**BREAKING NEWS: Nico Lamaleava Decommits from Tennessee Vols and Flips Commitment to Georgia Bulldogs Over Ohio State and FSU**
In a major development that has sent shockwaves through college football recruiting, Nico Lamaleava, a highly touted five-star quarterback, has officially decommitted from the Tennessee Volunteers and flipped his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs. Lamaleava’s decision marks a seismic shift in the recruitment landscape, particularly as he chose Georgia over two other heavyweights—Ohio State and Florida State—who were also vying for his commitment.
Lamaleava, who hails from the state of California, has long been considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class. His initial commitment to Tennessee, made several months ago, was seen as a major coup for the Volunteers’ coaching staff. At the time, many speculated that Lamaleava would be a key part of Tennessee’s future, especially given the program’s resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel. However, Lamaleava’s recent decommitment and switch to Georgia have now turned the recruiting world upside down.
The decision to decommit from Tennessee came as a surprise to many. Lamaleava had previously been vocal in his support for the Volunteers, and his commitment was a key piece in Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. However, sources close to the situation suggest that Lamaleava had always been keeping an eye on his options and wanted to make sure he was making the best possible choice for his future.
Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has emerged as a juggernaut in college football over the past few years. The Bulldogs have been a consistent powerhouse in the SEC, winning national championships in both 2021 and 2022, and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down. The program’s ability to develop quarterbacks has also been a significant factor in Lamaleava’s decision. With the recent success of quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett and the emergence of future stars like Carson Beck, Georgia’s offense has become one of the most attractive destinations for top-tier quarterbacks.
The Bulldogs made their move aggressively, and their pitch to Lamaleava ultimately proved irresistible. Smart and his staff were able to provide the young quarterback with a vision for his development and a clear path to success at Georgia. The Bulldogs’ stable of offensive weapons, combined with their consistently strong offensive line play and the team’s overall championship aspirations, made it clear to Lamaleava that Georgia offered him the best chance to compete for national titles while continuing to hone his skills under one of the nation’s top coaching staffs.
While Georgia was able to close the deal, they weren’t the only program vying for Lamaleava’s services. Ohio State, a perennial national title contender, was also in the hunt for the five-star quarterback. Led by head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently recruited elite talent at the quarterback position, and Lamaleava would have fit perfectly into their high-powered offensive scheme. However, despite Ohio State’s strong pitch, Lamaleava ultimately chose to head to Athens, signaling a major loss for the Buckeyes.
Florida State, another contender for Lamaleava’s signature, was also in the mix. The Seminoles have experienced a resurgence under head coach Mike Norvell and have been recruiting at an elite level in recent years. Lamaleava had built a strong relationship with FSU’s staff, and many believed that Florida State could be a serious contender for his commitment. However, Georgia’s appeal ultimately won out, with the Bulldogs’ track record of developing quarterbacks and competing for championships proving to be a decisive factor.
The decision also marks a pivotal moment for Tennessee, who had worked hard to build a relationship with Lamaleava and position themselves as the front-runners for his services. The Volunteers have certainly made strides in their recruiting efforts, but Lamaleava’s decommitment is a setback for Heupel’s program. It also highlights the intense competition in the SEC, where programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU continue to dominate the recruiting landscape.
As for Lamaleava, this move solidifies Georgia’s position as one of the most dominant forces in college football recruiting. The Bulldogs now have one of the top quarterbacks in the country lined up for the future, which could set them up for sustained success in the coming years. With Lamaleava now in the fold, Georgia has further solidified its place among the nation’s elite programs and could be a formidable force for years to come.
In the ever-changing world of college football recruiting, Nico Lamaleava’s decision is yet another reminder of how quickly things can change. What began as a commitment to Tennessee has now turned into a major victory for Georgia, who will look to continue their dominance on the recruiting trail and cement their place at the top of college football.
