Why Tyler Atkinson Is Already Becoming a Household Name

2026 five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson (Loganville, Ga.) is a top target of the Tennessee Volunteers. I went to the tape to find out why.

Tennessee has been recruiting the state of Georgia since the beginning of its existence, and they won't stop. Their 2025 class has four commits, all from the Peach State. They already have their eyes on a few Georgia playmakers in the 2026 class, led by five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson.

Atkinson is the No. 12 player in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He's already being recruited by programs like Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and Tennessee, and the Knoxville native is high on the Vols. Atkinson stopped by for the Georgia game, his second consecutive year making it to Neyland Stadium for a game visit. Tennessee is in his top 10 schools list and has made an early impression on him.

However, they're going to have a lot of competition for him. Other major programs are in pursuit, and they will be until he signs a letter of intent. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner is spearheading his recruitment, and I went to the tape to see why he's already being courted by one of the best defensive line coaches in college football.

Prospect: Tyler Atkinson

Projected Position: 5-tech, Standup OLB

Vitals: 6-3 and 205 pounds

School: Grayson High School

Frame: Long frame that he has continued to grow into in high school. He's still a bit of a "tweener," but physical development thus far projects an elite frame. He is already up to 205 pounds as a sophomore and could get to around 230 pounds before he graduates. 

Athleticism: He has a very explosive lower half that allows him to take angles others can't. Lined up as a 7-technique a few times on tape and "ran the hoop" around offensive tackles effectively. Can play in space and match athletic tight ends in man coverage. His strides take up a bunch of space, and he violently gets to top speed.

Instincts: Plays 100 miles per hour at all times. He actually has good patience when lining up at inside linebacker and lets things develop, but when Atkinson sees an opportunity to make a play, he takes it. Hasn't gotten in many "instinctual" pass rush situations in high school because he's a better athlete than everyone on the field. Did make some strong plays on the edge against Daniel Calhoun in the Corky Kell, which is impressive as Daniel is 6-6.5 and 365 pounds.

Polish: I'll be interested to see if Atkinson continues to be the most athletic player on the field once he gets to college - my guess is yes. He will have to adjust to rushing the passer in an SEC setting with massive offensive tackles every week, but so does every high school edge rusher. He will come into college having four years of reps in man coverage, playing in the middle of the field, and getting after the quarterback.

Bottom Line: A top-10 evaluation in his class. There's a reason he's the most impactful defender at one of the most prestigious high school programs in the southeast. Atkinson changes the game with his blend of size, athleticism, and strength, all of which project as major traits for him at the next level.

2026 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson with Tennessee HC Josh Heupel during a camp with the Vols. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Atkinson)

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