Despite opening-season loss to Ohio State, Texas five-star linebacker commit thinks trophies are coming for the Longhorns
Grayson (Ga.) linebacker Tyler Atkinson chose Texas over the likes of Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon earlier this summer. Now, he is keen on leading his Rams to a state championship. But, he’s also keen on bringing trophies to Austin, Tex., once he arrives to play for Steve Sarkisian.Atkinson spoke with Rivals’ Chad Simmons this week […]
Grayson (Ga.) linebacker Tyler Atkinson chose Texas over the likes of Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon earlier this summer. Now, he is keen on leading his Rams to a state championship. But, he’s also keen on bringing trophies to Austin, Tex., once he arrives to play for Steve Sarkisian.
Atkinson spoke with Rivals’ Chad Simmons this week about his commitment and how excited he is to get in the burnt orange and play at DKR.
“It feels great,” Atkinson told Rivals. “I’m glad to find a home. It’s a great team, a great place. Texas is the No. 1 team in college football, and it feels good to be on a great foundation.”
It’s no surprise other programs are still talking to Tyler Atkinson. And he’s still listening. But not for what you think.
“I’m a relationships guy. I still talk to coaches at other schools to keep those relationships because you never know where they’ll be or what could happen. But once I lock in, I’m locked in.”
Atkinson is more than happy with his commitment. And it’s mainly because of how he sees himself fitting in Pete Kwiatkowski’s system.
“I will be both an off-ball and on-ball linebacker in Texas’ system. I will be able to show versatility and serve as a chess piece that can be moved around to maximize my impact. The defensive scheme is a great fit for me.
“I like that, the defensive line, and the way Texas is contending make it the right fit for me. Texas is going to be in the mix for national titles every year. I want to go play with the best, and right now, Texas is the best.”
Tyler Atkinson and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian are close.
The two have been building a bond for over a year now and it all culminated when he picked up the Texas hat this summer. Now, he is ready to get to work and help bring another national championship to the Longhorns program.
“Sark is building a national championship team,” Atkinson said. “He believes in the guys he recruits, and he believes in his players. He’s on the verge of winning it all. He’s a coach I can talk to about anything, and he listens. Just having that type of relationship makes me feel free and open. He’s a great guy who wants to win, and he’s making Texas the best program.”
The five-star prospect plans to be back on the Forty Acres this weekend when Texas looks to bounce back versus San Jose State. The 6-foot-2, 205 pounder is ranked as the 9th overall recruit in the 2026 class and No. 1 at linebacker and the state of Georgia.
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