BREAKING: Five-star tight end Oscar Delp (6’5”, 245 lbs) has officially decommitted from the Georgia Bulldogs and announced his commitment to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Delp chose Notre Dame over a host of powerhouse programs, including the Clemson Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, LSU Tigers, and Florida Gators. Welcome to the Fighting Irish family, Oscar!
The college football world was rocked today with the announcement that five-star tight end Oscar Delp has officially decommitted from the Georgia Bulldogs and flipped his commitment to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Delp is widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the nation, and his decision to commit to Notre Dame over a formidable list of powerhouse programs has sent shockwaves through recruiting circles and among fanbases across the country. His flip comes as a major recruiting win for Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish, while simultaneously delivering a significant blow to Georgia’s tight end pipeline.
Oscar Delp’s journey to this point has been followed closely by recruiting analysts and fans alike. A product of West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, Delp emerged early in his prep career as a prototype at the tight end position. With an ideal frame, soft hands, elite route-running skills for his size, and a willingness to block, Delp fits the mold of the modern-day hybrid tight end. He has the size and strength to operate as an in-line blocker in the run game, but he also possesses the athleticism and fluidity to line up out wide or in the slot and stretch the field vertically. This rare combination has made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
Originally committed to Georgia, Delp was seen as the heir apparent in a program that has produced elite talent at the tight end position in recent years. With the likes of Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington already making headlines in the SEC and beyond, Delp’s commitment to the Bulldogs seemed to cement Georgia’s status as Tight End U. His decision was also viewed as a significant in-state win for Kirby Smart’s program, as Delp had no shortage of offers and interest from around the country. The Bulldogs’ tight end-centric offense and recent success on the field, including national championships and College Football Playoff appearances, made Georgia an attractive destination for top-tier talent like Delp.
But in the world of college football recruiting, nothing is certain until National Signing Day—and even then, the transfer portal has added another layer of fluidity. Delp’s decommitment from Georgia took many by surprise, not because of a lack of interest from other schools, but because he had long appeared solid in his pledge to the Bulldogs. However, rumblings began to surface in recent weeks that Delp was re-evaluating his options. Sources close to the situation pointed to a growing rapport between Delp and Notre Dame’s coaching staff, most notably tight ends coach Mike Denbrock and head coach Marcus Freeman. The Irish made Delp a top priority and never relented in their pursuit, even after he committed to Georgia.
Notre Dame’s appeal is multifaceted. The program has a rich tradition of producing NFL-caliber tight ends, from Kyle Rudolph and Tyler Eifert to more recent standouts like Cole Kmet and Michael Mayer. That legacy has not gone unnoticed by recruits, especially those at the tight end position who value both collegiate success and professional development. For Delp, the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of such distinguished alumni—and to potentially become the next great Notre Dame tight end—proved too enticing to pass up. Beyond the football pedigree, Notre Dame’s academic prestige, national brand, and emphasis on character development played a role in Delp’s decision.
From a scheme standpoint, Notre Dame’s offense has consistently featured the tight end as a central weapon. Whether under Brian Kelly or Marcus Freeman, the Irish have leaned on their tight ends to make plays in the passing game and contribute in the trenches. Offensive coordinator Gerard Parker has expressed a clear vision for how Delp would be utilized in South Bend—lining up in multiple spots, exploiting mismatches, and becoming a focal point in red zone packages. That vision aligned with Delp’s skill set and ambitions. It also offered him a clearer, perhaps more immediate, path to playing time compared to the depth chart at Georgia.
In recent years, the Bulldogs have stockpiled elite talent at the tight end position, creating a logjam of players all vying for snaps. With Brock Bowers continuing to dominate and younger prospects like Oscar Delp himself emerging, Georgia’s room was crowded. While competition is the hallmark of great programs, the reality is that many recruits now consider opportunity and role when choosing a school. Notre Dame’s current depth at tight end is strong but more open than Georgia’s, offering Delp the chance to be “the guy” sooner in his collegiate career.
Delp’s decision also comes at a time when Notre Dame is looking to solidify itself among college football’s elite under Marcus Freeman. Since taking the reins, Freeman has prioritized recruiting as a means to close the gap with the perennial playoff contenders. Landing a player of Delp’s caliber signals that Notre Dame is capable of winning high-profile recruiting battles, even against SEC giants. This is more than just a victory for the Irish—it’s a statement that they are serious about competing at the highest level, not just on Saturdays but on the recruiting trail.
For Georgia, Delp’s decommitment is undoubtedly a disappointment. While the Bulldogs continue to recruit at an elite level across all positions, losing a five-star talent from within their home state to an out-of-conference rival stings. Kirby Smart and his staff will regroup, as they always do, and pivot toward other targets. But the optics of losing a player who seemed like a lock—especially to a northern powerhouse—underscore the increasingly national nature of recruiting. Regional ties still matter, but relationships, vision, and fit are paramount in today’s game.
The ripple effects of Delp’s flip will be felt beyond Athens and South Bend. Programs like Clemson, Texas A\&M, LSU, and Florida were all in the mix at various points in Delp’s recruitment and will now adjust their plans. For schools like Florida and LSU, who are rebuilding their tight end rooms, missing out on Delp narrows the options in a tight recruiting cycle. Clemson, which has had strong relationships in Georgia, may look to reinforce their presence in the Peach State moving forward. Texas A\&M, under new direction, remains a formidable recruiter in the Southeast and may pivot to other top-tier prospects.
In South Bend, the reaction has been euphoric. Notre Dame fans, who pride themselves on tradition, toughness, and integrity, are welcoming Oscar Delp with open arms. Social media lit up with celebratory posts and messages of support. Recruits in the same class have already begun reaching out, forging bonds that will define the program’s future. Delp’s commitment adds momentum to an already impressive recruiting class and provides a cornerstone around which the offense can be built.
Delp himself released a statement expressing gratitude to Georgia and its fans for their support, while also sharing his excitement about the next chapter. He emphasized that the decision was not easy but that he felt a calling to Notre Dame’s unique combination of athletics, academics, and values. The maturity of his message resonated with fans and media alike, highlighting the thoughtfulness behind the move.
Ultimately, Oscar Delp’s commitment to Notre Dame represents more than just a positional upgrade—it’s a culture fit, a strategic win, and a symbol of where the Fighting Irish are headed under Marcus Freeman. With a dynamic skill set and a championship mindset, Delp has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in South Bend, both on and off the field. His arrival signals a new era of elite talent donning the blue and gold, one that Notre Dame hopes will culminate in playoff runs, national titles, and future Sundays in the NFL.
As college football continues to evolve, commitments like Delp’s remind us of the human element behind the headlines. These decisions are about more than depth charts or highlight tapes—they’re about finding the right place to grow, thrive, and leave a mark. For Oscar Delp, that place is Notre Dame. And for Fighting Irish fans, the future just got a little brighter.
