Oregon lost out on five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson after the top-10 recruit announced his commitment to Texas during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
Dan Lanning and the Ducks had been named finalists for Atkinson alongside Georgia, Texas, and Clemson. The announcement came just one day after Oregon learned it was in the final group for the linebacker.
Atkinson ranks No. 9 in the 247Sports Composite and holds the top linebacker spot in the 2026 class.
Many recruiting analysts expected the Georgia native to stay home with the Bulldogs. Oregon was considered a longshot throughout the process.
Texas emerged as the winner despite not being the early favorite.
The Ducks had made a strong push for Atkinson in recent weeks. Linebackers coach Jake Long built a solid relationship with the recruit, and Oregon’s staff viewed him as an ideal fit for their defensive system.
Atkinson’s skill set matched well with Oregon’s hybrid linebacker approach. The coaching staff saw him as a potential defensive leader who could anchor the 2026 recruiting class.
His football IQ aligned well with the Ducks’ defensive philosophy.
Oregon currently sits at No. 12 in the 2026 team rankings on 247Sports. Adding Atkinson likely would have pushed the Ducks into the top 10.
Steve Sarkisian and Texas have developed a strong reputation for linebacker development. Former Longhorns Jordan Hicks and DeMarvion Overshawn both made successful transitions to the NFL.
That track record probably played a role in Atkinson’s decision.
Texas has also shown significant improvement on defense under Sarkisian. The Longhorns’ recent success likely helped seal the commitment.
The loss represents a setback for Oregon’s 2026 class. Lanning’s staff had identified Atkinson as a priority target early in the recruiting process.
Oregon now turns its attention to other linebacker targets in the 2026 cycle. The Ducks still have time to add defensive playmakers to the class.
Recruiting battles for top-10 players are never easy. Even programs with Oregon’s recent success face tough competition for elite prospects.
The Ducks will continue building their 2026 roster despite missing out on Atkinson.
