"I'd say they're the one to beat": Recruiting insider reveals the favored destination for 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson between Georgia and Ohio State

By Aman Sharma

Modified Jan 23, 2025 17:31 GMT

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Tyler Atkinson, a 6’2”, 205-pound linebacker from Grayson High School in Georgia, has solidified his position as a premier prospect in the 2026 class. The five-star recruit, ranked as the nation’s top linebacker, is considering several elite programs, with the Georgia Bulldogs and Ohio State Buckeyes leading the race.

On Wednesday on ON3 Recruits, analyst Josh Newberg shared insights into Atkinson’s recruitment process and expressed confidence in Georgia’s standing. While Auburn, Texas, Texas A&M and Oregon remain in the mix—Atkinson is visiting Oregon this weekend—Georgia has him as its top priority.

"We see those pictures on social media," Newberg said. "I like where Georgia stands with Tyler Atkinson. I'd say they're the one to beat. You got Auburn, you got Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon. He's going to be at Oregon this weekend.

So there's several other contender schools that he's giving. the opportunity to recruit him and learn about and see what's right for him. And I think it's gonna be a marathon with him. He's someone that can be on his own time. He's not gonna get squeezed out of any class."

Kirby Smart’s active involvement underscores Georgia’s commitment. Smart recently landed at Grayson to visit Atkinson, a move reciprocated when Atkinson and his father drove to Athens.

After winning a state championship at Grayson this fall, Atkinson attended Georgia’s preparation for the College Football Playoff against Notre Dame and returned for Junior Day.

“Well, after he won a state championship at Grayson this fall, he went up to Georgia and spent some time watching the Bulldogs prepare for Notre Dame and the college football playoff," Newberg said. "And now he was back quickly for junior day. He’s making all the big events at Georgia. He’s a priority.”

In two seasons, Atkinson had 309 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and four recoveries.

5-star LB Tyler Atkinson eyes Oregon visit amid interest from top programs

Tyler Atkinson, a 6'2", 210-pound linebacker, has drawn interest from powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Tennessee and Oregon. This weekend, the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class will visit Eugene, Oregon, marking his first trip to a West Coast school, according to On3’s Chad Simmons.

Atkinson, ranked No. 11 overall and the top player in Georgia by Rivals, has around 50 offers from Power Four schools. He attended Georgia’s Junior Day in January after receiving an offer from the Bulldogs in November. Georgia featured in his top 10 list as early as 2023, alongside Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Clemson and others.

Ohio State’s resilience during their national championship win resonated with Atkinson.

“This win showed resilience,” he said, via 247 Sports. “I can relate after coming off a state championship win at Grayson.”

Atkinson’s performance at Grayson High School has been nothing short of elite. With approximately 500 tackles across three seasons, he was named the 2024 MaxPreps National Junior of the Year. During his junior season, he recorded 166 tackles, 13 sacks, 46 QB hurries, one forced fumble and an interception, leading his team to a 14-1 record and a state title.