Lucky Charms: The latest on Notre Dame LB commit Thomas Davis Jr. during his official visit to Georgia.
Thomas Davis Jr., the talented linebacker from Valdosta, Georgia, is one of Notre Dame’s prized commitments in the 2025 recruiting class, and his journey has garnered significant attention across the college football landscape. With athleticism, tenacity, and instincts that separate him from his peers, Davis has become a focal point for not only Notre Dame fans but also other top-tier programs who continue to pursue him. Among those schools, the University of Georgia, a perennial powerhouse and the reigning gold standard of college football, is making a late push to flip Davis. His recent official visit to Athens has stirred interest, speculation, and concern within the Fighting Irish fanbase, as the recruitment of a high-level prospect like Davis rarely ends without drama. As the process intensifies, so does the spotlight on what Davis is thinking, feeling, and planning for his future.
Davis’s commitment to Notre Dame was initially met with celebration and optimism. His blend of sideline-to-sideline speed, high football IQ, and relentless motor seemed a perfect fit for Marcus Freeman’s defensive philosophy. The Irish, known for their academic rigor and historical football excellence, offered Davis something unique. He frequently referenced the family atmosphere, the value of education, and his belief in the coaching staff when discussing why he chose Notre Dame. But as with many Southern recruits, proximity, familiarity, and tradition hold significant sway. Davis grew up in SEC country, immersed in a culture that reveres college football with a religious intensity. And Georgia—his home state school—has been watching carefully, patiently, and strategically.
This past weekend’s official visit to Georgia wasn’t just another trip. It was a meticulously planned campaign designed to remind Davis of what Athens could offer. From the moment he stepped onto campus, Davis was treated not just as a visitor but as a target of the highest priority. Head coach Kirby Smart, linebacker coach Glenn Schumann, and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson were hands-on throughout, emphasizing how Davis fits perfectly into their defensive scheme, which has become synonymous with dominance, discipline, and NFL preparation. Davis spent extended time in meetings, film sessions, and personal interactions that made it clear: Georgia wants him badly, and they believe he could become the next in a long line of elite Bulldogs linebackers.
The messaging was clear and consistent. Georgia isn’t just selling football success—they’re selling legacy, location, and leadership. Davis’s ability to lead on and off the field was highlighted repeatedly during his visit. Georgia coaches pointed to former Bulldogs like Nakobe Dean and Roquan Smith, both high-character leaders who anchored dominant defenses and went on to NFL success. They showed Davis how he could be the next in that mold, someone who not only produces but also defines a defense. That vision resonated with him, especially given his deep ties to Georgia and his awareness of the Bulldogs’ recent dominance on the national stage.
Beyond the coaching pitch, the visit had a deeply personal element. Davis’s family accompanied him, and the atmosphere in Athens was intentionally family-oriented. Georgia’s staff understands the value of relationships, and their approach wasn’t just about football—it was about home. The support system Davis would have in Athens, including proximity to his family and the familiarity of the region, was a consistent theme. There were moments during the weekend when Davis appeared visibly moved by the warmth and unity shown by the Georgia program and its extended network of players, parents, and alumni. For a young man who places great value on trust and loyalty, those connections were powerful.
Yet, Davis remains committed to Notre Dame—at least publicly. Despite the allure of Georgia and the growing pressure around him, Davis has maintained a respectful but firm stance regarding his commitment to the Irish. He’s continued to speak highly of Freeman and the rest of the Notre Dame staff. He’s referenced his belief in the program’s direction and his desire to be part of a defense that is evolving into one of the nation’s best. Still, as is often the case in recruiting, public words may not always reflect private doubts or considerations. What’s clear is that Davis is genuinely weighing his options, and the Georgia visit added a layer of complexity that wasn’t present before.
Sources close to Davis suggest that he’s still leaning toward Notre Dame, but the Georgia visit made an impact. The momentum Georgia is building isn’t just media-driven; it’s rooted in authentic connection and renewed interest from Davis himself. He left Athens with a deeper appreciation for what Georgia represents and a clearer sense of the kind of impact he could make there. And while he didn’t decommit or suggest an imminent flip, the tone surrounding his recruitment has shifted from settled to fluid.
Notre Dame, aware of the stakes, isn’t standing still. Freeman and linebackers coach Max Bullough have been proactive in their communication with Davis. They’ve emphasized the long-term vision for the program and Davis’s role as a cornerstone within that plan. There have been follow-up calls, strategic messaging, and subtle reminders of what originally drew Davis to South Bend. The Irish are doing everything they can to not just retain his commitment but to reinforce it with emotional and intellectual substance. They’re appealing to his sense of purpose and reminding him of the unique legacy he can create at Notre Dame—one that goes beyond football.
Still, as the process drags into the summer, the pull of the SEC, and Georgia in particular, looms large. Davis is at the heart of a recruiting tug-of-war that symbolizes a broader struggle between regional power and national prestige. For Georgia, landing Davis would be another sign that the Bulldogs can keep elite in-state talent home, even when programs like Notre Dame come calling. For Notre Dame, keeping Davis would be a testament to their growing ability to compete in SEC territory and to secure Southern stars despite geographic and cultural hurdles.
The next few weeks will be telling. Davis is expected to take additional visits, and while he hasn’t publicly listed any, there are whispers of a possible return trip to Notre Dame to reaffirm his commitment. That would be a significant move, both symbolically and practically, and it could help quiet the storm that’s been building since his trip to Georgia. The Irish are hoping that such a visit will rekindle the emotional connection that first led Davis to choose them. They’re also preparing for the possibility that Davis will delay any final decision until much later in the cycle, which would keep his recruitment open and tense.
Recruiting insiders point to the increasing frequency of late flips and decommitments in the NIL era as another factor. Davis, like many recruits, is navigating not just traditional pitches but also financial incentives, branding opportunities, and long-term planning considerations that make the decision more layered than ever. Georgia’s NIL infrastructure is widely considered among the best in the country, and while Notre Dame is making strides in that area, there’s no denying the Bulldogs have the upper hand from a resource standpoint. Whether that matters to Davis remains to be seen, but it’s certainly part of the broader conversation.
Ultimately, Thomas Davis Jr.’s decision will come down to a blend of heart, head, and home. Notre Dame offers something rare: a blend of elite football and elite education, a chance to be a pioneer in building something special. Georgia offers a juggernaut of a program, deep Southern roots, and an immediate connection to greatness. Both options are strong, and both sides are doing everything in their power to sway Davis’s final decision. What’s undeniable is that Davis holds the power now, and his next move—whether it’s staying the course or flipping to Georgia—will carry significant ramifications for both programs.
In South Bend, hope remains strong. Notre Dame fans have seen these battles before, and while not all have ended in victory, the program under Marcus Freeman has shown it can go toe-to-toe with anyone. In Athens, optimism is surging. Georgia believes it can reclaim one of its own, and the confidence around the program is palpable. For Davis, the decision is about more than a logo or a uniform—it’s about legacy, leadership, and the kind of man he wants to become. Wherever he ends up, he’ll carry the expectations of a fanbase, the dreams of a community, and the weight of a decision that will shape the next chapter of his life.
Until the ink dries on signing day, the recruitment of Thomas Davis Jr. remains one of the most compelling stories in the 2025 cycle. Every visit, conversation, and moment matters now. Notre Dame has made its case. Georgia has made its push. And somewhere in the middle stands a young linebacker with immense talent, incredible potential, and a future as bright as any in the nation.
