Georgia 5-star RB commit Kemon Spell set to make $1 million next season, he says

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Five-star running back Kemon Spell committed to Georgia earlier this year in what was at the time one of the most watched recruiting processes in the country. The former Penn State commit, who hails from McKeesport (Pa.) reopened his recruitment after James Franklin’s firing last year.

He drew interest from programs across the country, including the Nittany Lions, Oregon, Georgia and Notre Dame. The Bulldogs, who have a history of elite running back play, ultimately won out. But according to Spell, he had even higher offers than what UGA plans to pay him in 2027.

“I could’ve gotten more money from other places, but I picked Georgia for the reasons that I want to get to the NFL and I’ll be coached by the best guy [Kirby Smart] each and every day,” Spell told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “He’s going to be on me and coach me hard. I didn’t pick Georgia for the money. I picked it for the development piece and getting to the [NFL].”

So what is he getting to be a Bulldog? $1 million as a freshman, he told the paper. Spell’s market-based NIL valuation from On3 is $750K, and sources previously told On3’s Pete Nakos the deal was between $750-850K.

According to Nakos, the Nittany Lions “made clear they were willing to pay up, with a contract nearing $1 million. But the chance to play in the SEC coupled with a top-of-the-market package was difficult to turn down.”

Spell wasn’t focused solely on the money, though. And he believes players who are, are part of what is hurting the sport right now.

“That’s what is ruining the college football world. Everybody is picking the money,” he added.

Despite being ranked as the No. 1 running back in the Class of 2027, Spell is not expected to be the highest-paid. Per Nakos reporting, that honor belongs to Tennessee five-star commit David Gabriel Georges. The Baylor School (Tenn.) star is expected to make $2 million in Year 1 with the Vols. That would mark the most a running back recruit has ever been paid coming out of high school, nearly tripling the $750,000 that Michigan five-star signee Savion Hiter agreed to last cycle.

This developing story will be updated.

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