CLEMSON — The Clemson Tigers are on the hunt early for a 2026 five-star prospect. Five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson was in town over the weekend, and built an early connection with Dabo Swinney and the staff.

While Clemson won’t offer the 2026 class till next summer, Swinney is getting the ball rolling early with Atkinson. After landing the top linebacker in the 2024 class with Sammy Brown, Atkinson will compete to be the top at the position for his year.

It would be a perfect opportunity to pair the two for at least a season. Following his visit, Atkinson talked to The Clemson Insider about the experience and where the Tigers stand.

“The experience was insane play by play. The fans are loud and love the team,” Atkinson said. “It was a welcoming weekend. The coaches made sure to take some time with me and I really like the recovery area for the players.”

Atkinson was impressed by the facilities and the hospitality that Clemson showed him over the weekend. While it’s still a few years till he takes the college stage, he’s already sought after heavily by many programs. He now holds 37 Division-I offers, and it’s fair to think the Tigers will enter that list next summer.

Even though he doesn’t have the official letter, Atkinson has Clemson in his top 10 and they’ll be in the fold as his recruiting intensifies. He says the Tigers coaches made sure to spend extra time with him and the freshmen defenders showing out also raises his interest.

“The coaches were excited to have me there and excited about the opportunity for me to be a player there,” Atkinson said. “Everyone has a chance to compete and Coach Dabo is going to play his players that can get it done.”

The early cycle for Clemson is key with their policy for offers, and their impression on Atkinson is invaluable as they move through the year. Swinney’s early message to Atkinson was heard loud and clear and he’s very interested in the Tigers as his career continues.