Elite 4-Star Buford Running Back Expected to Commit to Georgia Football, Bolstering Bulldogs’ Already Loaded 2026 Recruiting Class

Georgia football is closing in on yet another elite prospect, and this time it’s a powerful addition at a position the Bulldogs have long prioritized. According to multiple recruiting insiders and projections, 4-star Buford (Ga.) running back Elijah Denson is widely expected to commit to the University of Georgia, signaling a significant win for Kirby Smart and his recruiting staff in the class of 2026.

Denson, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound back with elite vision, balance, and burst, has made waves across the Southeast with his playmaking ability and football IQ. Though just a junior, he’s already earned offers from Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee, and Texas, among others. But it’s Georgia that’s trending heavily for his commitment, with multiple 247Sports and On3 analysts predicting that Denson will ultimately don the red and black. Sources close to the Buford program suggest that Georgia has been the frontrunner for months, and unless there is a dramatic shift in the coming weeks, the Bulldogs are likely to seal the deal.

The potential commitment of Denson would mark yet another triumph in Kirby Smart’s relentless pursuit of top-tier talent within the state of Georgia. Buford High School, a powerhouse program that routinely produces Division I athletes, has long been a fertile recruiting ground. Smart and his staff have forged strong ties with Buford coaches and administrators, a relationship that continues to pay dividends. Landing a homegrown talent like Denson would only further cement Georgia’s dominance on the in-state recruiting trail.

Elijah Denson’s junior season served as a testament to his dynamic ability. Despite splitting carries in Buford’s deep and talented backfield, Denson managed to rack up over 1,300 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. His north-south running style, complemented by impressive lateral quickness and top-end speed, makes him a complete back capable of contributing early at the college level. Coaches and scouts alike have praised Denson’s work ethic, maturity, and natural instincts as a ball carrier. He’s not just a physically gifted player—he’s also a student of the game.

What sets Denson apart, particularly in Georgia’s eyes, is his fit within the Bulldogs’ offensive system. Under offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Georgia has returned to a run-heavy identity with a focus on physicality and ball control. The Bulldogs have always valued backs who can grind out tough yards while also breaking away for explosive plays, and Denson fits that mold perfectly. With his combination of vision and power, Denson is the type of back who can wear down defenses over four quarters and thrive in the SEC’s grind-it-out style of play.

Moreover, Georgia’s track record of developing NFL-caliber running backs is a major draw for prospects like Denson. From Nick Chubb and Sony Michel to D’Andre Swift, James Cook, and most recently Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards, the Bulldogs have consistently produced Sunday-ready backs. That kind of history isn’t lost on Denson, who has often cited Georgia’s developmental reputation and strong offensive line play as key factors in his recruitment.

While the Bulldogs are deep at running back on their current roster, the 2026 cycle offers an opportunity to reload. With upperclassmen likely to depart for the NFL or exhaust eligibility, Georgia is expected to bring in multiple backs in the class. Denson would be a cornerstone of that group. His early commitment—if it happens as projected—could also influence other top prospects, helping Georgia build even more momentum as the cycle progresses.

Denson’s connection with Georgia also goes beyond football. The academic and cultural fit has been noted by those close to the family, with Athens offering a close-knit environment that appeals to Denson’s support system. His parents have spoken highly of the staff’s professionalism and personal attention during visits, and sources say that the family feels comfortable with what Georgia represents on and off the field. That alignment of values, along with the Bulldogs’ national prominence, gives Georgia an overwhelming edge in his recruitment.

Recruiting momentum is vital, particularly in today’s landscape with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities influencing many decisions. Georgia has embraced this new era strategically, ensuring that top prospects understand the scope of possibilities available in Athens. While Denson is not publicly driven by NIL chatter, it’s no secret that Georgia’s infrastructure, alumni network, and branding opportunities have become a major selling point. The Bulldogs have found a way to merge tradition with innovation, and that resonates with top-tier recruits like Denson.

For Buford, another Georgia-bound player would add to the storied legacy of a program that consistently sends players to the highest levels. The Wolves are currently one of the premier high school teams in the nation, and Denson has been a foundational piece of their success. His leadership, both in the locker room and on the field, has made a lasting impact on teammates and coaches alike. A quiet competitor, Denson leads by example, setting the tone with his preparation and commitment. That attitude aligns perfectly with the championship culture Kirby Smart has cultivated at Georgia.

National recruiting analysts have taken note of Denson’s rise as well. He recently climbed into the top 150 overall prospects in the 247Sports composite rankings and is firmly entrenched among the top 10 running backs in the 2026 class. As his profile continues to grow, schools may continue to push for his attention. But with Georgia holding all the momentum and ties to his hometown roots, it would take a significant shift for another program to swoop in.

There’s also the broader impact of a Denson commitment on Georgia’s 2026 class. The Bulldogs are already assembling a formidable group with several top-100 pledges, including elite offensive and defensive linemen. Adding a marquee skill position player like Denson would provide balance and excitement to the class and likely help attract other blue-chip athletes. Players talk, especially within the state, and Denson’s decision could create a ripple effect among other in-state targets who are still weighing their options.

For Kirby Smart and his staff, recruiting success like this is not accidental—it’s the result of years of sustained excellence, relationship-building, and on-field dominance. The Bulldogs have won two of the last three national championships and remain in the thick of the title hunt every year. That kind of consistency resonates with elite players who are seeking stability, competitiveness, and a chance to play on the biggest stages in college football. Denson, like many before him, sees Georgia as a launching pad to greatness.

The recruiting landscape may continue to evolve, with new rules, transfer dynamics, and NIL legislation shaping how programs operate. But the fundamentals remain the same: win on the field, invest in your players, and create an environment that fosters growth and success. Georgia has mastered that formula under Smart, and their pursuit of Elijah Denson is another example of how they remain ahead of the curve.

Ultimately, nothing is official until the ink is dry on signing day. But all signs point to Elijah Denson becoming the latest star to commit to the Bulldogs. If and when that happens, it will be more than just another recruiting win. It will be a statement—a reminder that Georgia is still the standard in college football recruiting, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

Whether it’s his burst through the hole, his patience behind blockers, or his strength at the goal line, Denson has the tools to become a fan favorite in Athens. And if projections hold true, he’ll soon have the chance to add his name to the long and growing list of elite Georgia running backs. For Bulldog fans, the anticipation is already building. The future of the backfield looks bright, and Elijah Denson may soon be the newest star to carry the torch.