"Ohio State did play a good game": Five-star LB target Tyler Atkinson raves about Buckeyes' one regular season win

Five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson's recruitment journey is closely watched by several big programs, as he is the top linebacker in the 2026 class. The standout junior from Grayson High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia, joined Josh Newberg on "The Inside Scoop" to discuss his recruitment update on Monday.

When asked about his impressions of the schools pursuing him, Atkinson said:

“I’ll say all the schools I’ve been out to on a visit and games and whatever I was there for, they all stood out. I ain’t making my decision yet, so all of them stood out to me, and I’m enjoying this process while I’m along to it.”

Among the numerous visits and games he has attended, one experience stood out.

"I cannot think of a game right now but I've been in so much games," Atkinson said. "So I just know I'll tell my head it's hard for me just to say but Ohio State did play a good game against Indiana though."

Ohio State beat Indiana 38-15 in the game on Nov. 23. The Buckeyes hold a unique place in Tyler Atkinson’s recruitment, as they were the first program to extend an offer to him when he was still in eighth grade. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton have maintained a strong connection with him.

However, Ohio State faces stiff competition from Georgia, Atkinson’s home-state powerhouse. According to the On3, the Bulldogs hold a 32.9% chance of landing the linebacker's commitment. Meanwhile, Ohio State lags behind with a 7.6% chance. The Buckeyes already have a five-star commit in the 2026 class, in Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 receiver in the cycle.

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Tyler Atkinson holds a mighty player profile

On Dec. 18, Tyler Atkinson led Grayson to a Georgia State Championship victory by beating five-star quarterback and Colorado signee Julian Lewis' Carrollton High School 38-24. His performance in the game earned him the prestigious Junior Little Peach Award, presented by the Touchdown Club.

Atkinson recorded eight tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks in the title game, capping off his junior season with 166 tackles (32 for losses) and 13 sacks. 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins likened him to Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith.

It’s no surprise that Tyler Atkinson is ranked the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class, the top recruit in Georgia and the No. 9 prospect nationally, according to the On3.