Watch out; this South Gibson high school recruit is moving closer to his college decision. And the CFB world’s recruiting trail has turned into a battleground.

As we brace for the new year, one of the top pass-rushers in the country is ready to make his college commitment, and you might not have to wait for too long—just one day to go. He is the coveted 2026 DL Yahya Gaad, and he is down to four teams and has set a commitment date. Two of them are the biggest giants of the league from the SEC, and their people are already fighting over him online.

The Rivals’, Sam Spiegelman, national recruiting analyst, reveals the four teams and the date in an Instagram post. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive star from Medina, Tennessee, has fans and coaches on the edge of their seats. Now, the No. 35 defensive end in the country for the 2026 class has narrowed his options to four programs: Georgia, Texas, Florida State, and Washington. With a commitment date set for January 2, we are getting early potential Natty contention with Kirby Smart-led Dawgs and Steve Sarkisian and his Longhorns. But just in the comment section!

Yahya Gaad isn’t your average high school standout. His versatility is what sets him apart. Whether lining up as a traditional defensive end or rushing as a standup edge, Gaad’s blend of size, speed, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for offensive lines. At South Gibson High School, Gaad’s knack for identifying plays and his relentless pressure on the opposing QB have drawn comparisons to NFL-caliber pass-rushers.

Last month, Gaad took unofficial visits to two of his final contenders, Georgia and Texas. And the red carpets rolled out in full force. In Athens, he witnessed the Bulldogs dominate Tennessee in a game that underscored why Georgia remains a powerhouse under Kirby Smart. ‘Between the Hedges,’ Gaad felt the intensity of a championship-caliber program.

A week later, Gaad found himself deep in Longhorn country, visiting Austin for Texas’ showdown against Kentucky. The game-day atmosphere and Steve Sarkisian’s pitch made a strong impression, culminating in an official offer that put Texas in a solid position to compete for his signature.

While Georgia and Texas are perceived as the frontrunners, the Seminoles and Huskies shouldn’t be counted out. The two SEC giants’ ultras gave us a glimpse of what a could-be Jan. 20 battle looks like.

The great Gaad tug-of-far between Texas and Georgia

The battle for Yahya Gaad has spilled from recruiting war rooms to Instagram comments, with fans of Georgia and Texas locking horns in a verbal tug-of-war. Under Rivals’ post announcing Gaad’s final four, the comments section became a virtual fan zone.

The Bulldogs wasted no time making their voices heard. “Them Dawgs is hell 🔥🦴🐾” declared one enthusiastic supporter. Another simply posted a stream of “🐶🐶🐶,” letting emojis do the talking. These comments reflect the overwhelming pride Georgia fans have in their program’s dominance. After all, back-to-back national championships have given them reason to believe they can land any recruit they want.

Even Matthew McConaughey endorsed Longhorns fans and fired back with confidence. “Texas will win 🏆🤘🤘😍,” wrote one commenter, invoking the Longhorns’ upward trajectory under Steve Sarkisian. Another added, “Texas Brody,” a nod to the Longhorns’ growing reputation for attracting top talent. Sarkisian’s ability to sell his vision, combined with the allure of Austin, makes Texas a serious contender in this race.

Then there were the neutral voices chiming in with pragmatism. “He’s picking Georgia or Texas,” read one comment, accurately summarizing the consensus among recruiting insiders. Yet, this prediction only fueled the rivalry further, as fans from both camps continued to duke it out in the comments section.

For Florida State and Washington fans, the noise was notably quieter but no less hopeful. While the Seminoles and Huskies might not have the same buzz as Georgia and Texas, they remain respected programs capable of pulling off a recruiting surprise.