battles like this are nothing new in the SEC, where the competition for elite talent is as fierce off the field as it is on Saturdays. The flip of Toodle marks yet another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between Georgia and Auburn, a series that has produced countless memorable games and intense recruiting wars over the years.

Georgia’s ability to secure Toodle not only strengthens its 2026 class but also sends a message across the conference that the Bulldogs remain at the forefront of national recruiting. With this addition, Georgia now boasts one of the strongest defensive hauls in the early 2026 cycle, further solidifying its position as a perennial contender.

For Toodle, the decision represents an opportunity to continue his development at a program that has become synonymous with defensive dominance. Surrounded by elite talent and guided by some of the nation’s top defensive coaches, he’ll have every chance to reach his potential and follow in the footsteps of recent Georgia standouts who have made the leap to the NFL.

In the immediate future, Toodle’s flip adds even more intrigue to the annual Georgia-Auburn matchup, known as the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.” Fans on both sides will have plenty to talk about as the Bulldogs and Tigers continue to battle not only on the gridiron but also on the recruiting trail.

While Auburn will undoubtedly look to regroup and target other linebackers to fill the void, Georgia’s coaching staff can celebrate a major win, knowing they’ve landed a difference-maker at one of the most critical positions in their defensive scheme.

Shadarius Toodle’s flip is yet another reminder that in the SEC, recruiting never truly stops, and momentum can shift in an instant. For now, it’s Georgia celebrating another marquee addition, further reinforcing their status as the team to beat both on the field and in the recruiting wars.

As the 2026 class continues to take shape, expect Georgia to remain aggressive in pursuit of elite defensive talent, with Toodle’s commitment serving as proof that the Bulldogs can go into SEC rival territory and come away with a game-changing player. The Dawgs have done it before, and with Kirby Smart leading the charge, they’ll undoubtedly do it again.