College football recruiting has always been a high-stakes game, but in the modern era, it’s an all-out arms race. The top programs aren’t just battling each other; they’re waging war against an entire field of suitors, all vying for the next generation of superstars. And when an elite four-star athlete like Tyriq Green emerges, the competition intensifies. Green, one of the most versatile playmakers in the country, has seen his recruitment reach a fever pitch, with powerhouse programs throwing everything at him to secure his commitment. Two programs—ranked 2nd and 4th in the 2025 recruiting cycle—both no strangers to elite recruiting success, have positioned themselves ahead of the pack. But the battle isn’t over yet.

While both Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs have been trending in the right direction with a lot of recruits recently. A lot of that has to do with all the work Ryan Day and Kirby Smart are doing on the recruiting trail. Now both giants are in the final battle with others for one of the best athletes in the nation, Tyriq Green. A freak out of Buford High School in Georgia is one of the most dynamic prospects in the 2026 cycle. Listed as an athlete, he excels at both running back and safety, making him a coveted chess piece for any defense or offense. As per 247Sports composite rankings, Green is the No. 22 player from Georgia and No. 10 ATH in the 2026 class as well.

So, case in point, Day and Smart are not alone. As he told On3 Recruits’ Chad Simmons, he’s down to his final 8 schools!

As elite as Georgia and Ohio State are, Green isn’t limiting himself to just two choices. His list includes the Auburn Tigers, Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, Florida State Seminoles, Tennessee Vols, and USC Trojans. That means six other programs are still in the fight, each offering its own unique pitch to land the dynamic two-way star. He’s now sitting on 37 offers. Florida State, which has been aggressively recruiting for its 2026 class—currently ranked 12th—has also made a strong push, with head coach Mike Norvell offering Green a scholarship on January 2, 2025.

Green, who took an unofficial visit to Tallahassee back in 2023, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, writing, “Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and family for helping me earn an offer from Florida State University.” While the Seminoles might be playing from behind, the unpredictability of recruiting means no one can be counted out.

The Bulldogs, in particular, have made a strong impression too, with Green attending their most recent Junior Day and openly stating, “I feel like Georgia’s separated themselves a lot,” in an interview with 247Sports. But even with Georgia’s edge, nothing is set in stone. And the Buckeyes, who rank fourth in the 2025 recruiting cycle, aren’t backing down.

For now, Georgia appears to be the favorite, but Ohio State’s persistence can’t be ignored. Ohio State just won the national championship, and Ryan Day has already built the Buckeyes into a recruiting juggernaut, consistently pulling top talent from the South despite the natural geographic challenge.

With National Signing Day still far off, Green’s recruitment has plenty of twists and turns left. Georgia’s confidence is evident, and Ohio State’s pursuit remains relentless. But SIX other programs are waiting for their chance to make a final push!

Is Tyriq Green feeling the love in Athens?

Some players fit neatly into a single position. Others, like Green, are Swiss Army knives on the football field. The Buford High School star shines on both sides of the field, making plays as a hard-hitting safety and a dynamic running back. And when it comes to his recruitment, Georgia has made a lasting impression.

What stands out most to Green about the Bulldogs? It’s all about the fit. “Really just being able to put me anywhere on the defense,” Green shared. “Just going up there; it’s family up there. Our relationship’s strong. I’m comfortable around them. I can be myself.” That sense of belonging speaks volumes. His junior season numbers back up his potential.

Green helped lead Buford to a 12-2 record, racking up 28 tackles, five interceptions, and five pass breakups on defense. Offensively, he was just as electric, rushing for 527 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. From hard hits to explosive runs, Tyriq Green does it all, and the family atmosphere at Georgia could be the key to him doing it all there.