ESPN names Georgia Bulldogs 'clear leader' to land five-star stud amid heated recruiting race

The Georgia Bulldogs are locked in a fierce recruiting battle for the nation’s top linebacker, and according to ESPN, they’re leading the charge.

In a recent college football recruiting update, ESPN’s Eli Lederman reported that Georgia currently holds the edge in the race for Tyler Atkinson, though Texas remains close behind and firmly in the hunt: 

"Clemson got Tyler Atkinson's first official visit this spring, followed by Oregon and then in-state Georgia this past weekend. The question entering this week: Would the nation's top outside linebacker take another official in June?

"Despite significant efforts from the likes of Auburn and Ohio State, sources tell ESPN that Texas will be hosting Atkinson this week, the latest program to get a shot with ESPN's No. 13 overall prospect. Georgia and a coaching staff that has hosted Atkinson on campus more than a dozen times over the past few years remains the clear leader for Atkinson, but Texas is gaining steam in the 2026 defensive class and could soon rival the Bulldogs in his process."

Atkinson recently made his 15th trip to Athens, and once again, he had no shortage of praise for the program.

“The visit overall was really good!” Atkinson told Dawg Post. “It was definitely an official visit I will never forget. My family really enjoyed their time on this visit as well. UGA made sure everything went smooth for them, too. UGA is still one of my top schools. I feel like the relationship at UGA is real just like the relationships I have developed at my other tops schools as well.”

A five-star linebacker from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, Atkinson one ranks No. 8 overall in the 2026 class and holds the top spot among all linebackers.

He wrapped up his junior season last fall, racking up 166 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 46 quarterback hurries, earning MaxPreps National Junior of the Year honors.