"Auburn sits very high": 2026 class five-star LB Tyler Atkinson impressed with Hugh Freeze's SEC powerhouse

Auburn has positioned itself favorably with one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class, Tyler Atkinson. The five-star linebacker from Grayson High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia, has been a hot commodity ever since receiving his first collegiate offer as an eighth grader.

Atkinson was back in Auburn for the Tigers’ Big Cat recruiting event over the weekend, which was his second known trip this year and fourth overall visit to the program.

During his visit, the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder had the opportunity to strengthen his relationship with Auburn’s director of recruiting research and strategy, Kenyatta Watson. He also spent time with coach Hugh Freeze and new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin.

“It was really more like how much they wanted me to be here and that I fit here,” Tyler Atkinson told On3. “They were telling me some good stuff. It just felt good. Coaches are high energy here. It felt like they really wanted me here.”

The prospect expressed his appreciation for the Auburn program and its ability to attract top talent:

“They showed that they’re getting players in here. That’s a good thing that you’re near that and see that players are coming here because they really love the school.”

Atkinson is already planning future visits, including one for the Auburn-Oklahoma game. He aims to commit before his senior season, with the Tigers sitting prominently on his priority list.

“Auburn sits very high," Atkinson said. "They sit super high. They’re a very good school, very good coaching staff.”

Tyler Atkinson is ranked as the No. 2 linebacker, the No. 2 prospect in Georgia and the No. 16 overall player in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. On3 ranks him as the No. 1 linebacker, the No. 2 prospect in the state and the No. 21 overall player in the class.

Georgia leads the race for Tyler Atkinson's commitment

Tyler Atkinson released his top 10 college choices last year, narrowing down his options to Florida State, Georgia, Clemson, North Carolina, LSU, Alabama, Texas, Auburn, Ohio State and Tennessee. Despite this extensive list, he indicated last month that Georgia, Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State are currently leading the charge in his recruitment.

According to On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Georgia holds the upper hand with a 32.9% chance of securing Atkinson’s commitment. This edge is attributed to the strong relationship Atkinson has developed with Bulldogs defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann.

“I really like coach Schu’s energy,” Atkinson told On3. “I like how he teaches and coaches his guys. He is really passionate about how good they do.”

In 2022, Tyler Atkinson was honored as a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, accumulating 112 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and four pass breakups. He believes that his skillset would thrive and continue to develop under Georgia’s program.

“I feel my skillset would fit in. I feel my skillset would get better there too,” Atkinson said.

Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class already features quarterback Jared Curtis and cornerback Jontavius Wyman. Auburn, with a 13.0% chance, Alabama at 11.1% and Florida State at 9.3% are also in contention for Atkinson’s commitment.