Clemson hosted one of the most coveted linebackers in the country last fall, and now he’s planning on taking a visit this spring.

2026 five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson was in town for the Florida State game last season and it was a “strong impression” for him. He’s still early in the recruiting process, but spoke very highly of all of Clemson’s staff.

“The coaches are excited for me to get back there. Coach Conn is awesome. He is a Grayson legend.
I live in his field house. Coach Goodwin loves to talk ball like I do, and Coach Dabo is about business and stands by his players and staff. I like that,” Atkinson told The Clemson Insider.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker has a strong connection with Mickey Conn, who coached the likes of Wayne Gallman and Chase Brice at Grayson, which Atkinson attends. That impact has stuck even since he departed to coach at the college level, and it’s making an impact in Atkinson’s recruitment.

He released his top 10 back in Sept. and Clemson is among that list. Atkinson gave more context on that ranking and where the Tigers stand as of late.

“Clemson is still a high option. I have them in my top 10 without an offer because I like how the play their LBs and the defensive schemes. The culture of Clemson stands out a lot also,” Atkinson said.

Speaking of the offer, it could come this summer and Atkinson said the Clemson offer would “mean a lot” at this stage and allow him to get a strong feel of how he would fit into the program.

While he hasn’t set a date on a visit, he confirmed to TCI that he plans to make it to Tiger Town for a spring practice visit or potentially the Dabo Swinney Camp. Both will be key times for Clemson to raise its stock with the five-star defender.