In less than one year, five-star prospect Tyler Atkinson will make his highly anticipated collegiate debut for the Texas Longhorns. While fans will have to be patient, Atkinson did give them a reason to celebrate on Friday. The talented linebacker was named the Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year.
As the Longhorns signee lead the Grayson Rams to a 12-2 record, Atkinson was a human highlight reel. He recorded 96 tackles including 26 for a loss. The future star also added nine sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery to his resume. His stellar play came as no surprise given how he is viewed nationally by scouts.
Congratulations Tyler Atkinson of Grayson High School @grayson_fb
the 2025-26 @Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year. The 6-3, 221-pound senior linebacker recorded 96 tackles this past season, including 26 for loss, along with nine sacks & 22 quarterback hurries, leading… pic.twitter.com/1UVv8hD3IU— GHSA (@OfficialGHSA) December 5, 2025
Currently, Atkinson is ranked as the second-best linebacker in his class by 247Sports. They also rank him as the 38th best player in the nation and the fifth best player from Georgia. Due to his play, Atkinson drew interest from some of the nation’s top programs, including Georgia, Clemson, and Oregon. He ultimately chose to forge his college legacy in Austin.
While Atkinson’s honor is well deserved, this is not the only honor for which he is making headlines. He has also been named one of the three finalists for the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. His competition includes Jackson Cantell and Landen Williams-Callis. Atkinson has also made a good case to take home that honor.
Meet your newest Longhorn, @Tyler16Atkinson 🤘#AllGas26 | #NSD26pic.twitter.com/ea7OHWwTlX
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 4, 2025
This week has provided a reminder of just how special a player Atkinson is. He is not just one of the best players from Georgia in his class, but one of the best in the nation. That is why Texas made him a priority on the recruiting trail.
Once he sets foot on campus next year, Atkinson should continue adding to his trophy case just like he has the last few days.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas signee Tyler Atkinson named Gatorade Georgia Player of Year
