Georgia Bulldogs 5-Star Commit Stuns College Football World with Decision to Flip and Join LSU Tigers
In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the college football recruiting landscape, Solomon Thomas — a consensus five-star offensive tackle and one of the crown jewels of the 2025 recruiting class — has officially flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the LSU Tigers. This decision comes just weeks before the early signing period and marks one of the most impactful flips in recent recruiting memory.
Thomas, who hails from Jacksonville, Florida, had been committed to Georgia since July 2024 and was widely expected to be a foundational piece of Kirby Smart’s next great offensive line. Ranked No. 13 overall and the No. 3 offensive tackle in the ESPN 300, Thomas had long been seen as a “can’t-miss” prospect — a 6-foot-6, 315-pound force who combines athleticism, technique, and leadership into a rare package.
For months, Thomas reiterated his commitment to Georgia, despite late pushes from Florida State, Alabama, and Florida. However, behind the scenes, LSU had never stopped recruiting him — and head coach Brian Kelly’s persistence has now paid off in a massive way.
A Bombshell Announcement
Thomas made the announcement via a nationally broadcast livestream, sitting at a table adorned with hats from multiple schools — Georgia, Florida, and LSU. To the surprise of many watching, he bypassed the Georgia hat he had once worn so proudly, and instead picked up the purple and gold of LSU.
“I want to thank Georgia for everything they’ve done for me,” Thomas said during the broadcast. “Coach Smart and Coach Searels have been incredible throughout this process. But after a lot of prayer, conversations with my family, and a deep look at where I see myself growing the most, I’ve decided to commit to LSU.”
The announcement set off a flurry of reactions across social media, with fans, analysts, and fellow recruits expressing disbelief, excitement, and confusion. Georgia fans expressed disappointment and frustration, while LSU supporters erupted in celebration, hailing Thomas’s flip as a sign that the Tigers are once again a recruiting force to be reckoned with.
What This Means for LSU
This commitment is a monumental win for LSU and Brian Kelly, who has emphasized rebuilding the trenches since arriving in Baton Rouge. Thomas becomes the highest-rated player in LSU’s 2025 class and a cornerstone of what is shaping up to be one of the program’s best hauls in recent memory.
“This is huge. Solomon is a plug-and-play left tackle at the next level,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “There’s a reason every top program was after him. For LSU to get him this late in the cycle? That’s a power move.”
Kelly, now entering his fourth year with the Tigers, has quietly assembled elite classes while battling Alabama and Georgia in the SEC recruiting wars. Landing Thomas signals that LSU can not only compete for top prospects but also steal them from the very best.
A Gut Punch for Georgia
On the flip side, Georgia’s loss is hard to overstate. Thomas was expected to be the heir apparent at left tackle after the likely departure of Amarius Mims to the NFL. His departure leaves a significant hole in the Bulldogs’ 2025 offensive line class and adds pressure on Kirby Smart and his staff to lock down remaining targets.
“Georgia rarely loses a commit this late, especially one of this magnitude,” said 247Sports national recruiting director Steve Wiltfong. “It shows just how competitive recruiting has become in the SEC, and how no commit is truly safe until pen meets paper.”
The Power of the Official Visit
Insiders point to Thomas’s official visit to Baton Rouge in late November as the turning point in his recruitment. According to reports, Thomas was blown away by LSU’s facilities, coaching staff, and the opportunity to start early. Offensive line coach Brad Davis played a pivotal role in flipping the momentum, building a close relationship with Thomas and his family over several months.
“They made me feel like I was already part of the family,” Thomas said after his visit. “They didn’t pressure me — they just showed me what LSU is really about.”
What’s Next?
While Thomas has flipped to LSU, the recruiting process is never truly over until National Signing Day. Still, sources close to the situation believe the Tigers have locked in his commitment. He is expected to sign during the early period and enroll early to participate in spring practice.
His flip serves as a reminder of the high-stakes chess match that is modern college football recruiting. For Georgia, it’s a tough blow, but the Bulldogs remain in the mix for several top-tier offensive linemen and will look to recover quickly. For LSU, it’s a triumph — and a signal that Brian Kelly’s vision for the program is resonating with the nation’s best talent.
Final Thoughts
Solomon Thomas’s decision will be talked about for months — maybe even years — especially if he becomes the All-American many believe he can be. It’s not just a win for LSU; it’s a statement. The Tigers are back in the national spotlight, and with recruiting wins like this, they might be there to stay.
