5-Star Texas Linebacker Recruit Among Top Commitments In July originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Texas Longhorns got a commitment from one of the top 2026 college football recruits in the country in July.
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Head coach Steve Sarkisian and Co. secured a commitment from five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson on July 15. He chose the Longhorns over the Georgia Bulldogs, Oregon Ducks, and Clemson Tigers.
Rivals compiled the top ten recruits in July, and Atkinson ranked third on the list, behind LSU five-star commit Lamar Brown and Oregon five-star commit Immanuel Iheanacho.
Atkinson is the best recruit in his home state (Georgia) and the top linebacker recruit in the 2026 class, per 247Sports composite rankings. He is also the No. 11 overall recruit in the nation.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Atkinson is the second-highest ranked recruit in the Longhorns’ 2026 class, which is ranked sixth nationally, per 247Sports. They have been recruiting well under Sarkisian, and that’s not stopping anytime soon. Sarkisian has been the head coach for four seasons, compiling a 38-17 record.
In addition to recruiting well, the Longhorns are prepping for the 2025 season, which starts in only a few weeks. They will play the Ohio State Buckeyes in a rematch of last season’s Cotton Bowl Classic in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
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The Buckeyes won by two touchdowns, 28-14, before winning the national title over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish by 11, 34-23.
This season’s rematch between Texas and Ohio State will take place in Columbus on August 30. Kickoff will be at Noon ET on FOX.
Related: Urban Meyer Names Quarterback Under Most Pressure in 2025 Without Hesitation
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
