As we bid goodbye to the 2024 season, the whole focus has shifted towards recruitment. Not just the 2025 class, the programs are even gearing up for the 2026 class. One such recruit from Grayson High School has been a priority of multiple SEC as well as B1G programs. 5-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson has been swimming close to the Bulldogs’ shores, but then the Buckeyes won the natty! Did they change things? What’s the status quo?

Atkinson has visited Athens multiple times over the last few months. What does it prove? Well, the Bulldogs’ have a real shot at landing their star. On their show, ON3 Recruits, Josh Newberg addressed a few of Georgia’s recruitment targets, and of course, Tyler came up for discussion.

“He paid Georgia a reciprocal visit. I say reciprocal because Kirby flew the Kirby copter. I believe it was Wednesday or Thursday. He landed there on the football field to go visit Tyler Atkinson. This time, I assume he and his dad just got in the car and drove to Athens, but they were there.” What’s the latest?

Newberg further stated, “Well, after he won a state championship at Grayson this fall, he went up to Georgia and spent some time watching the Bulldogs prepare for Notre Dame and the college football playoff. And now he was back quickly for junior day. He’s making all the big events at Georgia. He’s a priority.”

As they say, if you are good enough, you will be noticed anyway. The same goes for Atkinson. In fact, analysts also said, “I think we’re seeing, uh, in this new era of college football, Kirby Smart getting a handle on just how much value some of these high school prospects have. Tyler Atkinson has as much value as any prospect in the country.”

It also helps Kirby Smart that Tyler is full-PDA when It comes to the Bulldogs. Earlier this month, before he was to visit Athens, Tyler told ON3, “It’s all love for Georgia.” ON3 gives the Bulldogs a 32.3% chance of landing the five-star linebacker. Who else is in the fray?

Atkinson’s relation with Ohio State

A total of 309 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries were produced by the 6’2, 205-pound Georgia native in 2022 and 2023. Everyone is interested in Tyler Atkinson, which is understandable. It’s rare that you get to fill your defense with a star like Tyler. Naturally, the head coaches want him on their teams. Two of the main ones- Kirby Smart and Ryan Day. They would love to have him. It also helps the Buckeyes that Tyler publicly discussed the Buckeyes’ natty win over the Fighting Irish.

Atkinson provided 247Sports with postgame commentary on Ohio State’s convincing national title win over Notre Dame on Monday night. Recently, National Recruiting Reporter Anna Adams also posted on X with the caption, “Elite junior LB Tyler Atkinson of Loganville (Ga.) Grayson impressed by #OhioState national championship win.”

Only time will tell what the future unfolds for Tyler Atkinson.