Nation’s No. 1 LB Makes Major Commitment Announcement

Nation’s No. 1 LB Makes Major Commitment Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns just made their defense a lot better. Tyler Atkinson, the 247Sports’ No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class, landed on heading to Austin in a live commitment on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday afternoon.

“All four schools, it’s just been a blessing for them to be pouring into me,” Atkinson said. “I wish I could play for all four schools. … For the next three to four years, I’ll be attending the University of Texas.”

Atkinson’s other finalists were Clemson, Georgia and Oregon. He's stood out on the gridiron his entire prep career and has undeniable stats.

“Highly-productive inside linebacker that can emerge as the soul of a defense with his instincts and athleticism,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in a scouting report. “Must keep improving play strength and get better at attacking college-sized linemen, but should be viewed as a playmaking second-level defender that can rack up stops all over the field.”

Ivins likens Atkinson to Baltimore Ravens tackling machine Roquan Smith, who’s registered over 100 stops in each of his seven NFL seasons and was named a first-team Associated Press All-Pro each of the past two go-rounds.

Atkinson was named the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year last season after posting 166 takedowns, 32 tackles for loss, 46 quarterback hits, 13 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. He was a MaxPreps All-American as both a freshman and sophomore.

“I’m a chess piece linebacker. I do everything, when it comes to being on the edge, dropping into coverage,” Atkinson said. “I have great hands. I used to do boxing. … It just takes the linebacker to the next level.”

Atkinson had spent time training in Austin over the past two summers, including workouts with Derrick Johnson and Anthony Hill Jr.

"It's been great," Atkinson said of working with Johnson. "DJ, he's very intentional on his training, teaching the small details on things and it's just great to talk to him and train with him."

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.