Georgia has been after five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson from Lawrenceville (Ga.) Grayson since he was in ninth grade.
The Bulldogs have already brought the top in-state talent to Athens several times, and Atkinson will be back on campus this weekend for UGA’s major junior day. Prior to that, head coach Kirby Smart visited Grayson High to spend some extra time with the five-star prospect.
While the driving would not have lasted long, Smart chose helicopter to get to Grayson:
Appreciate you flying in to spend some time with me @KirbySmartUGA #GoDawgs #AtkNup@GeorgiaFootball @GeorgiaFootball @CoachSchuUGA @jeffsentell @ChadSimmons_ @samspiegs @TomLoy247 @RustyMansell_ @JedMay_ @MattDeBary @Mhoward38 @DawgNation @Dawgs247 @CoachDiribe96 pic.twitter.com/hPVqL7lYlP
— Tyler Atkinson (@Tyler16Atkinson) January 17, 2025
While the opportunity to make an impact at the in-state institution appeals to Atkinson, it is his relationships with the coaching staff that have kept UGA at the top of his recruitment list to yet.
“I’ve been to Georgia a lot,” Atkinson told On3 during a recent interview. “I get along well with most of the guys on the team. I’m quite pleased with the linebacker room. Coach Glenn Schumann I’ve been around him for a long time, which has allowed us to develop our friendship and for him to pour into me. He’s mentored three Butkus Award winners.
He has worked with some of the greatest linebackers in the country, and our relationship is strong. Coach Smart is an excellent coach. I’ve been around Coach Kirby, and he admires what I can do on the field. I have a wonderful relationship with him. They treat me well up there, and they constantly giving me reasons to return. “It is all love for Georgia.”
Approximately 40 Power Four programs have offered Atkinson. Auburn and Alabama are not far away and have brought him in for numerous visits thus far. The linebacker isn’t ready to narrow down his list of favored institutions just yet, though. Ohio State, Texas, Miami, USC, and Oregon are among the other major programs vying for the 6-foot-2, 205-pound prospect.
“I’m an open book right now,” Atkinson admitted before of the Navy All-American Bowl. “I haven’t had much success coming up with a top five or top ten. I’m still interested in the schools that are approaching me the most. I’m really taking it in and trying to figure out who I want to pay official visits to.”
However, Georgia will prove to be a formidable opponent in the end. The Dawgs have four commits in their 2026 class so far. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average of all four major recruiting media organizations, Atkinson is the No. 9 recruit, No. 1 LB, and No. 1 player in Georgia this cycle.
Atkinson shined at the Navy All-American Bowl this month.
To no surprise, Atkinson was among the top 2026 prospects present at the Navy All-American Bowl earlier this month in San Antonio. Cody Bellaire, an On3 National Scout, was impressed by his efforts this week.
“Linebacker is one of the more difficult position groupings to display at all-star practice. Having said that, Tyler Atkinson was all over the field during the Navy All-American Bowl. The highly regarded linebacker is believed to have an excellent motor. “The athleticism and effort level were on full display during practice and Saturday’s game,” Bellaire stated.
“Atkinson demonstrated the ability to sprint sideline to sideline and track down ball carriers. His ability to diagnose and trigger was quite astounding. Throughout the game, Atkinson was all over the field and frequently found himself near the football. He displayed excellent range, making plays both wide and behind the line of scrimmage. The rising senior produced a particularly excellent performance in a position known for going under the radar at these games.”