Top-Ranked Linebacker Gets Honest Before Oregon Official Visit originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Tyler Atkinson, the No. 1 linebacker in the country per On3, is getting closer to a college decision, and Oregon is firmly in the mix.
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The five-star prospect from Grayson High School in Georgia is scheduled to visit Eugene this summer and made it clear that feelings, not flash, will guide his commitment.
“On this visit, I am really looking for that feeling,” Atkinson told On3. “On each visit, I am looking for that home feeling.”
Atkinson recently took his first official visit to Clemson and praised the Tigers for their strong presentation and long-standing relationship with him. But Oregon has surged lately, thanks to an all-in effort from head coach Dan Lanning and defensive assistants Tosh Lupoi, Brian Michalowski, and Zac Diles.
“Oregon believes in me and AtkNup,” Atkinson said, referencing his personal brand. “I believe in Oregon too. I feel the defensive staff is great, and it is led by a great defensive head coach who can have a major impact on my development and growth as a player and a defensive quarterback.”
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
Atkinson, the No. 8 overall player in the 2026 class according to On3’s Industry Ranking, expects to make his decision later this summer.
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He’ll be tracking Oregon’s progress closely as the Ducks approach their season-opener against Montana State on Saturday, August 30. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. PST.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
