Top 2026 Offensive Lineman Zykie Helton Reveals Final Four Schools, Georgia Football Among Elite Programs Still in the Running
In a significant development on the 2026 college football recruiting trail, Zykie Helton — one of the nation’s most coveted offensive line prospects — has officially narrowed his list of potential schools down to four. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman from Warner Robins, Georgia, took to social media to make his announcement, and the finalists include Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, and Tennessee. The announcement ends months of speculation and signals the beginning of what is sure to be a heated battle between Southeastern Conference powers and an ascending ACC program to secure his commitment.
For Georgia football fans, seeing the Bulldogs make the cut comes as little surprise. Helton has long been considered a priority target for Kirby Smart’s coaching staff, and his ties to the state, combined with Georgia’s recent dominance on the recruiting trail, make the Bulldogs a logical finalist. But even with home-state appeal and recent success in developing NFL offensive linemen, Georgia is far from the only major contender.
Helton’s recruitment has been one of the more closely watched in the 2026 cycle, largely due to his elite blend of size, strength, and footwork. He anchors the offensive line for Northside High School and has been a dominant force since his sophomore year. With an aggressive punch at the line of scrimmage, a natural understanding of leverage, and quick feet for a player his size, Helton has all the tools that college coaches covet in a future anchor on the offensive front.
Georgia was the first major program to offer Helton back in his freshman year, and the Bulldogs have kept in close contact ever since. Offensive line coach Stacy Searels has been instrumental in Helton’s recruitment, building a strong relationship with the young lineman and his family. The Georgia staff has made several visits to see him in person, and Helton has returned the interest, attending multiple games in Athens and making unofficial visits to the campus.
Helton’s connection to Georgia runs deeper than recruiting. He grew up watching Bulldogs football and has expressed admiration for former Georgia linemen who have gone on to play in the NFL, such as Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wynn. Georgia’s back-to-back national championship titles in 2021 and 2022 also stand out to Helton as indicators of the program’s winning culture. “Georgia is home,” he said in a recent interview. “They’ve shown me love from day one. I know what they’ve built and what they’re building for the future.”
Still, competition for Helton is fierce. Alabama has a storied tradition of producing elite offensive linemen under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over following Nick Saban’s retirement but has continued the Crimson Tide’s strong recruiting and developmental standards. Helton made an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa in March and came away impressed by the culture shift and how the program plans to use his skill set.
Florida State is an intriguing addition to Helton’s final four, as the Seminoles have quietly become a major player in his recruitment. Offensive line coach Alex Atkins has emerged as a key figure in building FSU’s offensive line room and has gained the trust of Helton and his family. The Seminoles’ resurgence in the ACC — including double-digit wins and a conference title — has added to their momentum. For Helton, Florida State represents a chance to be part of something still building but potentially special. “Coach Norvell is doing something real in Tallahassee,” Helton said. “They believe in me, and they believe in what they’re building.”
Tennessee rounds out the group, and the Volunteers’ offensive-minded approach under Josh Heupel is a big draw. The tempo and aggressiveness of the Vols’ offense highlight the need for athletic, high-IQ linemen like Helton. Tennessee has also made it a priority to show Helton how quickly he could see the field in Knoxville. He’s visited campus twice over the past year and cited the family atmosphere and SEC competition level as factors in his interest.
Recruiting insiders believe that Georgia may still hold a slight edge, particularly given the proximity to home, but no school is considered a lock. Helton has emphasized throughout the process that he intends to take his time with the decision, make more visits this summer and fall, and ultimately commit sometime before his senior season kicks off. He also plans to graduate early and enroll in January 2026, meaning the timeline for a final decision will be accelerated compared to some of his peers.
Coaches across the country have admired Helton not only for his physical traits but also for his leadership. At Northside, he’s been praised for being a vocal presence in the locker room and setting the tone at practice. His high school coach, Kevin Kinsler, has spoken highly of Helton’s work ethic and character, noting that he often stays late to work on technique or help younger players. “Zykie is the kind of kid every coach wants,” Kinsler said. “He’s got the body of a future pro, but it’s his mindset that sets him apart.”
Off the field, Helton maintains a 3.7 GPA and is involved in community service initiatives in Warner Robins. He’s expressed an interest in studying sports management and has asked detailed academic questions during his campus visits — a signal that the decision will factor in more than just football. This academic focus could work in Georgia’s favor, as the Bulldogs have expanded their player support and academic programs in recent years, but all four finalists have presented strong academic profiles.
It’s also worth noting that Helton’s recruitment could be impacted by the evolution of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities. While he and his family have not made public comments regarding NIL deals, industry sources believe all four schools have already made compelling cases in terms of brand-building and support infrastructure. Georgia and Alabama in particular have robust NIL collectives that could be a tipping point in the final stages of recruitment.
As the summer visits approach, each school is expected to roll out the red carpet. Georgia is planning a major recruiting weekend in June and has invited Helton to be part of it. Alabama and Tennessee are doing the same, hoping to capture momentum with Helton before the fall season begins. Florida State is banking on their mid-summer camp, where Helton could get one-on-one time with the coaching staff in a more intimate setting.
Whichever program lands Helton will be getting a cornerstone piece of its 2026 class — a lineman capable of anchoring a future offensive line for years to come. In an era when offensive line development is more important than ever, Helton represents a rare mix of immediate impact potential and long-term upside. Programs across the country took notice early, and now the race is down to four.
In the coming months, Helton’s social media channels will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, with each visit, interview, or post potentially offering a clue into where he may be leaning. The Georgia Bulldogs will certainly continue to push hard for the in-state star, but they’ll have to hold off strong competition from Alabama, Florida State, and Tennessee.
With official visits looming and each school making its final pitch, the decision will come down to a mix of trust, opportunity, and vision. For Zykie Helton, the next chapter is about more than just football — it’s about finding the right home for the next three to four years of his life. One thing is certain: whichever school earns his signature will be landing not just a top-tier offensive lineman, but a young man with the drive to make a lasting impact on and off the field.
