2026 class five-star LB Tyler Atkinson to reportedly take Alabama visit for blockbuster matchup against Georgia

Five-star prospect Tyler Atkinson belongs to the 2026 recruiting class, but the linebacker has already received over 50 college offers. He was in the Plains to witness Auburn take on New Mexico on Saturday, which the Tigers won 45-19.

Atkinson is also scheduled to visit Alabama for its game against Georgia on Sept. 28, per On3's Steve Wiltfong. This visit will be special, as it will be the 6-foot-2, 205-pound LB's first trip to Tuscaloosa since Kalen DeBoer took over as coach.

Throughout the four games in the 2024 season for Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, Atkinson recorded 44 tackles, including eight tackles for losses, four sacks, 22 quarterback hurries, one interception and one pass deflection.

According to On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama has a 10.6% chance of securing Atkinson's commitment to the 2026 class. The Crimson Tide has cornerback Dorian Barney, from Carrollton High School in Georgia, committed to the cycle.

Georgia remains the top contender to earn Tyler Atkinson's commitment

Even before stepping foot in high school, Tyler Atkinson was already on the radar of many programs, with the Georgia Bulldogs being a prominent contender.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Georgia holds a 31.2% chance of securing Atkinson's commitment. This strong chance is boosted by the relationship he has with the program's linebackers coach and defensive coordinator, Glenn Schumann.

Atkinson’s interest in Georgia was piqued when he attended its season opener against Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 31. The Bulldogs dominated the game, winning 34-3, and the prospect was impressed with the defensive performance.

“Honestly, my favorite moment was just getting to watch the defense,” Atkinson told Dawg Nation. “I paid close attention to the LBs and liked what I saw.”

Atkinson liked that Georgia's several freshmen and redshirt freshmen got the chance to make their debut in this early stage.

“It was good seeing the freshmen play,” Atkinson said. "I see that if you come in and lock in, work hard, and learn, you will get a shot. Now, what you do at that point is on you.”

The Bulldogs' 2026 recruiting class currently ranks No. 6 nationally and No. 3 in the Southeastern Conference with three commitments. However, the program has yet to secure a linebacker for this class, making Tyler Atkinson's potential commitment highly potential.