The summer recruiting push is in full swing, and one of the top defensive line prospects left on the board just came off it — not the way Georgia fans were hoping.
Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou announced he’s headed to Ryan Day and Ohio State. Fakatou had trimmed his finalists to Georgia, Ohio State and Texas, and the Bulldogs were right there at the end before he ultimately went with the Buckeyes.
Per 247Sports, Fakatou is a composite five-star out of Chatsworth, California, listed at roughly 6-foot-6 and a little over 270 pounds. His mix of size, athleticism and disruption made him a priority target for a long list of programs, Georgia included.
That’s what stings about this one. The Dawgs were one of the last teams standing, and elite defensive line play has long been a signature of Kirby Smart’s teams — a big reason Georgia typically recruits the position as well as anyone. This time, that track record wasn’t enough to get it done.
The miss is a disappointment, but it’s not a class-defining one. Georgia is still sitting on a strong 2027 haul and figures to add more before signing day. Here’s where the class stands right now:
- Kemon Spell, RB
- Jaxon Dollar, TE
- Kelsey Adams, OT
- Ty Johnson, OT
- Abraham Eisenhower, OL
- Noah Parker, RB
- Temorris Campbell, LB
- Waylon Wooten, DL
- Taurean Rawlins, WR
- DJ Dotson, OT
- Colton Nussmeier, QB
- Antwan McKoy, DL
