The Bulldogs have soared under Kirby Smart, turning into a CFB machine. Yet, 2024 ended with a sting—an SEC title over Texas, but a playoff stumble against Notre Dame. Still, Smart’s dominance is unquestioned. ESPN just crowned him the No. 1 head coach in CFB for 2025. And the numbers say it all. “With more first-round NFL draft picks (20) than losses (19) in his nine seasons as coach of his alma mater and back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, it’s hard to argue it could be anyone other than Smart with Nick Saban retired,” wrote ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura. So, that stat? Unreal. Now, with his eyes locked on another championship, is Smart done just yet?

Maybe not. Because just as the championship drive continues, Kirby Smart got a major update—from the son of a Georgia legend. Look, in CFB, family legacies run deep. Like Barry Sanders and his son, Barry J. Sanders. Dad won the Heisman at Oklahoma State. Years later, his son transferred there, walking the same path. Now, Georgia has its own father-son story unfolding. NFL veteran and Bulldog great Kedric Golston left his mark in Athens. And now, his son, Kedric Golston II, is stepping into the red and black. So, for Kirby Smart, it’s more than recruiting—it’s a full-circle moment.

On May 17, Georgia insider Jeff Sentell dropped a recruiting bomb. His post? “Like father? Like son? 🐶🐶 We shall see.” That’s right—Kedric Golston II is officially on the Dawgs’ radar. And the legacy linebacker is loving it. “It’s amazing,” said Golston II about being recruited by Georgia. The connection runs deep, and now the next-gen Bulldog is set to take his official visit in June. Well, as a 3-star in the 2026 class per 247Sports, Golston II ranks as the No. 32 LB and No. 390 overall. He also stands tall as Virginia’s No. 11 player. Now, the name Golston may be coming back to Athens.

Look, Kedric Golston Sr. made history the moment he stepped on the field for Georgia. In 2002, he became the first true freshman since 1994 to start a season opener on the Bulldogs’ defensive line. And he didn’t stop there. Over 4 seasons in Athens, Golston racked up 95 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 8.5 TFLs across 44 games, starting 30 of them. He was a key force behind Georgia’s 2002 SEC title and their Sugar Bowl triumph in 2003. Then Washington Redskins drafted his grit and power. Eleven seasons later, Golston’s name still carries weight—from the SEC trenches to the NFL grind. He is currently the HC at Stone Bridge High School.

On the flip side, Kedric Golston II is carving out his path, right in his dad’s shadow. At 6’3″ and 220 pounds, this rising linebacker from Stone Bridge High in Ashburn, Virginia, is turning heads. As a star recruit, Golston II has caught the eye of big-name programs like Notre Dame, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, Syracuse, and Texas A&M. But the biggest stage might be Georgia. If Kirby Smart makes his June official visit count, he could land a future star ready to make his impact, just like his NFL legend father.

But while Smart is focused on chasing future talent, the program just faced a critical recruiting blow…

Kirby Smart’s latest recruiting setback

Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs are gearing up for a crucial recruiting weekend—but not without a sting. 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 overall player in the country per On3 and Rivals, delivered a tough blow by choosing Miami over Georgia, Oregon, and OSU on Tuesday. It’s a miss the Dawgs didn’t want. Still, Smart isn’t dwelling. With plenty of talent left in the 2026 class, Georgia is ready to reload and refocus. Honestly, the race is far from over.

Okay, this weekend, Georgia is turning the page—and turning up the heat. The Bulldogs are set to host their highly anticipated ‘Scavenger Hunt’ recruiting event in Athens – a unique tradition that blends fun with football. Recruits will explore the historic college town while uncovering clues and connecting with the staff. According to On3’s Rusty Mansell, it’s a star-studded guest list. 5-star OL Darius Gray leads the charge, joined by standout 4-stars Jalen Lott and Ryan Mosely. So, for Kirby Smart, this isn’t just a game—it’s a big move in the 2026 recruiting chess match.

Well, Georgia is sitting pretty with the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation—and there’s serious firepower leading the way. The Bulldogs have already locked in No. 1 QB Jared Curtis, and history is on their side. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has reeled in 9 straight top-five classes. Still, what’s turning heads this year is the volume. According to Mansell, the Dawgs are hosting an unprecedented number of prospects this early. “Like all these official visit weekends, I’ve never seen Georgia have this many this early,” he said. adding, “It tells you how sped up it is.”

Let’s see if Kirby Smart can use this move to bounce back from the loss of Cantwell and regain momentum.