Texas Tech Secures Top 2027 Recruit LaDamion Guyton Over Georgia

LaDamion Guyton, the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2027 class and the top edge rusher nationally, committed to Texas Tech over Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, largely influenced by a lucrative NIL deal reportedly worth $3.5 million, including $900,000 for his freshman season. Guyton, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end from Savannah, Georgia, was drawn to Texas Tech's family atmosphere and the opportunity to elevate the program, despite Texas Tech lacking the facilities and exposure of SEC schools like Georgia. Texas Tech, backed by billionaire Cody Campbell, has become the biggest spender in NIL recruiting to compete with traditional powerhouses by offering significant financial incentives. Georgia had built a strong recruiting presence in Savannah but was ultimately outpriced for Guyton, who could be a cornerstone of the 2027 recruiting class. In separate recruiting news, Georgia secured commitments from other top prospects including running backs Jae Lamar and Jerry "Andrew" Beard, bolstering their future roster. Meanwhile, Georgia also recently landed elite safety Chace Calicut, though his future is uncertain due to serious legal issues stemming from a violent incident involving firearms.