With the 2025 football season now officially less than 100 days away, recruiting has become the top priority for programs across the country—especially at Georgia. Head coach Kirby Smart remains active on the trail, experiencing both major victories and tough setbacks. Most recently, Georgia took a hit when 5-star offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell committed to Miami. Now, the Bulldogs find themselves in another recruiting battle with the Hurricanes—this time, for a top-tier defensive prospect.
Keshawn Stancil, a 4-star defensive lineman from North Carolina, has trimmed his list of finalists to five schools: Miami, Penn State, NC State, Clemson, and Georgia. He completed his official visit to Athens this past weekend and has scheduled visits with the other four programs.
Stancil had already visited all five schools during the spring, reinforcing his confidence in each choice. NC State, being the hometown option, is pushing the “stay close to home” narrative in hopes of securing his commitment. Still, two programs are starting to separate themselves from the pack as the front-runners in his recruitment.
Georgia Set to Battle Miami for Another Top-Ranked Recruit
Georgia and Miami are once again going head-to-head on the recruiting trail—this time for elite 4-star defensive lineman Keshawn Stancil. In a recent interview with On3, Stancil opened up about his experiences with both programs, highlighting how each made him feel valued, though in very different ways.
Stancil praised the culture at Miami and expressed strong appreciation for the Hurricanes’ coaching staff. Their approach resonated with him, showcasing the type of environment he could thrive in.
However, Georgia may have made the most lasting impression. Renowned for developing defensive linemen into NFL talent, the Bulldogs used a creative approach during Stancil’s official visit that stood out. The coaching staff didn’t just pitch the program—they facilitated an authentic experience. Recognizing that current players, not just coaches, play a crucial role in a recruit’s development, Georgia’s staff brought Stancil into a session with players he’d potentially be working alongside. There, they watched film together, and the players gave both positive and constructive feedback on his game.
“I like constructive criticism, so if you can tell me that, we’ve got a good relationship off the bat,” Stancil said.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Stancil is ranked No. 143 overall and the No. 15 defensive lineman in the Class of 2026, per On3’s Industry Rankings. While there’s no set timeline for his commitment, the competition for his signature is heating up, with Georgia and Miami appearing to be the two schools to watch closely.
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