4-star safety Lagonza Hayward shortlists 4 SEC schools before making his commitment ahead of 2024 season

Lagonza Hayward, a four-star safety in the 2025 recruiting class, has narrowed his college choices to four SEC schools. He is a multisport athlete who also excels in track and basketball.

Rated by 247Sports as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 11 player in the state of Georgia, Hayward is also listed as the No. 82 overall player in the 2025 class. On3 Industry Rankings places him as the No. 112 overall player nationally, the No. 12 safety in the country, and the No. 13 player in Georgia.

Hayward's final teams are Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. He initially planned to announce his college commitment on August 7, the first day of his senior year at Toombs County High School.

However, Hayward later decided to accelerate this timeline, now aiming to commit on July 27. This change follows his official visit to South Carolina in Columbia. He also officially visited the Bulldogs on May 31.

Hayward was a two-way player in his junior season, playing both as a defensive back and wide receiver. On defense, he recorded 48 tackles, including three tackles for loss, four pass breakups, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He also caught 26 passes for 727 yards and seven touchdowns on offense.

Which program is leading the race in Lagonza Hayward's commitment?

The Tennessee Volunteers initially seemed to have the upper hand in Lagonza Hayward's commitment. On3's Steve Wiltfong predicted the Vols to lead the pack, and even Hayward himself was impressed with the program for recognizing his potential early.

“The way they went about recruiting me from the beginning means a lot," Hayward said (via On3)."They believed in me early. Tennessee offered me before the stars, so they have been heavy with me from the jump."

Hayward's visits to Knoxville have intensified those feelings, and he even bonded well with the coaching staff.

"Coach Banks, Coach Martinez, Coach Heupel and almost the whole staff recruits me. They have never let up. From the first time I visited Tennessee, I felt it could be the place I want to be at. The people are great and the atmosphere is electrifying.”

But Hayward's visits to South Carolina changed the momentum, as Chad Simmons of On3 reported that South Carolina possibly could earn his pledge. Hayward also gave a glowing review of his experience with the Gamecocks after the visit to Columbia.

“It was real good. I had a good time being around the guys and just being around Coach Gray and Coach Beame, then like going into depth about what I could do if I came here,” Hayward told On3.

Hayward's interactions with defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and head coach Shane Beamer have been influential. The promise of early playing time and the chance to compete at a high level have made a strong impression on Hayward.

Currently, South Carolina appears to have the edge, but Hayward is scheduled to visit Florida on June 14 and Tennessee on June 21. Let's see if Tennessee can enjoy the last laugh.