Georgia moved early with its first commitment in the 2027 class. In early June 2025, Kirby Smart landed 3-star WR Gavin Honore, setting the tone for an aggressive early cycle. He committed shortly after visiting Athens, and in those six months with the Bulldogs, several programs tried to lure him, including Texas. But his vision of Georgia’s structure, development pitch, and competitive standards convinced him to stay. So, can this Big Ten contender find any better luck? 

“[Michigan] has offered Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman 2027 WR and [Georgia] commit, Gavin Honore,” Michigan recruiting reporter Brice Marich wrote on X on January 17. “WR coach Micah Simon was at the national powerhouse football program yesterday.” 

Micah Simon visited Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, one of the country’s most influential high school programs, to connect with Gavin Honore regarding the offer. His cross-country trip is justified by Honore’s intriguing profile. Despite being a 3-star prospect ranked No. 431 nationally, his verified speed and versatility have caught the attention of elite programs.

He is also a top-40 prospect from California, earning MVP honors at a National Preps Showcase. Honore’s upsides are verified speed and positional flexibility. Georgia didn’t pay attention to the star ratings, but identified Honore’s talent early. 

Michigan, led by new head coach Kyle Whittingham, is now making this bold swing. New WRs coach Micah Simon, who coached Utah receivers in 2025, leads that effort. His track record is built on development, and Gavin Honore is his first receiver offer in the 2027 cycle. That exclusivity is part of the Wolverines’ leverage.

News served to you like never before!

Prefer us on Google, To get latest news on feed

Prefer Us on Google

In fact, Georgia and Kirby Smart still hold the advantage, and Gavin Honore has said as much publicly. 

“It’s hard to beat Georgia,” he told On3. “I chose to commit to Georgia because of the culture and the way they run their program.”

Gavin Honore explained that the program’s culture mirrors what he experienced at Mater Dei. He cited structure, accountability, and a championship standard as central reasons for his commitment. His ultimate high school move to Bishop Gorman further elevates his exposure.

“They also have a vision for me that I can play a great role in their offense,” he added of his Georgia commitment. “They know that I can play everywhere on the field and not just in the slot. So that really makes me confident in playing for their program.”

As a junior at Mater Dei, Gavin Honore caught 23 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns, following a sophomore season with six scores. Bishop Gorman went 12-1 and won another Nevada state title, finishing No. 26 nationally. He is stepping into another high-pressure environment, one that mirrors what he says he values at Georgia.

While Michigan targets Georgia’s lone 2027 commit, Smart is already laying the groundwork for the class by hosting a wave of talent.

Kirby Smart hits the recruiting trail

Georgia’s first junior day of the January contact period takes place Saturday, with another scheduled for January 31. The Bulldogs are set to host around two dozen prospects, with a strong emphasis on the 2027 and 2028 classes and heavy in-state representation.

Among those spotted with Kirby Smart is Aroson “AJ” Randle Jr., a 6’3, 210-pound athlete from Garner, North Carolina. He is unranked but comes from elite bloodlines, as the younger brother of Washington Commanders LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle. A standout track athlete, Randle Jr. posted top-tier freshman times and is viewed as a high-upside evaluation.

Also, WR DJ Huggins, a Kennesaw native, remains firmly on Georgia’s radar after receiving an offer. He posted 74 catches for 1,127 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior and will visit Athens for junior day later this month. LB Joakim Gouda, a 6’2, 225-pound prospect from Douglasville, will also be in attendance after calling his Georgia offer “surreal” and acknowledging the program’s linebacker legacy. 

Kirby Smart’s footprints are everywhere in the recruitment department. After all, he’s the one who put high school recruiting on a pedestal in contrast to the transfer portal. The point is to build early trust. Nine in-state prospects are expected on Junior Day.