2025 class prospect and 4-star EDGE Chase Linton decommits from Rutgers

Four-star edge rusher and defensive end Chase Linton, from North Atlanta High School in Georgia, has announced his decommitment from Greg Schiano's Rutgers. His decision to reopen his recruitment is a big blow to the Scarlet Knights' 2025 recruiting class, as he was considered one of the top commitments.

Rutgers initially extended an offer to Linton on May 16, and his official visit on May 31 seemed to seal the deal. Following the visit, the prospect committed to the Scarlet Knights on June 2. But less than three months later, he has decided to explore other options.

The prospect revealed to DawgNation that several schools from the ACC, Big Ten and SEC had reached out to him, which ultimately forced his decision to reassess his options.

"My family and I had amazing experiences at @RFootball and met great coaches and athletes," Linton posted on X/Twitter. "So it’s very difficult to post this but at this time I’m re-opening my recruitment."

Initially unranked, Chase Linton quickly rose to a three-star prospect before being upgraded to a four-star. Besides football, he also excels in track and field, setting personal bests of 44-8.5 in triple jump and 41-0 in shot put as a junior.

Linton is ranked as the No. 281 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 26 edge rusher in the 2025 class and the No. 34 recruit in Georgia, according to On3. 247 Sports places him as the No. 191 overall prospect nationally, the No. 24 edge rusher in the class and the No. 29 recruit in the state.

Chase Linton's departure leaves Rutgers with 29 commitments in a class that currently ranks No. 25 nationally.

Which program is leading the race to earn Chase Linton's commitment?

Chase Linton's decommitment from Rutgers came shortly after he got an offer from Georgia, and the Bulldogs are now heavily trending for his recruitment. According to On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the program has a 99.3% chance of landing his commitment.

Linton’s connection with Georgia deepened following a late May camp visit, where he initially did not get a scholarship offer. But the Bulldogs continued their pursuit by extending an offer to him when he visited again on July 28. During this visit, he worked closely with Georgia’s outside linebackers coach, Chidera Uzo-Diribe.

"He's a good coach," Linton said (via 247Sports). "He gave me some good tips to take back with me and to focus on my own. He was firm, but not too firm. It was just really helpful."

As a Georgia native, proximity is also a big plus point for the Bulldogs to earn Linton's pledge.

“Distance from home,” Linton told Dawg Nation. “That’s one of the main things. Obviously, their program. Back to back ‘Natties.’ That stands out and the way their coaches hold themselves and present themselves really stood out.”

Chase Linton is scheduled to visit Georgia again during the highly anticipated Georgia-Clemson game.

As of now, Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 4 nationally and No. 3 in the SEC, boasting 22 commitments. The class already holds commitments from high-profile players like five-star edge rusher Isaiah Gibson, along with other standout prospects such as Elyiss Williams, Zayden Walker and Talyn Taylor.