The Georgia Bulldogs have already secured a verbal commitment from four-star tight end Lincoln Keyes in their 2026 recruiting class. Despite that, Georgia remains the leading contender to add two more highly talented tight ends in Mark Bowman and Kaiden Prothro, who are both highly regarded prospects.
According to Rivals’ Adam Gorney, the Bulldogs are expected to sign five-star tight end Mark Bowman, who is currently rated as the top tight end in the class, along with four-star recruit Kaiden Prothro. Bowman, a standout from Santa Ana, California’s Mater Dei, recently visited Ole Miss, where he has family ties to coach Lane Kiffin, but Gorney believes Georgia still holds the edge in his recruitment.
Bowman is not scheduled to visit Miami this weekend, a trip that might be postponed, while Oregon, Ohio State, USC, Georgia, and Texas remain in his top group of schools. From early on, Georgia has been the pace-setter in Bowman’s recruitment, and although USC is making a strong push, the Bulldogs continue to be the favorite to land the top tight end.
Gorney also views Georgia as the frontrunner for Prothro, largely because the coaching staff envisions him playing a unique role, not as a traditional tight end but more as a larger pass-catching receiver on the outside. Prothro’s size and athleticism could fit this specialized position well, making the Bulldogs’ offer particularly appealing.
Prothro, from Bowdon, Georgia, is considering Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Texas, with Auburn presenting the biggest challenge. Visits in the coming weeks will be crucial, but Georgia might maintain its advantage as the top choice for Prothro due to the role they’re pitching and their recruiting momentum.
If Georgia successfully signs both Bowman and Prothro, they will boast three of the top 15 tight ends nationally in the 2026 class. While Rivals and 247 Sports rate Prothro as a four-star prospect, the 247 Sports composite ranks him as a five-star recruit. Bowman holds the consensus No. 1 tight end spot, with Keyes at No. 14 and Prothro ranked third among tight ends in the same class.
