Georgia Bulldogs land nation’s No. 2 tight end

DENVER, N.C. — The rich pipeline between the Southeast and Athens added another prized piece Thursday.

Jaxon Dollar, a 6-foot-4 playmaking tight end from East Lincoln High School, announced his commitment to the University of Georgia, giving the Bulldogs the nation’s No. 2 tight end prospect in the Class of 2027.

Dollar, widely regarded as one of the top overall recruits in the country, chose Georgia over a finalist group that included Notre Dame, Miami, Clemson and Texas following a spring recruiting surge that ended in Athens.

“Everybody at Georgia made it feel like home,” Dollar said after his nationally streamed announcement, crediting the support of coaches, family and friends.

The commitment is another significant recruiting win for Georgia tight ends coach Todd Hartley, who made Dollar a top priority early in the process and maintained steady contact throughout. Dollar’s final visit to Athens for Georgia’s G-Day spring game in April helped solidify the decision.

Rankings reflect Dollar’s elite status. Recruiting services list him among the nation’s top 35 overall prospects and the No. 1 player in North Carolina. His pledge gives Georgia three top-32 players in the 2027 class as the Bulldogs continue building a group designed to mirror NFL first-round talent.

Dollar’s production backs up the hype.

As a junior last season, he hauled in 54 receptions for 1,190 yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing the kind of versatility that has made him one of the most coveted offensive weapons in the country. He also flashed his athleticism in limited opportunities elsewhere — completing a 63-yard pass and scoring on his only rushing attempt of the season.

On defense, Dollar added 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks, underlining his all-around impact.

Scouts project him as a modern “slot” tight end — a matchup nightmare who can stretch the field, win contested catches and generate yards after the catch. His combination of size, speed and body control has drawn comparisons to the evolving hybrid tight ends now featured prominently in college football’s top offenses.

Georgia’s pursuit intensified during the spring, particularly as Dollar navigated a busy visit schedule that included several national powers. Notre Dame appeared to gain momentum at times, but the Bulldogs’ persistence — and the relationship built with Hartley — ultimately proved decisive.

Off the field, Dollar is equally accomplished. A standout on the hardwood, he averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds and more than six assists per game while leading East Lincoln to a 22-5 basketball season and surpassing 1,000 career points.

East Lincoln head coach David Lubowicz said Georgia is getting more than just a talented player.

“They’re getting a great kid who really has the team first,” Lubowicz said.

For Georgia, the commitment adds another dynamic weapon to its future offense. For East Lincoln, it sends a hometown star from Denver to one of college football’s premier programs — and continues a rise that shows no signs of slowing.