Georgia HC Kirby Smart arrives in helicopter to see 2026 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is making the most of the Bulldogs’ bye week by getting on the road to see some of the top in-state recruits around.

After checking in on Covington Eastside four-star linebacker and Tennessee commit Christian Gass on Thursday, Smart began his Friday evening by checking in on Greensboro Greene County four-star defensive lineman and Florida State pledge Kevin Wynn.

Wynn isn’t the only prospect that Smart is getting an in-person look at, though. The UGA skipper took a helicopter over to South Gwinnett High to see Grayson junior five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson and other prospects on the Rams.

Atkinson, of course, is being pursued by the South’s top programs, though Georgia is a clear contender. He’s been to Athens multiple times this season and is now being visited by Smart. Dawgs linebackers coach Glenn Schumann has also made an impression to this point.

“The Dawgs know how to fight!” Atkinson told On3 after seeing UGA defeat Clemson to open the 2024 season. “I really like the way Coach Schu runs the defense and how the linebackers play!”

“I was really impressed how the Georgia fans took over the Benz, considering it was a neutral field. I think the defense looked very strong and stingy. How the linebackers played and were used in both team’s schemes is what I paid attention to. It was a good first game for the Bulldogs.”

Auburn, Alabama, Texas and USC are among those who have also had him on campus this fall. Ohio State is another early contender vying for the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder.

Atkinson is the No. 10 overall prospect and top-ranked LB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked junior in Georgia.