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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

No. 1 athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. commits to UGA with *decoy cakes*

Hardman is the country’s highest-rated “athlete” recruit and an appreciator of desserts.

Student Sports

Five-star athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. has announced his commitment to Georgia. Hardman is ranked as the 13th-best player in the country by the 247Sports composite ratings, and the top “athlete” in the country. He’s also the second-ranked player in Georgia.

And he committed with decoy cakes, a variation on the usual hat stunt.

Hardman, from Elbert County (Ga) is classified as an athlete due to his versatility. He’s not very tall, at 5’10, 169 pounds, but he’s a speedster and very explosive with a 4.42 40-yard dash time. A high school quarterback and cornerback, he has the potential to be either a receiver or a cornerback in college, as well as a return man. He’s also a notable All-Name Team selection.

Hardman named Alabama his leader on Jan. 3, but Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart left to become Georgia’s head coach and was able to put on a full recruiting push after winning a national championship on Jan. 11. Did that allow Georgia to get ahead?

“Hardman is one of the most explosive athletes in the country, capable of excelling at receiver or cornerback. I think Kirby Smart will be able to keep the talented athlete home for UGA,” predicted Bud Elliott.

Hardman becomes Georgia’s third five-star commit and the Bulldogs’ third top-13 player, joining top quarterback Jacob Eason and top tight end Isaac Nauta. Georgia returns everyone in its secondary, but the Bulldogs could use some help at receiver after losing Malcolm Mitchell. Hardman is versatile enough to fit in at either position, and even to switch if he needs to.

Check out Hardman’s highlights:

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