Class of 2026 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson ‘super high’ on Auburn after Big Cat

Five-star Tyler Atkinson, who is ranked the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class, visited Auburn on Saturday for the Tigers’ Big Cat recruiting event.

Atkinson, who attends Grayson High School in Lawrenceville, Ga., was one of dozens of top recruits on the Plains.

“Today was good. Today was very good,” Atkinson said Saturday after the event. “Got to spend time with Coach (Hugh) Freeze and the new defensive coordinator (D.J. Durkin). It was good, had a good time on campus. Had a good time hanging out with the coaches.”

Auburn’s message to Atkinson was simple.

“It was really more like how much they wanted me to be here and that I fit here,” he said. “They were telling me some good stuff. It just felt good. Coaches are high energy here. It felt like they really wanted me here.”

Atkinson has a strong bond with Auburn director of recruiting research and strategy Kenyatta Watson. Having Watson on staff is an asset for Auburn.

“Oh, it’s real good because he tells me good stuff,” Atkinson said. “Good information about how they want me, what the linebacker room looks. It’s real good for him to be here.”

Atkinson keeping eye on Auburn’s No. 1-ranked 2026 class

It also helps that Atkinson saw Auburn add three 2026 commitments on Saturday and jump up to the No. 1 class in the country.

“They showed that they’re getting players in here,” he said. “That’s a good thing that you’re near that and see that players are coming here because they really love the school.”

Atkinson likes Auburn, too.

“Auburn sits very high. They sit super high,” he said. “They’re a very good school, very good coaching staff.”

He plans to return in the fall.

“I’ll definitely try and be here for the Auburn-Oklahoma game,” he said. “That’s going to be a real good game.”

Atkinson does not plan to make a decision anytime soon.

“I plan to commit before my senior season,” he said.

Photo by Chad Simmons/On3

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