‘I’m Not Picking a College Because of Money’ — 4-Star Georgia Commit Chace Calicut Gets Brutally Honest About NIL

Four-star defensive back recruit Chace Calicut from Houston’s North Shore High School has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. He recently committed to Georgia over Texas and Michigan, making it a strong recruiting week for Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs.

Calicut represents the type of high-profile recruit programs that often pursue significant NIL packages in today’s college football. However, the Texas native’s recent comments about his decision-making process suggest he prioritizes factors beyond financial incentives.

2026 Recruit Chace Calicut Says He Prioritizes Development Over Dollars

Four-star safety recruit Chace Calicut made his commitment to Georgia official this week, on Friday, June 27, after a recruiting process that saw Texas and Michigan push hard for the defensive back. The Houston North Shore standout turned heads not just with his decision but with his reasoning behind it.

“I’m not picking a college because of money,” Calicut said, according to an X post shared by Jed May of Rivals. The four-star defensive back stressed that his choice centered on coaching staff relationships and development potential rather than financial packages.

He is more focused on his connection with Georgia’s defensive coaching staff and their proven track record of preparing cornerbacks for the NFL.

Calicut elaborated, “I would definitely say I’m leaving a couple [sic] thousands off the table, hundred thousands, I’d say… I’m choosing a college that will prepare me for the NFL. I’m not picking a college because of money and the other things about it.”

Calicut is one of the top safeties in the 2026 class, and college programs have taken notice. The four-star prospect from North Shore High School has collected over 20 scholarship offers from programs like Oregon, Michigan, and Texas.

According to 247Sports Composite rankings, he is ranked as the No. 162 overall prospect nationally and the No. 13 safety in the country. He also claims the No. 23 spot among all prospects in Texas.

While Calicut plays safety in high school, Georgia plans to move him to cornerback, where his physical style and press coverage skills should translate well. He is listed at 6’3” and 190 pounds, providing significant size for a defensive back.

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He plays with an edge and has a knack for finding the football. Whether he is covering receivers or helping in run support, coaches say he sees the game differently than most players his age.

Georgia won out during a busy six-day stretch of his recruitment, with defensive backs coach Donte Williams telling Calicut he has NFL potential. The commitment gives the Bulldogs another piece for what is shaping up as an elite secondary class alongside fellow four-star commitments Justice Fitzpatrick and Caden Harris.

Georgia has sent defensive backs like Kelee Ringo, a fourth-round pick in 2023, and Kamari Lassiter, a second-round pick in 2024, to the NFL within three years of their arrival in Athens.

The Bulldogs have had four defensive backs selected in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2019, including Malaki Starks in 2025. Calicut’s focus on development over money could pay off bigger than any NIL deal if he follows the same path.