Feels like we just wrapped up the national championships. But the 2025 recruiting buzz is already old news, with Bryce Underwood, Keelon Russell, and Deuce Knight dominating the QB chatter. Now, get this, the 2026 class is stealing the spotlight. Kirby Smart and Mike Norvell? They’re going at it, throwing everything they’ve got to snag those top recruits. It’s a wild scramble. Georgia’s sitting at number 12, and Norvell’s Florida State is at 18, but both are hungry for that number one spot. For 2026! It’s crazy early, but when it comes to quarterbacks, time flies. Jared Curtis is already turning heads, playing a serious will-they-won’t-they game with Georgia. And now, Norvell is directly contesting Smart’s recruitment of 4-star QB Bowe Bentley. That’s right, he’s adding another layer of drama to this whole recruiting saga. Now that’s sure a headache for Smart.

Celina’s 6’2″, 200 lbs freak, Bowe Bentley, On3’s No. 5 ranked passer and No. 47 prospect in Texas, recently completed a whirlwind tour of the nation. His spring visits included LSU, Ohio State, Georgia, and Florida State, with Kirby Smart’s Georgia and Mike Norvell’s FSU leaving the most significant impressions. Bentley’s inaugural trip to Athens proved particularly impactful. He remarked, “Georgia was as good of a visit as any of them, and their practice was the best I saw on the trip. Had a great conversation with Coach Smart. Love his intensity, and his competitiveness is like mine.”

Georgia’s pursuit of Bentley has intensified since their 5-star QB target, Curtis, decommitted in October. Since February, they’ve been aggressively courting him, drawn to his exceptional arm talent, showcased by leading his team to a 16-0 record in 2024, while also excelling in soccer and lacrosse. However, securing Bentley’s commitment won’t be without fierce competition, particularly from Norvell’s FSU.

It’s clear why both FSU and Georgia are vying for Bowe Bentley’s commitment. Now, what makes Bowe Bentley’s recruiting trail more interesting is he is also sold out on Mike Norvell’s program. During his visit to Tallahassee for Legacy Weekend, he emphasized his connection with the coaching staff, their future vision, and the team’s dynamics. “Florida State is building an exciting future. Love the connection I have built with Tokarz, Norvell, and now Malzahn. Got a good understanding of how you would operate their O,” he stated.

The Legacy Weekend proved particularly effective for Mike Norvell and his team, as former players left a significant impression on Bentley. He remarked, “Great to be part of the event with former players coming back to talk. Awesome advice from Jordan Travis, Jermaine Johnson, and Jared Verse. Their new facility is going to be awesome.” This development is undoubtedly unwelcome news for Kirby Smart. However, FSU isn’t the sole adversary in Georgia’s pursuit.

Other programs are also eyeing Bowe Bentley

Who wouldn’t want a QB with 4 stars before their name? Beyond FSU and Georgia, other programs are aggressively pursuing Bowe Bentley. The 4,200-yard-throwing gunslinger recently visited LSU, leaving with a strong impression. As Bentley described the program, “They have something special there,” acknowledging Brian Kelly’s efforts in building a formidable team in Baton Rouge. However, LSU isn’t alone in their pursuit. Despite securing four-star QB Jaden O’Neal, Oklahoma is also making a strong push for Bentley.

Ohio State, too, made recruiting inroads during their Wednesday spring practice, with Bentley among the top prospects in attendance. According to On3’s Mick Walker, Ohio State is in the mix, but they’re far from alone. “The Sooners and Tigers are both considered top contenders for the Texas native.” This intensified competition poses another challenge to Kirby Smart and Mike Norvell’s future plans.

Bentley’s stock significantly rose after receiving an invitation to the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl. His participation in the annual East vs. West showdown on January 11th further solidified his reputation. His impressive record, including leading Texas powerhouse Celina to their first state title since 2007 and his junior year stats of over 4,200 total yards and 63 touchdowns, has drawn the attention of numerous colleges.

His rise to prominence didn’t happen overnight. In his sophomore year, Bentley showcased his versatility as an offensive skill player, even scoring a kickoff return touchdown against the eventual 4A Division I state champions. Now, as a dual-threat quarterback, his combination of athleticism, exceptional decision-making, and impressive statistics has made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2026 class. It remains to be seen which team will ultimately secure his commitment.