Five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson commits to Texas

Grayson (Ga.) star has recorded 363 tackles over the past two seasons with a state championship, makes the call for the Longhorns on the Pat McAfee Show.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Thomas Frey
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Jul 15, 2025, 9:00am
One of the top high school linebackers in the country announced his college decision Tuesday on the Pat McAfee Show as Tyler Atkinson of Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) committed to Texas.

Rated the No. 1 linebacker in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports, Atkinson selected Texas over Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.

Atkinson's commitment comes about a month before preseason No. 4 Grayson begins its 2025 season in a quest to defend the AAAAAA state championship.
Tyler Atkinson celebrates after an emotional overtime victory over Alabama powerhouse Thompson last August. (PHOTO: Travis Kirkland)
Tyler Atkinson celebrates after an emotional overtime victory over Alabama powerhouse Thompson last August. (PHOTO: Travis Kirkland)
In a state championship victory over Julian Lewis and Carrollton last December, Atkinson recorded 13 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. The previous week in the semifinals, he piled up 26 tackles in a 35-28 win over Douglas County.

On the season, Atkinson tallied 166 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 46 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and an interception before being named 2024 MaxPreps National Junior of the Year. Grayson finished ranked No. 7 nationally.

In 2023 he was a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American after breaking a state record with 197 tackles while leading Grayson to the state semifinals. He also earned Freshman All-American honors in 2022.

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