4-Star Jae Lamar: Georgia Poised to Lose a 2026 Running Back Commit?.

4-Star Jae Lamar: Georgia Poised to Lose a 2026 Running Back Commit?.

Recent chatter suggests that Georgia’s lone running back commitment for the 2026 cycle—four-star recruit Jae Lamar may be in jeopardy. According to Rivals analyst Chad Simmons, “multiple” programs such as Auburn, Miami, and Florida State are still actively pursuing him, potentially threatening Georgia’s hold on the commitment.

While nothing has been confirmed yet by Georgia’s staff or Lamar himself, the attention from high-profile schools could definitely sway his decision before National Signing Day. Keep an eye on his recruitment in the coming months!

Jae Lamar has been one of the most talked-about names in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Hailing from the Southeast, Lamar is known for his explosive first step, excellent field vision, and ability to break tackles with a blend of power and finesse. His highlight reels showcase not only long touchdown runs but also the kind of versatility that makes him a potential three-down back at the next level.

Recruiting services have consistently ranked him as a top-10 running back nationally in his class, with many scouts comparing him to past SEC greats. Naturally, Georgia’s early commitment from Lamar was seen as a major win for Kirby Smart and his staff—especially given the program’s rich history of developing NFL-ready running backs.

The concern for Georgia lies in the timing. Lamar committed early in the process, giving the Bulldogs a head start in solidifying their 2026 class. But that early pledge has also left a long runway for rival programs to make their case. Auburn, Miami, and Florida State are among the schools aggressively chasing Lamar, each offering its own unique pitch:

Auburn has been rebranding its offense under head coach Hugh Freeze, promising more opportunities for dynamic backs to shine in a fast-paced system.

Miami, long considered “Running Back U” in its heyday, is trying to restore its dominance and has been selling recruits on becoming the centerpiece of a program revival.

Florida State is leaning on its resurgence in the ACC, using its recent success to attract top-tier playmakers who want to make an immediate impact.

Each of these schools has built strong relationships with Lamar’s circle, ensuring that Georgia will need to fight tooth and nail to keep him locked in.

Georgia’s Perspective

The Bulldogs aren’t strangers to these kinds of recruiting battles. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has established itself as one of the premier recruiting powerhouses in college football, often going head-to-head with Alabama, Ohio State, and other giants for top prospects.

Landing Lamar early was meant to give the program stability in the backfield pipeline for 2026. With running backs like Branson Robinson and Nate Frazier already in the fold for upcoming seasons, Lamar represented the next chapter in Georgia’s offensive future. Losing him now wouldn’t just sting—it could force the Bulldogs to reset their strategy at a position they pride themselves on.

That said, Georgia fans should not panic just yet. Commitments often waver during the long recruiting process, and staffers are known for doubling down on their efforts when a pledge seems shaky. Expect Georgia to ramp up its communication with Lamar, reinforce its developmental track record, and showcase the success of recent alumni in the NFL as proof that Athens remains the best home for elite running backs.

Recruiting in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has added a new dimension to these battles. Programs like Miami and Florida State have leaned heavily into NIL opportunities as part of their pitch, while Georgia’s approach has emphasized both NIL and long-term development. For a player of Lamar’s stature, NIL offers could play a significant role in his decision-making process, particularly if other schools can promise larger financial incentives.

Moreover, the presence of the transfer portal has shifted the landscape. Coaches know that even if they lose a recruit like Lamar, other avenues exist to fill roster needs. Still, Georgia’s preference will always be to land a high school prospect early and mold him into a star.

The next few months will be telling. Fall visits, unofficial trips, and sideline appearances at key games could signal where Lamar’s heart truly lies. If he shows up at Auburn or Florida State games more frequently, speculation will intensify. Conversely, if he doubles down on his Georgia pledge by attending games in Athens, it could calm the noise.

Recruiting insiders suggest that Lamar plans to keep his options open, which will only fuel speculation until pen meets paper on National Signing Day.

Final Thoughts

For Georgia, Jae Lamar is more than just a recruit—he’s a symbol of the program’s continued dominance in attracting premier talent. But as the Bulldogs know all too well, the path from verbal commitment to signing on the dotted line is rarely smooth. With Auburn, Miami, and Florida State circling, the battle for Lamar’s services is only just beginning.

One thing is certain: whether he sticks with Georgia or flips to another powerhouse, Jae Lamar’s decision will be one of the defining recruiting storylines of the 2026 class.