The Bulldogs missed out on five-star OT Jackson Cantwell, but a new prize could be on the horizon. Well, On3’s Chad Simmons dropped a bomb Tuesday, naming five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson as leaning toward the Bulldogs—for now. “Auburn, Ohio State, Oregon, and others are in the mix,” said Simmons, adding, “but it starts with the home-state school.” So, this battle is just heating up. Now, the race is razor-close, with big talks still ahead. However, could OSU be sneaking past Georgia for Atkinson’s 2026 pledge?

Well, the Buckeyes boasted one of the nation’s best defenses last season, and they’re locked in on keeping that dominance going. To do that, they brought in NFL veteran Matt Patricia to lead the charge—and he’s hitting the recruiting trail hard. Patricia, alongside Tim Walton and Buckeyes legend James Laurinaitis, recently made a big push, visiting top linebacker Tyler Atkinson. While Atkinson is predicted to stay home and commit to Georgia, Ohio State’s staff is fired up and ready to shake up the race. The Buckeyes want him bad—and they’re playing to win.

However, the battle for Tyler Atkinson is heating up fast, with five powerhouse programs in the hunt. On May 15, On3 Recruits dropped a video featuring insider Steve Wiltfong, who summed it up best, stating, “This recruitment portrait was a program that looks like they have the momentum going into the spring for the number one ranked linebacker recruit out of Loganville Grayson, and he still has a lot of love for Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann, and that program, and the way they produce linebackers, the way they play defense, and the way they have championships, year in and year out. But he is not a foregone conclusion to end up at Georgia.” Simply put, the Bulldogs may have the edge, but don’t sleep on the competition.

Wiltfong painted a clear picture—this race is far from over. He believes Ohio State is sitting in a “really good position” for Tyler Atkinson. Oregon has become a school of intrigue, while Miami is also firmly in the mix. Clemson isn’t backing down either. With official visits coming up, the battle is only getting tighter. Now, Atkinson’s recruitment is turning into a summer thriller—and the finish line is still wide open.

But make no mistake—there’s a clear frontrunner emerging. As Steve Wiltfong put it best, “Ohio State is very real in this one.” The Buckeyes aren’t just showing interest—they’re going all in. On one Saturday visit alone, they rolled out the big guns: DC Matt Patricia, former All-American and NFL vet James Laurinaitis, and seasoned recruiter Tim Walton. Now, all with Buckeye blood, all with NFL experience, OSU isn’t just recruiting Atkinson—they’re making a statement.

And why not? Tyler Atkinson isn’t just another name in the 2026 class—he’s the name at linebacker. Ranked as the nation’s No. 1 LB and No. 15 overall prospect, the Grayson (GA) star has already stacked over 475 tackles in his HS career. However, his junior season? Unreal—166 tackles, 32 TFLs, and 46 QB hurries. Atkinson’s instincts, speed, and elite football IQ make him a true game-changer. Now, with five powerhouse programs chasing him, it’s no surprise the race is wild. If it comes down to Georgia and Ohio State, the Bulldogs might just have the edge—home turf matters.

But don’t make up your mind just yet, as Tyler Atkinson’s visit to Ohio State went really well. And this one visit could seal the deal.

Tyler Atkinson’s thoughts on OSU

Tyler Atkinson’s OSU visit hit all the right notes. The five-star LB shared a photo on X with Patricia, Laurinaitis, and Walton, writing, “Had a great evening with the Buckeyes defensive staff.” Just weeks after attending OSU’s spring game, Atkinson told Wiltfong both trips made a strong impression. So, the Buckeyes are clearly making him feel right at home.

“It was really good!” said Atkinson of the most recent visit. Adding, “I was glad to see the staff. Today was Coach P’s first day on the road recruiting and he came to our practice at Grayson and spent time with me and the family this evening. I really enjoyed that. Coach Laurinaitis, Coach Walton and myself have gotten pretty close.” To be honest, Atkinson’s words say it all. Ohio State isn’t just recruiting him—they’re building real relationships. From showing up at practice to sitting down with his family, the Buckeyes are all in. And Atkinson is clearly taking notice.

Still, Georgia has long held the edge for Tyler Atkinson—home-state ties, championship pedigree, and a history of elite LBs. But OSU is turning up the heat. With NFL minds, the Buckeyes check plenty of boxes. However, don’t count out Oregon or Miami either, both pushing hard with strong programs and big-time pitches. Now, as Atkinson weighs his future, the race is tight—and every visit counts.