Georgia consistently produces top-tier football talent, often ranking among the nation’s elite in terms of high school football players and recruits. When considering population size, the state frequently emerges as a leader, often overshadowing traditional powerhouses like California. Alongside Florida and Texas, Georgia forms part of the “Big 3” in high school football.
The 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes from Georgia are particularly impressive, boasting multiple five-star prospects and numerous top-50 national players.
Below are the top 25 football players from Georgia, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which aggregates data from four major recruiting organizations.
Who are the best high school football players in Georgia?
- DL Elijah Griffin — 98.65
- Griffin earned Georgia’s Class AAA Defensive Lineman of the Year and was selected as a MaxPreps Junior All-American after his junior season in 2023. He recorded 97 tackles, including 31 for loss, 17.5 sacks, and an interception. Griffin is ranked as the No. 5 prospect nationally and the top recruit in Georgia for the 2025 class.
- DL Justus Terry — 98.61
- Terry made the MaxPreps Junior All-America second team as a junior, leading Manchester High to an 11-3 record and their first state title game in 26 years. He recorded 78 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 13 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. Terry ranks as the No. 7 prospect nationally and the No. 2 player in Georgia for 2025.
- EDGE Isaiah Gibson — 96.58
- Formerly committed to USC, Gibson is now a top recruit for Georgia. At 6-foot-3.25 and 263 pounds, he has elite physical traits, including 35-inch arms. As a junior, he led Warner Robins High with 17 sacks and 55 quarterback hurries.
- QB Julian Lewis — 96.34
- Committed to USC for nearly a year, Lewis is regarded as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, regardless of class. Reclassifying to join the 2025 class, he was a finalist for the Gatorade National Player of the Year and helped Carrollton reach the AAAAAAA quarterfinals, throwing for 3,094 yards, 48 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions as a sophomore.
- TE Elyiss Williams — 96.24
- The No. 1 tight end in the 2025 class, Williams is committed to Georgia. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, he is a dual-sport star, excelling in both football and basketball. As a junior, he tallied 25 catches for 530 yards and 7 touchdowns.
- LB Zayden Walker — 96.13
- Another Georgia commit, Walker is a top linebacker/EDGE prospect in the 2025 class. He played both offense and defense for Schley County High, recording 40 tackles, 16.5 for loss, 27 QB hurries, 7 sacks, and scoring 13 rushing touchdowns on offense.
- IOL Josh Petty — 95.98
- Petty is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the country, capable of playing tackle or guard. As a junior, he contributed on both offense and defense, recording 58 tackles and 9 for loss. Petty is also a state champion wrestler.
- ATH Darrell Johnson — 94.79
- Johnson has been a dynamic two-way player for Dodge Eastman County, earning All-Region honors as a defensive back. In his junior season, he recorded 103 tackles and is ranked as the No. 47 prospect nationally.
- LB Tyler Atkinson (2026) — 95.75
- Atkinson has emerged as one of the nation’s top rising juniors. In 2022, he was named a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, helping Grayson reach the AAAAAAA playoffs. His junior season was even more impressive with 197 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
- EDGE Jordan Carter (2026) — 94.50
- Carter is a rising star in the 2026 class, ranking in the top 20 nationally. In his junior season, he recorded 84 tackles, 13 for loss, and 15 sacks.
11-25. Other Top Prospects in Georgia
- 11. Xavier Griffin (2026) — 94.45
- 12. Zelus Hicks (2026) — 94.19
- 13. Devin Carter (2026) — 94.16
- 14. Tavion Wallace — 93.85
- 15. Tae Harris — 93.76
- 16. Aaron Gregory (2026) — 93.67
- 17. Travis Smith — 93.40
- 18. Kaiden Prothro (2026) — 93.39
- 19. CJ Wiley — 93.15
- 20. Lagonza Hayward — 93.12
- 21. Ousmane Kromah — 92.92
- 22. Cam Brooks (2026) — 92.79
- 23. Christian Garrett — 92.53
- 24. Xavier Tiller (2026) — 92.41
- 25. SAF Jontae Gilbert — 92.37
