Elite Four-Star Safety Nascar McCoy Nearing Commitment Decision as Georgia Bulldogs Make Final Five and Push to Land Buford Star
The college football recruiting world is heating up, and all eyes are now turning to Nascar McCoy, a four-star safety out of Buford High School in Georgia, who has just narrowed his college choices to a final five. Among the schools still in the running for the elite defensive back is the University of Georgia, a program known for producing NFL-caliber defenders and one that holds strong geographical and developmental appeal for the in-state prospect. With an announcement expected soon, Bulldogs fans and coaching staff are watching closely, hopeful that the dynamic safety will bring his talents to Athens.
McCoy’s rise to national prominence hasn’t surprised those who’ve followed his high school career. At 6-foot-1 and roughly 190 pounds, he combines elite athleticism with a football IQ that’s rare for players at the high school level. His versatility has allowed him to play deep in coverage, line up in the box as a run-stopper, and even take snaps as a nickel corner. That multifaceted ability has drawn the attention of top-tier programs nationwide, and Georgia has long been considered a serious contender for his commitment.
The other finalists in McCoy’s top five are Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee, and Oregon. Each program offers a unique pitch, whether it’s immediate playing time, NFL development pipelines, or tailored defensive schemes, but Georgia’s pitch has been as compelling as any. Located just over an hour from Buford, UGA provides both proximity and elite opportunity—a combination that few other schools can match.
Kirby Smart and his defensive staff have prioritized McCoy in their 2025 recruiting class. With several secondary players expected to move on to the NFL or exhaust eligibility after the 2024 season, Georgia is in need of restocking its defensive backfield with top-end talent. McCoy fits the mold of what the Bulldogs typically look for in a safety: physical, instinctual, fast, and aggressive. He’s not afraid to come downhill and make a play on the ball, but he also has the hips and range to cover sideline to sideline.
McCoy’s recruitment has been one of the more closely watched stories in the Southeast over the past several months. As he made unofficial visits and took in spring games, insiders reported a noticeable bond forming between him and the Georgia coaching staff, particularly safeties coach Travaris Robinson. Known for his ability to develop players and connect with them on a personal level, Robinson has been instrumental in keeping Georgia firmly in the hunt.
The Bulldogs also have the advantage of a proven development track record. The program has produced a long list of NFL defensive backs in recent years, including Lewis Cine, Eric Stokes, Richard LeCounte, and Kelee Ringo. For a player like McCoy—who has NFL aspirations and the talent to reach that level—that type of success story matters. Being able to look at those former Georgia defenders and see the blueprint for his own future is a major part of the Bulldogs’ pitch.
Additionally, the Bulldogs’ defensive scheme is a strong selling point. Georgia doesn’t simply rely on athleticism in the secondary—they ask their safeties to understand complex coverages, communicate across the field, and be active leaders in the defense. That mental challenge appeals to players like McCoy, who prides himself on preparation, film study, and being a “coach on the field” type of player.
Beyond football, the overall culture of the Georgia program has been attractive to McCoy and his family. Several reports have highlighted how impressed they were with the academic support system in place, the family-like atmosphere around the team, and the professionalism with which Kirby Smart and his staff conduct their recruiting. While other schools may promise early playing time or flashier NIL deals, Georgia offers a long-term vision grounded in discipline, accountability, and development.
Still, Georgia is facing stiff competition. Alabama, for example, remains a powerhouse on the recruiting trail, and with Kalen DeBoer now at the helm following Nick Saban’s retirement, the Crimson Tide are aggressively targeting elite defenders to build their new identity. McCoy has had good things to say about Tuscaloosa, particularly about their tradition and how he might fit into their new defensive system.
Florida State is also making a strong push. The Seminoles are pitching McCoy on being a foundational piece of their defensive resurgence, and with recent momentum on the recruiting trail, they’ve positioned themselves as a serious contender. The appeal of early playing time and the opportunity to help restore a historic program to national prominence carries weight with certain prospects, and McCoy seems intrigued by the vision being sold in Tallahassee.
Tennessee is another regional program that’s surged lately under head coach Josh Heupel. While Tennessee’s identity is more offense-focused, the Vols are selling McCoy on the opportunity to be a standout in a defense that is looking for immediate contributors. McCoy’s athleticism would likely allow him to compete for early playing time in Knoxville, and the proximity to home isn’t drastically different from Georgia.
Then there’s Oregon, the wildcard. The Ducks have been building a pipeline of defensive backs under Dan Lanning—himself a former Georgia defensive coordinator—and they’ve made it clear that they’re willing to go national to land elite talent. Lanning’s connection to Georgia and familiarity with the type of player McCoy is gives Oregon a unique angle in his recruitment. Plus, with a brand, facilities, and national exposure that few programs can rival, Oregon’s pitch is serious despite the distance.
McCoy has not publicly indicated a clear leader among the five, but reading the tea leaves suggests that Georgia remains in a very strong position. Multiple recruiting analysts have logged predictions favoring the Bulldogs, and there’s a sense that the program’s stability, defensive success, and regional fit might ultimately prove too compelling for McCoy to pass up.
That said, recruiting is never static. As the announcement date nears, it’s possible that a last-minute push from one of the other contenders could sway his decision. NIL opportunities, family input, and personal comfort with coaching staffs are all variables that can shift in the final hours. For Georgia, the goal is to keep steady communication, reinforce the value of what they offer, and emphasize how seamlessly McCoy could fit into their future plans.
McCoy’s decision will also be closely watched because of its potential ripple effect. Buford High School has been a breeding ground for top college talent in recent years, and landing a star from such a prestigious program can often influence younger teammates or peers to follow suit. Georgia has made it a point to keep the state’s top talent home, and a commitment from McCoy would send a powerful message about their continued dominance on the in-state recruiting trail.
Moreover, McCoy could become a centerpiece of Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class. While the Bulldogs are already off to a strong start, adding a versatile, high-IQ safety would fill both a positional need and boost the class’s overall star power. He’s the kind of player who not only contributes early but also sets a tone for the locker room, practices, and overall team culture. That leadership quality—rare among high school players—is part of what makes McCoy such a coveted prospect.
As fans await the final decision, the buzz continues to build. Commitment videos are being prepared, interviews are being lined up, and speculation is reaching a fever pitch. In the world of college football recruiting, few moments carry more excitement—or uncertainty—than a blue-chip prospect announcing his next destination.
For Georgia, landing Nascar McCoy would be a major win. It would solidify their defensive backfield plans for the next several years, reinforce their dominance in the Peach State, and send a clear message to other top-tier prospects: Georgia is still the place where elite defenders go to become stars.
If McCoy does choose the Bulldogs, he won’t just be another talented recruit. He’ll be the latest in a proud line of defensive playmakers to wear the red and black, carrying on a tradition built on toughness, discipline, and championship ambition. But until the announcement is made, the chase is still very much alive.
And in the wild world of college football recruiting, anything can happen until the ink is dry.
