Georgia Bulldogs 5-Star Commit Stuns College Football World with Decision to Flip and Join Michigan Wolverines Over Alabama, Georgia Bulldogs and Ohio State….

Georgia Bulldogs 5-Star Commit Stuns College Football World with Decision to Flip and Join Michigan Wolverines Over Alabama, Georgia Bulldogs and Ohio State….
In one of the most dramatic recruiting twists of the 2025 cycle, five-star EDGE rusher Isaiah Gibson has flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the Michigan Wolverines. The announcement, made via social media, has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape. Gibson’s decision marks a major recruiting win for Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore and a stinging loss for perennial powerhouses Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State — all of whom were in hot pursuit of the elite defender.
Gibson, rated as one of the top defensive players in the country, had been committed to Georgia since June 2024. His commitment came after an initial pledge to USC, signaling how tumultuous and closely contested his recruitment had been. Yet, few anticipated that the Wolverines would ultimately be the destination of choice for the 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass rusher out of Warner Robins, Georgia — deep in the heart of SEC country.
Michigan’s pursuit of Gibson intensified in November 2024, when they officially extended him an offer. At the time, most recruiting analysts believed Michigan was a long shot, particularly with Georgia looking to reload on defense and Alabama and Ohio State making strong pushes. However, the Wolverines’ staff made an immediate and lasting impression on both Gibson and his family, showcasing their vision for his development and the opportunity for early playing time in Ann Arbor.
“The moment I visited Michigan, it just felt right,” Gibson wrote on social media. “The coaches, the culture, and the way they see me fitting into their defense — it all just clicked. I had to go with my heart.”
The flip represents a significant recruiting momentum shift for Michigan. Under Moore, the Wolverines have demonstrated an aggressive and effective approach in flipping top-tier talent from traditional recruiting juggernauts. Gibson now becomes the crown jewel of their 2025 class and the cornerstone of what is shaping up to be one of the most impressive hauls in recent program history.
Gibson isn’t the only elite prospect to spurn the Bulldogs in favor of the Wolverines. In November 2024, four-star cornerback Shamari Earls also flipped from Georgia to Michigan. Earls cited a strong connection with Michigan’s defensive staff and the chance to contribute early in the secondary as pivotal factors in his decision.
Additionally, the Wolverines landed former Alabama commit Ty Haywood, a top offensive tackle, on National Signing Day. And in perhaps their most shocking coup before Gibson, Michigan flipped No. 1 overall 2025 quarterback Bryce Underwood from LSU in January, establishing themselves as a national recruiting force.
With these additions, Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class has surged into the national top 10, firmly placing the Wolverines in the conversation with SEC blue bloods when it comes to attracting elite talent.
Georgia’s loss of Gibson is a rare misstep in what has otherwise been a strong recruiting cycle for head coach Kirby Smart. However, losing a top-five defensive player from within the state — especially to a Big Ten school — is sure to raise eyebrows and trigger reevaluation within the Bulldogs’ recruiting operations. Alabama and Ohio State, both heavily involved until the final days of Gibson’s recruitment, are also left scrambling to pivot and fill that hole.
Gibson’s decision underscores a broader shift in college football recruiting: geographic boundaries are eroding, and top prospects are increasingly open to leaving their home regions for the right program fit. Michigan’s victory here is emblematic of that change.
As Michigan prepares to defend its 2024 national championship title, the addition of Gibson provides not only a future defensive leader but also symbolic validation of their evolving national brand. With momentum at an all-time high and a strong 2025 class in place, the Wolverines appear poised to remain a major player on and off the field in the years to come.