There aren’t many college football players who can put up video game numbers on the field. But this Grayson HS LB is one of those elite prospects who’s showing the world why he’s the No. 1 LB of the 2026 class. The 6’2, 205-pound Georgia native recorded a combined record of 309 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in 2022 and 2023. It’s no wonder Tyler Atkinson is everybody’s interest. 

Programs like Georgia, Texas, and Ohio State are among the top pursuers of Tyler Atkinson but guess what! An inclination is revealed. Josh Newberg had Jeremy Johnson on the new YouTube episode on On3 Recruits on November 18. The DawgsHQ.com recruiting reporter said, “I definitely think Georgia is in that top group. They’ve made him a priority and it’s not been a secret he’s been one of those guys that (Georgia DC) Glenn Schumann has recruited personally for a long time. So I think that they’re going to be high on his board.”

As per On3 RPM, Tyler Atkinson, who hails from Lawrenceville, GA, has a 31.4% chance to commit to Kirby Smart in Georgia. The No. 8 overall player assured the Dawgs fans of his loyalty by attending the last game between Georgia and Tennessee. He asserted on social media that he “had a great time” at Sanford Stadium in Athens this weekend. And what’s not to like? Smart’s Bulldogs delivered a worthy game as they kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating their final SEC opponent of the season 31-17. 

If Tyler Atkinson commits to Georgia, he would be their first 5-star commit in the 2026 class which ranks 9th nationally. The Bulldogs currently hold the commitments of three 4-star players and one 3-star player. But then again, Georgia can’t be 100% optimistic on Atkinson’s leaning with the hot trails following him. 

Texas and Ohio State continue to pursue Tyler Atkinson 

Steve Sarkisian and Texas, who are the SEC leaders, are among the top programs vying for Tyler Atkinson’s attention. The coveted prospect was in Texas for the Longhorns’ only loss against Georgia on October 20 when they fell 30-15. Still, it was a noteworthy visit as On Texas Football reported that Atkinson spent quality time with co-DC and inside linebacker coach Johnny Nansen and former Longhorns LB Derrick Johnson, who was also in attendance. 

Also, we can’t leave Ohio State out of the mix. Atkinson visited Ryan Day and the Buckeyes thrice in his recruitment, with the last two visits coming this year in March and June. His statement to On3 about Ohio State speaks volumes about his interest as he said, “I like the coaches up there. I love coach James Laurinaitis and coach Ryan Day is a good person… I also like the feeling there. I like the vibe up there. It’s very good. I like the scheme.” Tyler Atkinson’s still got a whole year in front of him to make the right decision. But it’ll be interesting to see what recruiting techniques these programs will pull off to win his commitment.