The recruitment of elite edge rusher Khamari Brooks, a highly sought-after talent from North Oconee, has taken a significant turn, indicating a narrowing of his focus. Brooks, a consensus four-star prospect in the 2026 class, has reportedly canceled his scheduled official visits to Texas and USC. This move signals that his recruitment is now essentially down to a two-team race between two perennial SEC powerhouses: Alabama and Georgia.
Brooks, listed at 6-foot-4 and around 220-235 pounds, is considered one of the nation’s top edge rushers, ranked as high as the No. 14 edge and No. 112 overall player in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite. He is also recognized as a top-15 player in the state of Georgia. His versatility and explosive playmaking ability have made him a priority target for many top programs. He has been a key player for North Oconee High School, contributing to their success on both the football field, where he played a significant role in a state title game, and the basketball court, where he was part of back-to-back state championships.
The cancellation of his visits to Texas and USC indicates a clear shift in his recruiting priorities. Previously, Brooks had scheduled official visits to Georgia (May 30-June 1), Alabama (June 6-8), Texas (June 13-15), and USC (June 20-22). His decision to forgo the trips to Austin and Los Angeles suggests that the visits he has already taken, particularly to Alabama and Georgia, have provided him with enough information to solidify his top choices. This is a common occurrence in recruiting, where prospects often gain clarity after experiencing official visits firsthand.
The battle for Brooks has been intense, with both Alabama and Georgia heavily involved for months. Georgia, being his home-state school and geographically very close to North Oconee (reportedly a 15-minute drive from his front door to the Georgia campus), has been a constant presence in his recruitment. Brooks has made numerous unofficial visits to Athens, with some reports suggesting he may have visited the campus up to 20 times. His official visit to Georgia at the end of May was highlighted by his positive interactions with defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, edge coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe, and head coach Kirby Smart, where they reportedly “popped the hood” on the UGA scheme and discussed his potential role. Brooks reportedly gave Georgia an “A” grade for his official visit, feeling like a “high priority” and “top guy on the board” for the Bulldogs.
Alabama, under head coach Kalen DeBoer and assistant Christian Robinson, has also been relentless in their pursuit of Brooks. Robinson, in particular, has maintained consistent contact with Brooks and his family, making him feel like a top priority for the Crimson Tide as well. Brooks took his official visit to Tuscaloosa in early June, and the program likely presented a strong case for how he would fit into their defensive scheme. He has noted the similarity in how Alabama plays defense to his high school team.
Brooks has publicly stated that it has been “neck and neck” between Alabama and Georgia for some time. His decision to narrow his focus to these two SEC rivals indicates that he has found everything he is looking for in a college program within these two elite institutions. Both programs consistently compete for national championships, develop NFL talent, and offer a high level of competition and coaching.
The cancellation of the remaining visits suggests that Brooks is nearing a decision. While no specific commitment timeline has been publicly set following this update, it’s typical for prospects to make their choice relatively soon after narrowing their focus and completing their key official visits. This move allows him to concentrate on his senior season without the added pressure of ongoing recruitment.
For Georgia, securing Brooks would be a significant local win, adding another elite defensive talent to their already strong 2026 class, which includes defensive backs like Justice Fitzpatrick. For Alabama, landing Brooks would be a crucial defensive addition in DeBoer’s first full recruiting cycle. The final decision from Khamari Brooks will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched commitments in the 2026 class for both programs.
