ATHENS, GA (June 18, 2025) — Five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson, the consensus top linebacker and a top‑10 national prospect in the 2026 class, reaffirmed his strong interest in the Georgia Bulldogs following a recent official visit to Athens. The Grayson High (Lawrenceville, GA) standout remains high on UGA’s wish list as the Bulldogs look to bolster their defense with elite in‑state talent .
A Lasting Impression in Athens
Atkinson, who has deep ties to Georgia and its coaching staff, highlighted the impact of his official visit. “UGA is still one of my top schools,” he told Dawg Post, affirming his continued enthusiasm. Since eighth grade, he’s built a close bond with inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann, a relationship rooted in trust—even Schumann has mentored three Butkus Award winners . Atkinson praised the support and connection he shares with both Schumann and head coach Kirby Smart.
The Bulldogs’ Full-Court Press
Georgia, intent on closing the deal, pulled out all the stops: Coach Smart personally visited Atkinson’s school via helicopter earlier this year, and the coaching staff has hosted him consistently at camps and games, reinforcing that he’s viewed as a true priority . Over the past year, Atkinson has been to Athens around 20 times, including visits to games against Clemson, Alabama and Texas
Performance Speaks Volumes
Atkinson’s prodigious production has helped Grayson win a 6A state title, earning MaxPreps National Junior of the Year honors. Last season, he checked in with 166 tackles, 32 TFLs, 13 sacks, and 46 QB hurries—an elite stat line that confirms why over 40 Power Four programs are vying for him.
At the Navy All‑American Bowl, scouts raved about his sideline-to-sideline speed and relentless motor—qualities that Georgia’s linebacker tradition, built by Schumann and Smart, is known to amplify
National Competition
Despite Georgia’s lead, Atkinson remains undecided:
- Clemson will host him for an official visit May 30–June 1—and have positioned themselves as serious contenders
- Other schools in the mix include Oregon, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, and USC
Atkinson has yet to narrow his focus to a top‑five, preferring to keep options open while soaking in each school’s pitch
What’s Next?
- Home weekend in Athens: Expect another big push from Georgia as they host Atkinson on his official visit. Coaches plan to highlight UGA’s linebacker pipeline and national championship-caliber culture.
- Remaining visits: He still has unofficial or official trips scheduled to Clemson, Oregon, Alabama, and Ohio State.
- Decision timeframe: Atkinson has not committed to a decision window but is expected to release a top‑five or top‑six shortlist soon
Landing Atkinson would be a coup for UGA—not only as a premier national talent but as a homegrown star from a program that’s historically been hard to snag from Grayson High
Bottom Line
Tyler Atkinson is a Georgia lifer in the truest sense: forged through years of camps, dozens of visits, and deep relationships with Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann. But the competition is fierce, and he’s taking a methodical approach. As summer visits wind down, expect the Dawgs to go all-in—bringing state pride and elite linebacker development to the forefront.
