Kirby Smart Responds to Jackson Cantwell Upset With Big Update on 285lb Move for Another 5-Star Target

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are wasting no time. Usually, June is the big recruiting month for Georgia, but they’re switching things up and going all-out now. This might be because of that recent commitment that stung a bit—Jackson Cantwell. Everyone thought he was heading to the Bulldogs, especially after all the hype about them landing 5-star QB Jared Curtis. But then, surprise! He picked Miami instead. Maybe it was the NIL money or the chance to do track there? Whatever the reason, it was a tough one for Coach Smart and his crew, who were really hoping to snag Cantwell after getting their dream quarterback. But even with that setback, there’s a new name about to grab everyone’s attention.

A five-star offensive lineman—one of the nation’s best—is expected in town. All eyes will be on the 285-pounder. Could the future of the trenches be walking through Sanford Stadium?

On May 18, On3 Recruits confirmed it—five-star IOL Darius Gray is in Athens for his official visit. Ranked No. 32 nationally, the top interior OL in the class, and the No. 2 player in Georgia, he’s a certified game-changer. But here’s the twist—Georgia hasn’t been the predicted favorite. Instead, it’s LSU that’s been riding the wave. Steve Wiltfong of On3 even projected him to the Tigers. Huge win, right? That would give LSU its third five-star in this class—another headline grabber for Brian Kelly.

While LSU is still seen as the favorite, his trip to Athens throws a curveball. Because when a five-star steps onto Georgia’s campus, you never count Kirby Smart out. The Bulldogs recruit at a different level. Period. Since Smart took over, Georgia has become an NFL factory—and that’s tough to ignore. Although OL coach Brad Davis has a solid resume at LSU, Georgia’s track record speaks louder. And this visit? It just made things a lot more interesting.

Well, on Monday, Darius Gray let the world know how he felt about Georgia—and his tweet said it all. “I had so much fun this weekend at my official visit with UGA! It was an excellent visit! Thank you @coachKub_70 @SSearels @KirbySmartUGA,” he wrote.

I had so much fun this weekend at official visit with UGA! It was an excellent visit! Thank you @coachKub_70 @SSearels @KirbySmartUGA @UGARecruiting20 @DHill39 pic.twitter.com/a9gmtiherf

— DG (@dariusgrayy_) May 18, 2025

Gray isn’t just a top recruit; he’s a game-changer in the trenches. Ranked No. 29 nationally and the No. 2 player in Virginia (per 247Sports), he brings size, skill, and serious upside. And after losing top target No. 1 OT Jackson Cantwell to Miami, it looks like Georgia rolled out the red carpet for another five-star—and it definitely made an impression.

Dominating up front? That’s how you win championships. And Kirby Smart’s Georgia knows that better than anyone. During their back-to-back title run, the Bulldogs owned the trenches. But last season? The offensive line didn’t quite live up to that standard. Now, landing Gray could flip the script. Because he’s the kind of addition that turns weaknesses into weapons.

However, Darius Gray isn’t done just yet. He’s got a few more official visits lined up in June, so this recruitment is far from over. Although Kirby Smart’s Georgia may have to wait a bit before finding out where they truly stand. But one thing’s clear—UGA has a golden opportunity. If the Bulldogs can knock this visit out of the park, they could surge to the top of Gray’s list.

Kirby Smart already landed his star QB, Curtis, and needs a strong O-line to keep him safe down the road. Smart probably hoped getting Curtis would attract other top offensive guys, but Cantwell threw a wrench in those plans….

What made Jackson Cantwell pass on Kirby Smart?

Georgia is not looking in the rearview mirror. After missing out on five-star OT Jackson Cantwell—who shocked many by choosing Miami—the Bulldogs are already shifting focus. It’s a tough loss, no doubt. Cantwell was a top target and a name closely tied to Athens for months. But Kirby Smart isn’t one to dwell. The Dawgs are moving fast. Now, one question looms: why Miami?

Jackson Cantwell made it clear. “I picked Miami because of the relationships I had at the school and because of how good the offensive line coaching is with Cristobal and (Alex) Mirabal,” he said. “They recruited me the hardest out of any school and had a great development plan for me, and have had a history of giving young guys that are worthy a chance to play.” It wasn’t just about the spotlight—it was about trust, opportunity, and a clear path to success. And not just that….

This dual-sport talent sees Miami as a place where he can be both a track and field and a football star, something other schools weren’t as keen on. He said, “I think Miami is somewhere in the middle, too. I could do it there, and there have been guys who have done it before. When you look at the 2001 team, they had a lot of guys who did dual sport, and I think Chris Paul would be open to it.” Miami sold him on the vision, and Cantwell answered the call.

However, the high-stakes battle for Cantwell ended on May 13 when he committed to Miami, choosing them over Oregon, Georgia, and OSU. As a true force in the trenches, Cantwell is a game-changing pickup for HC Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal. Because this premier talent isn’t just a future star—he’s expected to make an immediate impact the moment he steps on the Coral Gables turf. So, Miami just scored big, while Kirby Smart is chasing Gray.

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