Georgia football continues to adapt to the NIL and recruitment process within college football, as evidenced by a shocking change to the class of 2026: linebacker Tyler Atkinson and DL James “JJ” Johnson have both committed to the University of Texas over Georgia.
Tyler Atkinson made a splash this past week by committing to the play for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns on the Pat McAfee Show. The No. 9 overall player and No.1 ranked linebacker in the country according to 247Sports, was heavily recruited by Georgia after they first extended him an offer when he was in eighth grade.
As the No.1 recruit in the state of Georgia, Atkinson made more than a dozen visits to Athens during his recruitment, and many sources saw the Bulldogs as a favorite to yet again land the class’ best linebacker. This marked the second year in a row that Texas has stolen a top-rated Georgia native who most thought was a surefire recruit for the Bulldogs after Justus Terry committed to Texas last year.
Just hours after Atkinson’s commitment to Texas, James “JJ” Johnson followed Atkinson as he flipped his commitment from Georgia to Texas. Johnson, the No. 1-ranked defensive lineman in the class of 2026 according to On3, committed to Georgia on June 28, but will now play football in Austin come next fall.
These stunning commitments exemplify the new era of college football as players are allowed to be paid for their services. Despite the loss of these two players, Georgia’s recruiting class is still ranked No. 2 overall by 247Sports. The Bulldogs will still have elite talent in their front seven from the class of 2026. Tray Scott has secured commitments from PJ Dean, Carter Luckie, Preston Carey, Seven Cloud and Corey Howard, who will look to have an impact come fall of 2026.
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