Georgia Bulldogs and Todd Hartley Wasting No Time Prioritizing 2027 Rivals100 Tight End Prospect Grant Haviland Early

The University of Georgia continues to assert its dominance on the recruiting trail, and when it comes to identifying and securing elite talent at the tight end position, no one in college football is more relentless or respected than Georgia’s tight ends coach, Todd Hartley. His track record is unmatched, and the Bulldogs’ success with tight ends is a critical pillar of their national championship aspirations year in and year out. Now, Hartley and Georgia have set their sights on one of the top rising prospects in the country—2027 Rivals100 tight end Grant Haviland.

Haviland, a standout talent from Oklahoma, has quickly established himself as one of the most coveted tight end prospects in the nation for the 2027 recruiting cycle. Despite still having nearly three full seasons of high school football ahead of him, the buzz surrounding Haviland is impossible to ignore. His size, athleticism, football IQ, and overall potential have made him a priority target for powerhouse programs across the country, but few programs recruit the tight end position with the intensity and track record that Georgia brings to the table.

Todd Hartley, often referred to as the “Tight End Whisperer” by Georgia fans and media alike, has made a name for himself by identifying elite talent early, building genuine relationships, and turning those prospects into All-SEC and NFL-caliber players once they arrive in Athens. His fingerprints are all over the Bulldogs’ success at tight end in recent years, from Brock Bowers to Darnell Washington and the next wave of elite talents already waiting in the wings.

For Hartley, identifying Grant Haviland this early in the process is not only a sign of how highly he rates the young prospect, but also a reflection of Georgia’s recruiting philosophy under head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs believe in being proactive, building relationships early, and ensuring that elite recruits know they are wanted from the moment they emerge on the national radar.

Haviland’s rise has been fueled by a combination of physical tools and rare versatility for a player so young. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing around 225 pounds already, he projects to continue growing and adding muscle mass before he reaches the college level. What sets Haviland apart, however, is not just his frame—it’s his movement skills, soft hands, and ability to create mismatches all over the field.

In an era where the tight end position has become one of the most dynamic weapons in college football offenses, Haviland fits the mold perfectly. His ability to stretch the field vertically, operate in the seams, win contested catches, and contribute as a physical blocker makes him a true every-down weapon. Programs like Georgia, who utilize their tight ends in creative ways to exploit defensive vulnerabilities, see immense value in a prospect like Haviland.

It’s no surprise that Todd Hartley has wasted little time ensuring that Georgia is firmly in the mix for Haviland’s recruitment. Sources close to the situation indicate that Hartley has been in regular contact with Haviland’s camp, making it clear that the Bulldogs view him as a foundational piece of their 2027 recruiting efforts. Despite the early stage of his recruitment, Hartley’s attention signals that Georgia intends to stay at the forefront for his services.

Grant Haviland, for his part, has remained composed amid the growing attention. Those close to him describe him as grounded, hardworking, and focused on his development both on and off the field. While recruiting can often become overwhelming for young players, Haviland’s family and support system have emphasized staying focused on the fundamentals—improving his game, being coachable, and making decisions that align with his long-term goals.

When discussing Georgia’s interest, Haviland has expressed excitement about the possibility of playing in Athens, particularly given the program’s recent success and their reputation for developing tight ends. He has followed players like Brock Bowers closely and understands the impact a Georgia tight end can have—not just in the SEC, but on the national stage.

Georgia’s recent history at the position speaks for itself. Brock Bowers, a former Rivals100 prospect himself, has blossomed into a household name and one of the most productive tight ends in college football. His combination of size, speed, route-running, and yards-after-catch ability made him a mismatch nightmare for defenses and a key component of Georgia’s offensive firepower.

Meanwhile, Darnell Washington, another product of Hartley’s recruiting acumen, parlayed his unique size and athletic profile into becoming a highly sought-after NFL Draft pick. The Bulldogs have built a reputation as “Tight End U” for a reason—prospects know that under Hartley’s guidance, their skill set will be maximized, and their path to the NFL will be paved with opportunities.

For Haviland, that opportunity to follow in the footsteps of players like Bowers and Washington is appealing, but so is the culture that Kirby Smart has cultivated at Georgia. The Bulldogs are perennial contenders for the College Football Playoff, boast one of the most physical and disciplined programs in the country, and offer a player development pipeline that few schools can match.

Beyond football, the Georgia coaching staff has emphasized academics, character development, and preparing players for life beyond the game—attributes that resonate with Haviland and his family as they evaluate his future options.

Recruiting the 2027 class is still in its infancy, but make no mistake—top programs are already jockeying for position with elite talents like Grant Haviland. In addition to Georgia, powerhouse programs from across the SEC, Big Ten, and beyond have expressed interest. It’s expected that Haviland’s offer list will continue to grow in the coming months, but Georgia’s early and aggressive approach has positioned them as one of the frontrunners in his recruitment.

It also helps that Todd Hartley has built a sterling reputation among recruits, high school coaches, and parents. His ability to connect with players on a personal level, coupled with his proven track record of development, gives Georgia a distinct edge when it comes to recruiting tight ends. Parents and prospects alike recognize that Hartley is not just a coach—he’s a mentor, developer of talent, and someone who genuinely invests in his players’ success on and off the field.

Georgia fans have become accustomed to Hartley landing elite tight ends year after year, and the pursuit of Grant Haviland is no different. His recruitment will undoubtedly be competitive, but the Bulldogs’ history, Hartley’s influence, and Georgia’s status as a national powerhouse make Athens an appealing destination.

Looking ahead, Haviland is expected to continue attending camps, participating in 7-on-7 tournaments, and making unofficial visits to top programs. A visit to Athens seems likely, if not inevitable, given the level of interest from both parties. Those around the situation suggest that Haviland and his family are approaching the process methodically, gathering information, and ensuring that the eventual decision is made with careful consideration of both football and life factors.

While it’s still early, Georgia’s recruitment of Grant Haviland underscores the Bulldogs’ commitment to maintaining their competitive edge, particularly at the tight end position. Todd Hartley’s early identification and prioritization of Haviland serve as another reminder that Georgia isn’t resting on past success—they’re always building for the future.

For now, the 2027 recruiting cycle remains wide open, but the message from Athens is loud and clear: Grant Haviland is a top priority for the Georgia Bulldogs, and with Todd Hartley leading the charge, Georgia intends to be a major player in his recruitment every step of the way.