Texas makes the final 4 for coveted 5-star linebacker in heated national battle

Grayson HS (GA) 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson just officially included Texas in his final four.
Tyler Atkinson visits OSU the day of the Ohio State Buckeyes' 38-15 win over the Indiana Hoosiers in an NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
Tyler Atkinson visits OSU the day of the Ohio State Buckeyes' 38-15 win over the Indiana Hoosiers in an NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. | Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Grayson HS (Loganville, GA) 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson is one of Texas' most sought-after recruits in the 2026 class, and he just announced that Texas is included in his final four schools in consideration - alongside Clemson, Oregon, and Georgia.

The 6'2", 210-pound linebacker is currently ranked as the No.2 LB prospect in the country right now, and the No.3 ranked player in the state of Georgia. The 2024 Navy All-American Bowl participcant and MaxPreps Junior of the Year Award winner racked up 166 tackles, 32 TFL, 46 QB hits, 13 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble last season. He also helped Grayson win the Georgia AAAAAA Championship.

The Longhorns are making an extremely strong push for Atkinson's signature this cycle, with Anthony Hill most likely declaring for the NFL Draft following the 2025 season in Austin. Though the team undoubtedly has other blue-chip players waiting in the wings, Atkinson is one of the better, all-around linebacker prospects to come out of high school in the past couple years.

Texas LB coach Johnny Nansen has been Atkinson's main point of contact throughout his recruiting cycle. It goes without saying that the entire coaching staff will be nervously awaiting his commitment decision, which most believe will be at some point in July.