The Clemson Tigers may be on the verge of landing their biggest recruit in years.
Five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson, the No. 1 player at his position and a top-10 overall prospect in the class of 2026, is set to take an official visit to Clemson at the end of the month. And ahead of the highly anticipated trip, Atkinson sent the recruiting world into a frenzy with a cryptic message on social media.
“Getting closer,” Atkinson posted, followed by a home emoji.
Getting closer#AtkNup #NOW https://t.co/NhbCLe9Bc0
— Tyler Atkinson (@Tyler16Atkinson) May 27, 2025
While short, the post carries major implications—and the Tigers appear to be firmly in the mix.
For head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff, just getting a visit from Atkinson represents a recruiting victory in itself. The Georgia native holds offers from nearly every national powerhouse, including Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama. That Clemson has entered serious contention speaks volumes about the momentum building in Death Valley.
The Tigers’ 2025 class already ranks in the top five nationally according to 247Sports, behind only USC, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Penn State. After a flurry of four-star additions in recent months, Swinney is eyeing his biggest splash yet in Atkinson.
The timing couldn’t be better. Clemson is hosting a major recruiting weekend, and Atkinson is the undisputed headliner. His visit—and potential decision—could shape the future of the Tigers’ defense for years to come.
Whether or not he ends up choosing Clemson remains to be seen, but there’s no question that the Tigers are now in serious contention. And if the linebacker’s post is any indication, a commitment might not be far off.
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