Georgia Bulldogs Land One Of America’s Elite Running Back Recruits As Jae Lamar Commits To Kirby Smart’s Program

The Georgia Bulldogs just reinforced their reputation as Running Back University.

On Wednesday, Georgia landed one of the most coveted offensive prospects in the country as four-star running back Jae Lamar announced his commitment to Kirby Smart’s program. Lamar, regarded by many recruiting outlets as a top-five running back nationally and a consensus top-100 overall player, chose the Bulldogs over a host of powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Florida.

This commitment marks yet another major recruiting win for Smart and his staff, further solidifying Georgia’s standing as one of college football’s premier destinations for elite talent.

For Lamar, the decision came down to fit, development, and legacy — and Georgia checked every box.

“Georgia’s tradition speaks for itself,” Lamar said during his announcement. “They’ve produced great running backs for years, they compete for national championships, and Coach Smart has built a culture that I want to be part of. This is home now.”

Who is Jae Lamar?

A product of powerhouse Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, Lamar has been on the radar of college recruiters since his freshman season. At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, he combines an explosive burst with excellent vision, making him a nightmare for defenders at both the high school and camp levels.

Lamar rushed for over 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior, earning All-State honors and solidifying his place among the nation’s most dynamic offensive playmakers. His combination of speed, power, and agility makes him an every-down back, capable of thriving in Georgia’s pro-style offensive scheme.

Scouting services rave about Lamar’s complete skill set. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 4 running back in the 2025 class, while On3 and Rivals both have him firmly inside their national top-100 overall prospects.

Perhaps most importantly, Lamar’s game translates well to the next level. His ability to run between the tackles, create explosive plays on the perimeter, and contribute in the passing game mirrors the type of backs Georgia has successfully developed in recent years — names like Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, D’Andre Swift, James Cook, Zamir White, and most recently, Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards.

The Georgia Factor

For Lamar, the opportunity to join a program with Georgia’s reputation for developing running backs was hard to pass up. Under Smart’s guidance, the Bulldogs have consistently produced NFL-ready talent from the backfield, with Georgia backs enjoying tremendous success both in college and at the professional level.

“Coach Dell McGee has coached some of the best backs in the country,” Lamar noted, referencing Georgia’s revered running backs coach. “The way they develop guys, the way they compete every day, I know I’m going to get better.”

McGee has been instrumental in Georgia’s recruiting dominance at the position. His ability to identify, recruit, and develop elite backs is well-documented, and Lamar represents the latest in a long line of blue-chip talents choosing Athens as their next football home.

Lamar also highlighted Georgia’s offensive line tradition as a key factor. With Georgia consistently fielding one of the top offensive lines in the nation, the opportunity to run behind a dominant front played a significant role in his decision.

Beating Out the Best

Lamar’s recruitment was nothing short of a national battle.

Alabama made a hard push, with Nick Saban’s replacement staff aggressively targeting Lamar to be the next star in the Tide’s backfield. Ohio State, fresh off a strong offensive showing last season, was also in the mix, while SEC East rivals Tennessee and Florida hoped to keep Lamar in the conference but away from Athens.

In the end, Georgia’s track record and culture proved decisive.

“Every visit to Athens felt right,” Lamar explained. “The facilities, the coaches, the players — it felt like family, and I trust them to help me reach my full potential.”

The Bulldogs’ success on the field has also been a major draw. Georgia has appeared in three of the last four College Football Playoffs, won two national championships under Smart, and remains firmly entrenched as one of the sport’s top-tier programs.

For top prospects like Lamar, the opportunity to compete at the highest level while preparing for the NFL is an unbeatable combination.

Impact on Georgia’s 2025 Class

Lamar’s commitment adds significant star power to an already loaded 2025 recruiting class for Georgia.

The Bulldogs entered the summer ranked inside the top three nationally for 2025 recruiting according to all major outlets, and Lamar’s addition only strengthens that position. He becomes the highest-rated running back pledge in the class so far, providing the Bulldogs with a future offensive weapon and a potential centerpiece for their ground attack.

More importantly, Lamar’s decision could spark momentum among other elite recruits. Georgia is still heavily in the mix for several top targets at wide receiver, offensive line, and defense, and Lamar’s presence may influence other high-profile prospects to join him in Athens.

“Big-time players want to play with other big-time players,” Lamar said with a smile. “I’m hoping to help bring more of the best to Georgia.”

A Legacy of Excellence

Georgia’s history at the running back position is rich, and Lamar now positions himself to carry that tradition forward.

From Herschel Walker to Garrison Hearst, from Todd Gurley to Nick Chubb and beyond, Georgia has produced some of the most celebrated backs in college football history. That legacy isn’t lost on Lamar, who grew up watching many of those names excel in Athens and beyond.

“It’s an honor to even be mentioned in the same breath as those guys,” Lamar admitted. “But I know I’ve got to put in the work and earn everything. Nothing’s given at Georgia, and that’s what I love about it.”

With Lamar in the fold, Georgia fans can look forward to another explosive, versatile backfield option. His skill set fits perfectly with the Bulldogs’ physical, balanced offensive approach, and his ability to impact both the running and passing games provides added flexibility for offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.

Lamar plans to enroll early at Georgia, giving him the opportunity to participate in spring practices and accelerate his development within the program. Early enrollment has become a staple for Georgia’s top recruits, allowing them to adapt to college life, learn the playbook, and compete for playing time ahead of their freshman season.

While the Bulldogs return a talented stable of running backs for the upcoming year, Lamar is expected to be in the mix for carries as soon as he steps on campus. His work ethic, versatility, and physical maturity suggest he will be ready to contribute early in his college career.

For Georgia, Lamar’s addition represents both immediate and long-term success. He bolsters the Bulldogs’ already stacked roster and ensures the tradition of elite running back play in Athens continues well into the future.

As the Bulldogs aim for more national titles and SEC dominance, adding a player like Jae Lamar is yet another signal that Georgia’s grip on college football’s elite tier isn’t loosening anytime soon.

The rich get richer, and for Georgia, the future looks as bright as ever — with one of the nation’s best running backs leading the charge.