Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have struck gold on the recruiting trail yet again. On Friday, Lincoln Keyes, a 6’6”, 240-pound tight end from Saline, Michigan, announced his commitment to Georgia, spurning his home-state Wolverines and powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Alabama in the process. Keyes is regarded as one of the top tight ends in the 2026 class and a player with the potential to become a cornerstone of Georgia’s offense in the future.
Lincoln Keyes has been on the radar of college football’s elite programs for quite some time. At 6’6” and 240 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and versatility that makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether lining up as an in-line blocker, flexing out wide, or creating mismatches in the red zone, Keyes’ skill set allows him to excel in all facets of the game.
Playing for Saline High School, Keyes has showcased his ability to dominate against top-tier competition. His highlight tape is filled with acrobatic catches, bruising blocks, and an uncanny knack for finding the end zone. In just his sophomore season, he totaled 850 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him All-State honors and cementing his status as a premier prospect in the 2026 class.
Georgia’s reputation for developing tight ends played a pivotal role in Keyes’ decision. The Bulldogs have built a pipeline of NFL-ready tight ends, with players like Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington setting the standard in recent years. Under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart and tight ends coach Todd Hartley, Georgia has become the go-to destination for elite tight end talent.
In a statement, Keyes highlighted Georgia’s proven success at his position as a key factor in his decision. “Georgia is the perfect place for me to grow as a player and as a person,” Keyes said. “Coach Smart and Coach Hartley have shown time and again that they know how to develop tight ends and prepare them for the next level. The culture, the facilities, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level made it clear that Georgia is where I need to be.”
Another factor in Keyes’ decision was Georgia’s offensive philosophy. Known for their balanced attack, the Bulldogs have consistently featured tight ends as integral parts of their passing and running games. Keyes’ ability to block effectively and stretch the field as a receiver makes him an ideal fit for Georgia’s system.
Keyes’ commitment to Georgia is a significant loss for Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama, all of whom made strong pushes to land the star tight end.
Michigan, in particular, appeared to be a strong contender given Keyes’ proximity to Ann Arbor. Jim Harbaugh’s track record of developing tight ends like Jake Butt and Luke Schoonmaker was a key selling point, but Georgia’s national prominence ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Ohio State emphasized its explosive offense and history of sending players to the NFL, while Alabama touted its championship pedigree and player development under Nick Saban. Despite the efforts of these programs, Keyes felt that Georgia offered the best path to achieving his goals.
Keyes’ commitment is a massive win for Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Adding a player of Keyes’ caliber gives the Bulldogs a centerpiece for their future offense and reinforces their dominance on the recruiting trail.
At 6’6”, Keyes offers an incredible catch radius and the ability to dominate smaller defenders in jump-ball situations. His combination of size and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare in the red zone, while his physicality and willingness to block make him a complete tight end who can contribute in multiple ways.
Keyes joins a long list of elite players who have committed to Georgia in recent years, ensuring that the Bulldogs remain a force to be reckoned with both in the SEC and on the national stage.
Lincoln Keyes’ commitment solidifies Georgia’s status as the preeminent destination for elite tight ends. With a player of his talent and potential, the Bulldogs’ offense is primed to maintain its dominance for years to come. As Keyes prepares to take his game to Athens in 2026, one thing is certain: Georgia’s already bright future just got even brighter.
For Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama, the battle for top-tier talent continues. For Georgia, this commitment is another victory in their quest to stay atop the college football world. And for Lincoln Keyes, it’s the start of what promises to be a remarkable journey with the Bulldogs.