Athens, Ga. — The University of Georgia’s relentless pursuit of dominance in the trenches took an unexpected twist this week after elite offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell announced his commitment elsewhere. Widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 class, Cantwell had long been considered a top priority for Kirby Smart and offensive line coach Stacy Searels. But with Cantwell officially off the board, Georgia is pivoting swiftly—and aggressively—to a new five-star target who could help solidify the future of the Bulldogs’ offensive line.
Sources close to the program indicate that Georgia has zeroed in on five-star offensive lineman Solomon Williams, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound mauler out of IMG Academy in Florida. Williams, ranked among the top 10 overall prospects in the 2025 class by 247Sports, brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and technical polish that has made him a coveted name among college football’s elite programs.
Though Georgia already boasts a stacked offensive line room—thanks to recent classes that included stars like Earnest Greene III, Monroe Freeling, and Austin Blaske—the Bulldogs are always planning ahead, and they view Williams as a foundational piece in their ongoing effort to build the most physical, dominant offensive front in the nation.
“Solomon is a guy who can anchor a line for years,” said a national recruiting analyst. “He has that SEC-ready frame, the footwork to handle speed off the edge, and the raw strength to open up holes in the run game. With Cantwell now off the table, expect Georgia to go all-in on locking down Williams.”
Georgia isn’t alone in its pursuit. Williams holds offers from nearly every major college football power, including Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, and LSU. But with his recruitment heating up, the Bulldogs believe their recent track record of developing NFL-ready linemen gives them a clear edge.
Over the past five years, Georgia has quietly become one of the top programs for offensive line development, sending multiple players to the NFL and consistently ranking near the top in rushing efficiency and sack rate allowed. For recruits like Williams, the program’s combination of elite coaching, facilities, and championship pedigree offers a compelling pitch.
“It’s about putting guys in position to succeed at the next level,” said Coach Smart during spring media availability. “We recruit linemen who are physical, tough, and smart—and then we develop them to their full potential. That’s been a huge part of our success, and it’s going to continue to be.”
Losing Cantwell certainly stings. The 6-foot-8 Missouri native had been on Georgia’s radar since early in his high school career, and his size and upside made him a potential cornerstone. His commitment to another program underscores the highly competitive nature of modern recruiting, especially for elite offensive line talent.
However, the Bulldogs are anything but deterred. Beyond Williams, Georgia is also keeping tabs on several other high-level prospects, including in-state tackle Trey Scott out of Buford and versatile interior lineman Brandon Winston from Texas. Still, sources inside the program believe Williams is now the top priority, and UGA is expected to ramp up efforts ahead of his official visits this summer.
Williams has yet to announce a commitment date, but he’s expected to narrow his list to five finalists by late June. Georgia is almost certainly going to make the cut, and a strong visit to Athens in the coming weeks could push the Bulldogs into pole position.
With the 2025 recruiting cycle starting to take shape, Georgia’s path forward remains clear: secure elite linemen who can dominate the line of scrimmage. In an era where explosive offenses get the headlines, Smart and his staff continue to focus on the fundamentals—winning in the trenches.
“If you control the line of scrimmage, you control the game,” said Searels earlier this year. “We’re going to make sure we have the guys up front who can do that every Saturday.”
With Jackson Cantwell no longer in the mix, Georgia’s attention now turns fully to a new top target. The battle for Solomon Williams is on—and Georgia plans to win it.
