Business is booming for a 2026 defensive back from Sprayberry High School. On New Year’s Day, he had zero Division I offers. That didn’t last long. ASU got the ball rolling on Jan 8, and soon after, the floodgates opened—all jumped in. Then came the offer that hit differently. When Georgia Tech extended an offer on Jan 18, it carried extra weight. As an in-state star with elite potential, he’s now a top priority. But the battle isn’t over. Georgia Tech’s Brent Key is going head-to-head with Kirby Smart, both determined to keep this rising talent close to home. The stakes are high, the pressure is on, and the race is just getting started.

Brent Key’s Georgia Tech kicked off its recruiting season in style, hosting several top 2026 prospects for their annual Junior Day. Among the talented athletes making the trip to Atlanta was the 2026 standout safety from Sprayberry High School, Kealan Jones. His visit to campus was a key moment in his recruitment, giving him a firsthand look at what the Yellow Jackets have to offer.

As of now, eager to get the inside scoop, GoJackets.com caught up with Jones after his visit to see where things stand in his recruiting journey. And Jones was all in. He said with excitement. “It went good. When I came in, they already knew who I was, and they made sure to meet my mom.” From the start, Georgia Tech made him feel like a priority. He got to meet the coaches, dive into defensive schemes, and tour the campus. “We checked out where classes would be, and they gave a presentation on how they help with our education,” he added.

It seems the visit wasn’t just about football—it was about the full student-athlete experience. And for Jones, that made all the difference. But here’s the twist—Georgia’s Kirby Smart is also keeping a close eye on this rising in-state target. And Smart didn’t just watch from afar—he made the trip to Jones’ high school field to see him in action firsthand. Following that, Jones tweeted, “Thank you for coming out to see my game🐶🔴!! #GoDawgs @KirbySmartUGA.”

Safe to say, with both Georgia and Georgia Tech showing interest, the recruitment race is heating up. Jones is now a prime target, and every move he makes is drawing more attention. The competition for this elite prospect is just beginning, and it’s only getting more intense. However, the issue remains: does he deserve all of that attention?

Is landing the safety something Kirby Smart is truly interested in?

On the football field, the HS junior Kealen Jones has been making waves. Demonstrating his versatility as well as athleticism, he is listed on the 2024–25 roster as a strong WR and safety. His efforts have been crucial in helping the Yellow Jackets achieve noteworthy triumphs, like as their decisive victory over Newnan High School on Nov 22, 2024, by a score of 35-7.

As of now, college scouts are keeping a close eye on Kealan Jones, recognizing him as a key player with serious potential. His high school achievements have caught the attention of top programs, and there’s a real buzz around how his talents will translate to the next level. Already, Jones has received offers from powerhouses like Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, and Auburn. Now, it seems although Brent Key is also in the mix, Kirby Smart has made it clear that Georgia has a serious interest in Jones.

To be honest, the competition is fierce, but Smart has left no room for doubt—Georgia wants this 2026 standout. Even though he’s currently unranked by recruiting services, that will change as his recruitment heats up. Now, the big question remains—who will land this elite prospect? Only time will tell.