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Kirby Smart and Georgia Bulldogs inching closer to securing top linebacker recruit

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated May 15, 2025 8:56 AM ET

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs may have missed out on top prospect Jackson Cantwell, but there’s still plenty of elite talent from the 2026 class they could secure, including five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson.

In fact, according to On3's Chad Simmons Georgia is the favorite to land Atkins over the Auburn Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon, and several other schools.

“Auburn, Ohio State, Oregon and others, but I will still say Georgia for now," Simmons wrote. "This race is tight, and there are still some big discussions to be had on both sides of this recruitment, but it starts with the home-state school.

"Ohio State has really come on strong and closed the gap in a big way over the last few months.”

Atkinson is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-2 and 210-pound linebacker out of Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, has consistently demonstrated exceptional athleticism and leadership both on and off the field.

In his junior season, Atkinson led Grayson to a 14-1 record and a GHSA Class 6A state championship. He amassed 166 total tackles, including 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, one forced fumble, and an interception. His performance has drawn comparisons to NFL standout Roquan Smith, highlighting his potential to anchor a defense at the collegiate level

Atkinson's outstanding play has earned him top rankings across major recruiting platforms. He is rated as the No. 1 linebacker and a top-10 overall prospect nationally in the 2026 recruiting class.