In a stunning turn of events that could have significant implications for the 2025 recruiting landscape, one of the top five-star athletes in the country has officially canceled his upcoming visit to Florida State and instead confirmed a locked-in official visit with the University of Texas. The news immediately sent shockwaves through the college football world, further affirming the Longhorns’ rising momentum on the recruiting trail under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
While the recruiting cycle has already delivered its fair share of twists and turns, this latest development marks a pivotal moment for both programs. Florida State, which had been aggressively pursuing the elite athlete for over a year, now finds itself on the outside looking in. Meanwhile, Texas gains significant ground in its pursuit of another program-defining addition to its 2025 class.
The player in question is none other than Malik Richmond—a consensus top-five national prospect in the 2025 class. Listed as an athlete by most recruiting services due to his elite versatility, Richmond stars on both sides of the ball for Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he’s a rare blend of size, speed, and natural instinct.
Offensively, Richmond lines up as a wide receiver and sometimes running back, where he’s known for his explosiveness after the catch, advanced route running, and uncanny ability to make defenders miss in space. On defense, he thrives as a rangy safety and occasional cornerback, locking down top receivers while showing a high football IQ and leadership qualities.
This spring, Richmond clocked a blazing 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at the Atlanta Under Armour Camp, solidifying his reputation as one of the fastest players in the country. He also posted a 39-inch vertical and benched 225 pounds 13 times—eye-popping numbers that have NFL scouts already buzzing, even though he’s just entering his senior year of high school.
Florida State had long been viewed as a frontrunner for Richmond’s commitment. The Seminoles made him a priority early, hosting him for a junior day visit in January and bringing out the red carpet. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. had formed a close bond with Richmond, and head coach Mike Norvell personally pitched the vision of building the defense around him.
Until recently, Richmond was set to take an official visit to Tallahassee on the weekend of June 14—an event that FSU insiders viewed as critical to securing his pledge. Sources close to the situation believed that the Seminoles had positioned themselves as co-leaders alongside Georgia and Texas. However, things began to shift over the past few weeks.
According to multiple reports, Richmond quietly visited Austin on an unofficial basis earlier this spring and came away highly impressed with the culture, facilities, and Sarkisian’s vision for him as a hybrid weapon on both sides of the ball. That momentum carried over into more frequent communication with the Texas staff, particularly secondary coach Terry Joseph and co-defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.
Then came the bombshell on Monday morning: Richmond officially removed Florida State from his visit list and confirmed a locked-in official visit to Texas for the weekend of June 21. While no public reason was given for the change, sources say the Longhorns have surged ahead in recent weeks and are now considered the team to beat.
For Texas, the addition of Richmond to its official visit slate is more than just another feather in the cap—it’s a statement of intent. The Longhorns have already compiled one of the strongest recruiting classes in the country, but landing a player like Richmond would elevate the class into elite, top-three territory.
The Longhorns see Richmond as a cornerstone of their defensive future, potentially filling the versatile STAR position in their scheme—a hybrid role that requires speed, strength, and high-level football IQ. With Texas set to enter its second season in the SEC, there’s a clear emphasis on recruiting SEC-caliber athletes who can match up physically with programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
“Malik is exactly the kind of guy you want in today’s college game—he can play multiple positions, he can cover, he can hit, and he can score touchdowns,” one source close to the Texas program said. “We think he could be a Day 1 impact player, and we’re going to make sure he knows that when he’s in Austin.”
Richmond will join a star-studded group of visitors that weekend, including five-star quarterback Bryce Daniels, elite defensive lineman Isaiah Cunningham, and top-ten cornerback AJ Holloway. That environment could create the perfect storm for a commitment, especially if Texas continues its recent tradition of making a lasting impression during official visits.
Richmond’s decision to cancel his FSU visit and pivot toward Texas may seem like a one-player move, but it could have far-reaching consequences across the recruiting world.
For starters, Florida State now faces the difficult task of regrouping in the secondary. The Seminoles were banking on Richmond as a centerpiece of their 2025 defensive haul, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap. Expect FSU to shift its focus to other elite DBs like Keenan Ward (California) and Tyrell Preston (Alabama), but neither offers the combination of immediate impact and long-term upside that Richmond brings.
Meanwhile, Georgia and Alabama—both of whom are still heavily recruiting Richmond—will now need to outduel a surging Texas program that suddenly holds a key advantage. The SEC arms race just got even more intense.
Recruiting analysts also point to the increasing national appeal of Texas, especially in the Southeast. With players like Arch Manning, Johntay Cook, and Anthony Hill already on the roster, the Longhorns are building a modern-day powerhouse that’s attracting attention from coast to coast. Richmond’s growing interest is just the latest proof.
“Kids see what Texas is doing,” said Rivals recruiting expert Adam Gorney. “They’re going into the SEC with a plan, with a top-tier coaching staff, and they’re winning recruiting battles against bluebloods. This isn’t the Texas of 2017 or even 2020. This is a different animal.”
With the visit now confirmed for June 21, all eyes will be on how Texas handles the opportunity. The Longhorns have built a reputation for making their official visit weekends feel like NFL draft experiences—with everything from helicopter arrivals and luxury dining to player panels and in-depth film sessions.
If Richmond walks away from the weekend feeling like a future star in Austin, there’s a growing belief he may not take any more visits.
“He’s not a guy who wants drama,” one source said. “He’s looking for the best fit, the place that feels like home. And from what I’ve heard, Texas is getting closer and closer to being that place.”
As for Richmond himself, he’s kept a low profile throughout the process, rarely giving interviews and avoiding social media speculation. But in a rare quote last month, he offered a glimpse into what he’s looking for:
“I want to go somewhere that values me not just as a player, but as a person. Somewhere I can develop, compete for championships, and be part of something special. That’s what matters most.”
Texas now has the chance to prove it checks all those boxes. And if the Longhorns succeed in landing Richmond, it could mark a pivotal moment in their return to national prominence.
Malik Richmond’s recruitment is far from over, but the landscape has dramatically shifted in the past 72 hours. With Florida State out of the picture and Texas gaining steam, this five-star athlete’s journey could be reaching its climax sooner than expected.
For the Longhorns, the mission is clear: close the deal, lock in one of the nation’s top players, and send a message to the rest of the SEC that Texas is not only back—but here to dominate.
Stay tuned.
