Nation's Top LB To Officially Visit SEC Powerhouse After Trips To Clemson, Oregon

Nation’s Top LB To Officially Visit SEC Powerhouse After Trips To Clemson, Oregon originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Class of 2026 five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson remains uncommitted as he entertains some of the top college football programs in the country. 

The Grayson High School product out of Lawrenceville, Georgia, ranks as the nation’s No. 1 linebacker, the No. 1 player in the state and the No. 22 overall recruit in his class (Rivals). 

Ratings aside, Atkinson’s production over the last two seasons raised some eyebrows on the recruiting trail. 

As a sophomore, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker broke the Grayson record for tackles in a season (197). Atkinson went on to lead the Rams to 6A state championship title as a junior while racking up 166 tackles, (32 for loss), 13 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. 

Atkinson is coming off official visits to both Clemson (May 30) and Oregon (June 6). He also unofficially visited Ohio State and Miami last year. 

Where Atkinson has spent the most time, though, is SEC powerhouse Georgia. 

Head coach Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs have hosted the elite in-state recruit multiple times dating back to his middle school days, and are slated to receive an official visit from Atkinson this weekend, Atkinson announced Wednesday via On3’s Hayes Fawcett. 

“It feels like I grew up at UGA because of all the camps and visits I’ve been to over the years since I was younger,” he said. 

NEWS: Five-Star LB Tyler Atkinson will take an Official Visit to Georgia this weekend, he tells me for @on3recruits“It feels like I grew up at UGA because of all the camps and visits I’ve been to over the years since I was younger.”https://t.co/TXMdmX9QhYpic.twitter.com/51LB421dXf

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 11, 2025

Georgia is believed to be the favorite to land Atkinson, according to recruiting experts from On3, 247Sports and Rivals. That wouldn’t be a surprise considering the long-running relationship, proximity to home and UGA’s knack for producing NFL player at Atkinson’s position. 

Smart and co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Glenn Schumann have recruited and coached three Butkus Award winners, along with multiple first-round draft picks, since 2017. 

However, Clemson and Oregon should be considered as heavyweight contenders as Atkinson considers the best option for his future.

Related: Kirby Smart, Georgia Add Another Recruiting Win as Surge Continues

Related: College Football Fans Emotional After College GameDay’s Announcement On Week 1 Location

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.

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