Georgia just offered Notre Dame commit Thomas Davis Jr.—the son of a UGA legend—turning his 2026 recruitment into a high-stakes, personal showdown.
Notre Dame’s First 2026 Defensive Commit Just Got a Georgia Offer—and It’s Personal
Talk about a recruiting plot twist! Davis Jr., Notre Dame’s prized first defensive commitment for 2026, just received an offer close to home. The University of Georgia has officially entered the chat—and this isn’t just any offer. It’s from his father’s alma mater, where Thomas Davis Sr. became a legend before his stellar 16-year NFL career.
The four-star linebacker from Weddington High School committed to the Fighting Irish on November 12, 2024. But Georgia’s late push has transformed a settled recruitment into one of the most emotionally charged battles of the 2026 cycle.
Georgia Turns Up Heat on Notre Dame Commit
When Kirby Smart calls about the son of a Bulldog legend, recruiters get nervous everywhere.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Davis Jr. ranks as the No. 11 linebacker nationally in the 2026 class. His junior season speaks volumes: 62 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two interceptions. What’s striking is how his playing style—combining speed, physicality, and football IQ—mirrors his famous father’s.
“Now, this four-star linebacker out of Weddington has earned an offer from his old man’s alma mater,” reported Dawg Post. “The Bulldogs came on late here as the young four-star is already committed to the Fighting Irish, but this is still an interesting offer.”
The timing isn’t accidental. Georgia knows precisely what they’re doing. The emotional pull of following his father’s footsteps can’t be underestimated. Davis Sr. wasn’t just any Georgia player—he was a consensus All-American who became the 14th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft before earning three Pro Bowl selections.
𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆: Notre Dame’s 2026 linebacker commit, Thomas Davis Jr., received an offer from Georgia earlier this week.
His father, Thomas Davis Sr., was a standout at Georgia, earning First Team All-SEC and All-American honors, before being selected 14th overall by the… pic.twitter.com/IwznpQjgKV
— The Irish Tribune (@TheIrishTribune) May 10, 2025
A Legacy Decision Looms Large
Notre Dame’s coaching staff, led by Marcus Freeman and Al Golden, made Davis Jr. a priority from day one. Their efforts paid off, as he committed after multiple visits to South Bend.
Davis Jr. has called his Notre Dame experience “incredibly exciting,” highlighting the personal attention from coaches and the campus atmosphere during his visits. He’s become an anchor for what’s shaping up to be one of the nation’s top 2026 classes.
But as Slap the Sign pointed out, “Notre Dame coaches have to be a little bit worried about Kirby Smart calling for linebacker commit Thomas Davis Jr. After all, the 4-star commit out of North Carolina has deep ties to Athens. His father, Thomas Davis Sr., was an All-American at Georgia.”
This recruitment now boils down to a deeply personal choice: Will he follow his father’s legacy at Georgia or forge his own path at Notre Dame? The Bulldogs offer family history and SEC prominence. The Fighting Irish offer new relationships and a chance to build something special with an impressive 2026 class.
As UGA Wire summed it up: “The decision now lies with Davis Jr. on whether he will tread the same path as his father or carve out his unique journey. Whichever route he chooses, he is anticipated to establish his own reputation in the sport.”
KEEP READING: Notre Dame Football Top 10 Returning Players in 2025 Include Jeremiyah Love, Leonard Moore
With signing day over a year away, this recruiting battle is heating up—and it’s become much more than football. It’s about legacy, identity, and the choices that define a young athlete’s future.
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