Anthony Davis has the kind of talent that turns defensive coordinators into recruiters overnight. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker from Georgia’s powerhouse Grayson High School is a four-star prospect with a skill set built for the modern game — sideline-to-sideline speed, a violent closing burst, and the instincts to blow up plays before they even develop. With a state championship under his belt and a growing list of suitors, A week ago, the linebacker didn’t have an official top five. But he now does have five schools in mind for official visits leading up to a summertime decision. For that very reason, he’s keeping some big names at bay.

Try not to get confused with the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Anthony Davis. CFB’s LB Davis has remained calculated in his approach. During last weekend’s Under Armour Atlanta regional he speculated, “I know where I will take official visits, I just don’t have the dates set yet,” Davis told 247Sports. Therefore, Chad Simmons of On3 reported on Wednesday that Davis has locked in five unofficial visits for the spring. The whispers have started, and the contenders for his signature are slowly being revealed.

“Alabama, Auburn, USC, Texas, and probably Ole Miss,” Anthony Davis, said these programs have emerged as the frontrunners, all vying for the chance to secure one of the top linebackers in the 2026 class. But Davis isn’t just setting up a summer of jet-setting and photo ops — these visits will shape his future. He’s already taken trips to each of these programs, most recently stopping by Oxford in January to see what Lane Kiffin and the Rebels had to offer. Now, with five unofficial visits set for the spring, the next phase of his recruitment begins. Alabama will get the first crack on March 22, followed by Auburn on March 29, Michigan on April 1, Ole Miss on April 5, and USC wrapping things up on April 12.

If the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine is to be believed, the Tigers hold a slight edge, sitting at 39.2% odds to land Davis, with Alabama close behind at 23%. Florida, USC, and Ole Miss round out the field, but percentages can only tell part of the story. Davis himself has spoken glowingly about each of these schools, praising Alabama’s legendary defensive tradition, Auburn’s rising momentum under Hugh Freeze, and USC’s appeal as a national brand with a defensive rebuild in progress.

While the Rebels continue to quietly push its case as a legitimate landing spot. Davis’ recruitment will ultimately come down to fit — where he sees himself developing as a player and, just as importantly, where he feels at home. His tape shows a linebacker who thrives in aggressive, attacking schemes.

As the summer inches closer, Davis’ recruitment will only get more intense. Coaches will pull out all the stops, pitches will be refined, and the pressure to lock in commitments before the season kicks off will ramp up. But Davis isn’t rushing.

Auburn Tigers’ magic of staying in the mix for Anthony Davis

The Auburn Tigers just went 5-7, yet here they are — firmly in the race for the No. 20 linebacker nationally, per On3, in the 2026 class, Anthony Davis. How does that even happen? Well, credit HC Hugh Freeze and his staff for keeping the Tigers relevant on the recruiting trail despite a rough season.

Davis, a tackling machine out of Georgia, is set to visit Auburn on March 29. The Tigers are hoping to steal him from his home state, which would be a massive recruiting win. If Auburn pulls it off, he’d be their third four-star LB commit for 2026, joining, Shadarius Toodle and JaMichael Garrett.

Davis is a machine. Over the last two seasons, he’s put up 172 total tackles, 21 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and two picks. That’s the production SEC coaches drool over. And it’s not like Auburn is his only suitor — he’s got offers from Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Penn State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and more.

Still, Auburn’s pitch is strong. Freeze has already landed four-star edge Hezekiah Harris and receivers Devin Carter and Denairius Gray. Adding Davis would be another step in rebuilding the defense.