Tyler Atkinson explains his commitment, a pledge that puts the Longhorns in the top 10
Enduring multiple minutes of The Pat McAfee Show was worth it for Texas fans today, as Longhorn Nation was blessed with the commitment of No. 1 linebacker Tyler Atkinson.
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Atkinson’s commitment announcement hadn’t been set in stone for most of the summer, but the family had hinted at a date being set in the near future. Instead of drawing out the decision, Atkinson announced just yesterday that he would be appearing on The McAfee Show to pick his school of the future.
The five-star appeared about 25 minutes into the show behind a table with four hats placed on top: Clemson, Oregon, Texas, and Georgia. Atkinson wasn’t one for theatrics and fake hat grabs; the Georgia product went straight for the burnt orange.
“What really chose me to go to Texas is the coaches, the relationship piece. The atmosphere,” Atkinson said. “I feel like it encompasses everything I want at Texas. The way they’re going to have me playing is the best fit.”
Atkinson joins QB Dia Bell and EDGE Richard Wesley as the top-ranked players in Texas’ class, as well as entering a room with already committed LB Kosi Okpala. While head coach Steve Sarkisian was the backbone of this recruitment, this linebacker class, shaped by LB coach Johnny Nansen, is starting to take shape.
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“It’s amazing, it’s a blessing as a dad to see your kids chase their dreams,” his father Victor said. “I think the journey has just been tremendous because he’s learned so much. His approach going on the visits was just to learn from the coaches and see him become a better player. It’s a blessing, I’m excited for him, and I’m proud of him.”
Victor ended his answer with a strong Hook ‘Em.
Atkinson’s commitment raised Texas in the Rivals 2026 Industry Team Rankings from 14th to ninth, jumping SEC opponent Florida and settling solidly behind LSU and Ohio State. Texas is now one of three teams with three five-star recruits, joining Alabama with four and Oregon with three. Texas is the only one with both a top-five player (Bell) and two top-ten players (Bell and Atkinson).
The Longhorns will now turn their attention from Georgia to Florida, with No. 2 RB Derrek Cooper announcing his decision on July 20. From there, Texas is still keyed in on the race for top-50 CB Davon Benjamin and EDGE Jake Kreul, who is expected to commit at some point during the 2025 season.
