Things have been feeling off in Athens lately, especially when it comes to Georgia football’s recruiting. The energy is weird, the momentum seems to have stalled, and the Bulldogs have been quietly taking a few hits. First, they lost 5-star quarterback Jared Curtis, then top running back Derek Cooper backed out. And now? Their longest-standing 2026 commit, 4-star cornerback Jontavius Wyman, has flipped his commitment from Georgia to Miami.
Wyman, from Jonesboro High School in Georgia, had been part of the Bulldogs’ 2026 class since July. His decision to switch to the University of Miami came suddenly and confidently, showing that Miami’s recruiting pitch is becoming increasingly powerful. That marks the third major decommitment from Georgia this cycle—and perhaps the most painful so far.
Wyman is a multi-talented player, showcasing elite skills on both sides of the ball. In his recent season, he racked up 34 catches for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns on offense, while also adding two interceptions and two punt return touchdowns. Now, instead of bringing those skills to Athens, he’ll be suiting up for the Hurricanes.
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Wyman explained his decision by saying he connected deeply with Miami’s culture, the coaching staff, and the facilities. He particularly praised the program’s standards and identity. Miami made a strong push, especially under new defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge, who previously coached at Auburn. Wyman visited Coral Gables twice this spring, and the second trip sealed the deal. Not long after, he flipped to “The U.”
With Wyman gone, Georgia’s 2026 class drops in national rankings to No. 26, with only five total commits. That’s an unusually low number for a powerhouse like Georgia. Even more concerning? Only one of those commits is from in-state: 3-star wide receiver Brady Marchese from Cartersville.
Wyman’s departure also adds to a growing concern about Georgia’s ability to attract top defensive backs. Just last week, they lost 5-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds to Alabama. That’s two elite corners out of reach in a recruiting cycle where Georgia desperately needs secondary reinforcements.
Wyman was exactly the kind of player Georgia covets—tall, fast, smart, and physical. But now he’s the third-highest ranked commit in Miami’s class. Georgia is scrambling to recover, now eyeing other defensive back prospects like Caden Harris (Tennessee), Justice Fitzpatrick, and Chauncey Kennon (Florida). But none are sure commitments yet.
This pattern highlights a bigger issue: the changing landscape of college football recruiting in the NIL era. Georgia used to dominate the recruiting trail, with head coach Kirby Smart able to land top prospects with ease. But the influence of NIL deals, attractive lifestyles, and coaching staff charisma—like Miami is showing—are now shifting the power dynamics. Georgia has averaged eight decommitments per recruiting cycle over the last three years, and Wyman is already the third this year.
Wyman sounds confident in his new decision, expressing excitement about joining Miami’s program and working with Coach Etheridge and the rest of the staff. Miami, it seems, is no longer just a sunny getaway—it’s back in the fight for elite talent.
Meanwhile, Kirby Smart and his staff need to make moves quickly. The current roster still boasts stars like Demello Jones, Ellis Robinson IV, and Dominick Kelly, but the future pipeline is starting to dry up. If things don’t turn around, Georgia’s dominance might be in trouble—and they could find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff. Right now, the Bulldogs aren’t leading the charge. They’re just trying to stay in the race.