The 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker from Grayson High in Loganville, Georgia, Tyler Atkinson, is the No. 1 linebacker and No. 8‑9 overall prospect in the class of 2026 nationally. He has the size, instincts, and production you’d want out of a future college star, and so, it’s not surprising that programs like Clemson, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas are the top four on his list. He has already made official visits in June, which culminated in Texas. And the four programs he has an eye on are a combination of historical cachet, coaching connections, NIL potential, and convenience.

And as per reports, the player is set to reveal his commitment on July 15. However, many experts believe that it will be either Texas or UGA, with the former holding an upper hand. If that happens, Georgia fans will miss out on a local talent, but Steve Wiltfong, an insider, believes that Atkinson highly favors Georgia. After all, he is a native Georgian. Even following visits to Eugene and Austin, there remains the feeling that Georgia is still his best bet.

So, Wiltfong, in his latest article for On3, wrote, “Tyler Atkinson has said he hopes to commit sometime in July. Georgia is obviously one of the favorites and have been since the four-star linebacker was in junior high. Texas has come on strong this summer. Visits to Oregon have put the Ducks in the mix. Clemson rounds out Atkinson’s final four. Sources think Atkinson likely goes to Georgia in the end, but this recruitment could still go a few different ways.”

That’s certainly not good news for Oregon’s Dan Lanning. Atkinson went to Eugene in early June and got courted like a big-time priority. Dan Lanning and his defensive coaches took serious time off, shared meals together, walked around campus, demonstrated how the program is defensively built, and made it clear he’d be a focal point in Lanning’s scheme. Atkinson gushed about Lanning, defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, and linebacker coach “B‑Mike,” Brian Michalowski, noting that they all share a passion for development and winning championships.

“What makes Oregon a great place is the staff,” Atkinson told On3’s Steve Wiltfong last month. “They’re a defensive staff. You have Coach Lanning, a defensive head coach. You have Coach Tosh (Lupoi). He’s been a defensive coordinator in the league and in college. Coach B-Mike (inside linebackers coach Brian Michalowski) has been a linebacker coach for quite some time. The staff they got makes Oregon a great place, and they just want to win.”

Behind the scenes, Lanning’s staff has definitely given Atkinson top priority in the 2026 class. Oregon has always had an interest in the class of 2026 linebackers, and Atkinson arrived on campus knowing he was near the top of their board. From the recruiting standpoint, this visit was important for the Ducks; they needed to impress with depth and culture, and they brought out the big guns to recruit him. Dan Lanning was careful to make sure he and his staff were purposeful with time, and Atkinson reported feeling appreciated every step along the way.

All that aside, sources indicate the home-state allure of Georgia remains the gravitational pull in his process. Remaining in Georgia, near family and friends, and playing for an SEC that churns out NFL linebackers, that’s strong. NIL opportunities, crowd support, and comfort zone are more important than ever, and analysts recognize that working in UGA’s best interests. So what’s next?

Dan Lanning’s Oregon makes big moves as recruiting trail heats up

Oregon supporters have a great deal to be happy about these days. Dan Lanning and his staff are flying under the radar, compiling one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. They’ve already secured top-end talent such as five-star tight end Kendre Harrison and Jett Washington, a five-star safety with a well-known family member (Kobe Bryant’s nephew).

But while the Ducks are piling up stars, all the real excitement is about two giant targets left on the board: four-star defensive lineman Deuce Geralds and four-star safety Davon Benjamin. These are the types of players who can change the direction of a defense. Geralds is a stats behemoth, with more than 261 tackles, 90 QB pressures, and almost 40 sacks so far in his high school career. He’s got Oregon in his top five, along with Michigan, LSU, Ohio State, and Ole Miss, where his father played.

That family connection to the SEC might draw him east, but Oregon’s determination is legitimate. Following his trip to Eugene in early June, Gerald was obviously feeling it. He’s been rocking Ducks gear and has been said to love what Lanning and his staff are constructing. Oregon recently lost a D-line commit, which only heightens the urgency and potential for Gerald’s commitment. Whether that will be enough to overtake SEC bloodlines is the question of the day, and of course, Atkinson’s commitment.