Will Tyler Atkinson, a five-star recruit, sign with the USC Trojans or the Georgia Bulldogs?

Tyler Atkinson, one of the nation’s most sought-after five-star recruits, has become the subject of intense speculation as he nears his decision on where to continue his college football career. The big question on everyone’s mind is whether Atkinson will choose to sign with the USC Trojans or the Georgia Bulldogs. Both programs have been aggressively pursuing the highly-rated prospect, and each offers a unique set of advantages that could make either an appealing destination for the talented player.

Tyler Atkinson, a linebacker in the class of 2026, is a target for the USC Trojans. With schools like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Auburn, and Miami vying for Atkinson, USC will have their hands full.

Over the previous few months, Atkinson has made a lot of school visits. In January 2024, he received an offer from USC.

Tyler Atkinson, a linebacker from Loganville, Georgia, is 6-2 and weighs 205 pounds. According to On3, he is a five-star recruit and the top linebacker in the 2026 class.

Atkinson is compared to current Baltimore Ravens all-pro linebacker Roquan Smith by Andrew Ivins, director of scouting for 247Sports.

An extremely effective inside linebacker whose quickness and instincts can make him the heart of a defenseWith his field awareness, he can find the football quickly, and his rare-start stop ability and remarkable lateral burst will mirror ball carries, Ivins stated. “Has shown himself to be quite successful on the blitz, slipping and dipping around blockers before reaching the quarterback.”

Ivins observes Atkinson trying to blend in with whatever program he sings for. Georgia appears to be the favorite as it is the hometown school. The Trojans have, however, had some success acquiring skilled defenders from throughout the nation, such as New Orleans, Louisiana’s five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart.

“Given his movement and strike, he could fit into a number of different schemes at the next level and will probably offer three-down value,” Ivins stated.

Grayson High School, led by Tyler Atkinson, defeated Carrollton High School 38–24 last week to win the Georgia State championship.

Atkinson, a dynamic athlete with a versatile skill set, has the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. His commitment to either USC or Georgia will be a major story in the college football recruiting landscape, as both schools are perennial powerhouses in the sport, regularly competing for national championships. The decision between these two programs is no easy choice, and the factors influencing his decision are numerous.

The USC Trojans have long been a staple in college football, particularly in recent years under head coach Lincoln Riley. The Trojans’ offensive style is high-powered, fast-paced, and built for athletes like Atkinson, who can take advantage of open space and showcase their playmaking ability. USC’s recruiting class has been on an upward trajectory, with a focus on building a championship-caliber team, and Atkinson would be an excellent addition to that vision. Additionally, the appeal of Los Angeles, with its vibrant football culture and strong ties to the NFL, could be a big draw for Atkinson, who likely envisions himself playing at the professional level in the future.

On the other hand, the Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, have established themselves as one of the top programs in the nation in recent years. With a national championship under their belt and a reputation for developing elite talent, Georgia offers Atkinson the chance to compete for championships from day one. The Bulldogs’ emphasis on a balanced, physical style of football could be appealing to a player like Atkinson, who has the potential to thrive in both the running and passing game. Georgia also boasts a strong track record of sending players to the NFL, which could make them an attractive option for a recruit with aspirations of making it to the next level.

As Atkinson weighs his options, the decision ultimately comes down to what kind of program and environment he feels will best suit his development as a player and individual. Whether he signs with USC or Georgia, it is clear that he will be joining one of the most prestigious football programs in the country. Both teams are poised for success, and Atkinson’s decision will be one of the most closely watched in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Fans of both programs are eagerly awaiting the announcement, knowing that whichever team lands him will be adding a future star to their roster.