It was down to four schools: Clemson, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas. Five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson had reached his decision day and was on the Pat McAfee Show, with his entire family in town.
Four hats sat on the table in front of him. Atkinson took his time to thank everyone involved in his recruitment process, especially his family and the coaches who were a part of the journey.
"All four schools, it's just been a blessing," Atkinson said. "I love all four coaches... really just being there for me when I need them... It's been a hard process and hard decision making, I wish I could pick all four schools."
Then, just like that, Atkinson was wearing burnt orange, and he was officially a Longhorn. To put it simply, Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns just gained an absolute beast.
BREAKING: Five-Star LB Tyler Atkinson has Committed to Texas!
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 15, 2025
The 6’2 215 LB from Lawrenceville, GA chose the Longhorns over Georgia, Oregon, & Clemson
He’s ranked as the No. 1 LB in the ’26 Class (per Rivals)🤘https://t.co/pnxd0NmN0T pic.twitter.com/M9RCJrz8YU
"For the next four years, I'll be attending the University of Texas," Atkinson said.
How will Tyler Atkinson fit into the Texas roster?
Obviously, Atkinson will be a true freshman when he joins the Longhorns in 2026. However, it shouldn't be surprising if the young linebacker earns a starting role during his first season on campus.
Throughout three years of varsity football (so far), Atkinson has already amassed 475 total tackles (250 solo) and looked like an unstoppable force as he faced some of the best teams in the entire state of Georgia.
Atkinson has the build and skillset to replace a pair of linebackers who have had massive impacts on the Horns' defensive unit. Anthony Hill Jr. (junior) and Colin Simmons (sophomore) are set to lead Texas on yet another incredible season as the starting linebackers for the Longhorns.
With both players possibly heading to the next level following the 2025-26 season, Sarkisian has been on the hunt for a rising star to eventually fill their shoes. Atkinson is exactly that.
At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Atkinson is already massive, with another season of high school football yet to come. He will undoubtedly continue to pack on muscle, and once he steps onto the Forty Acres, he will be beyond ready to step onto the field at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.