Elite Five-Star Defensive End Richard Wesley Commits to Texas Longhorns Weeks After Stunning College Football World by Leaving Oregon

The Texas Longhorns have officially landed one of the biggest prizes in the 2025 recruiting class, as elite five-star defensive end Richard Wesley has committed to Texas, flipping the script on a recruitment that has captivated the college football world for months. Wesley, widely considered the top edge rusher in the nation and a consensus top-five overall prospect, made headlines in May when he decommitted from the Oregon Ducks, sending shockwaves through the recruiting landscape. Now, just weeks later, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive phenom has pledged his future to the Texas Longhorns, reinforcing the program’s rise as a national powerhouse under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Wesley, a native of Corona, California, had been verbally committed to Oregon since late November 2024, with Ducks fans viewing him as a cornerstone of their defensive future. His combination of size, explosiveness, and technical prowess made him a coveted recruit, drawing offers from virtually every major college football program, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC. But Wesley’s commitment to Oregon always came with a hint of uncertainty, as programs across the nation never let up in their pursuit of the elite pass rusher.

That uncertainty came to a head in May when Wesley announced on social media that he was reopening his recruitment, citing a desire to “thoroughly evaluate all options and make the best long-term decision for my family and future.” The announcement blindsided Oregon fans and coaches alike, instantly making Wesley one of the most sought-after uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class.

In the weeks following his decommitment, speculation swirled about where Wesley might land. Texas, which had been in his top five during his initial recruitment, quickly emerged as a serious contender. The Longhorns’ recent success on the recruiting trail, their move to the SEC, and the reputation of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski played pivotal roles in reigniting Wesley’s interest in the program.

Wesley took an official visit to Austin in early June, and according to sources close to the recruitment, the visit exceeded expectations on all fronts. From touring the facilities at the newly revamped South End Zone to private meetings with Sarkisian and Kwiatkowski, the Texas coaching staff laid out a vision that resonated with Wesley and his family. The opportunity to play in the SEC, develop under one of the nation’s top defensive staffs, and be part of Texas’ resurgence were major factors that ultimately swayed the elite defender.

In a statement released on his social media accounts, Wesley expressed his excitement about becoming a Longhorn:
“After taking time to think, pray, and consult with my family, I’m excited to announce that I’m committing to the University of Texas! The coaches, the culture, the academics, and the opportunity to play in the SEC — it all feels right. I believe Texas is building something special, and I want to be part of that journey. Hook ’em!”

For Texas, Wesley’s commitment represents another monumental recruiting win in what has become a golden era for the Longhorns on the trail. Sarkisian and his staff have now secured back-to-back top-five recruiting classes, with Wesley’s pledge potentially vaulting the 2025 group into the top three nationally. His addition addresses a critical need for Texas, providing an elite-level pass rusher capable of impacting games from Day 1.

At the high school level, Wesley has been nothing short of dominant. Playing for Centennial High School in Corona, California, he recorded 18.5 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, and forced six fumbles during his junior campaign. His rare combination of first-step quickness, power, and advanced hand technique sets him apart from his peers. Scouts have compared his game to that of former Alabama standout Will Anderson Jr., with some believing Wesley’s ceiling could be even higher given his frame and athletic upside.

Rivals ranks Wesley as the No. 1 defensive end and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2025 class, while 247Sports has him at No. 2 among edge rushers and No. 5 overall. Regardless of ranking, his impact is undeniable, and his commitment sends a clear message that Texas is ready to compete with the nation’s elite programs for both talent and championships.

Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski praised Wesley’s decision, stating:
“Richard is a game-changer. His motor, athleticism, and football IQ are off the charts. He’s exactly the kind of player we want in our system — relentless, smart, and hungry to be great. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Texas family.”

Wesley’s decision also carries broader implications for the recruiting battles between the SEC and other conferences. With Texas set to officially begin SEC play this fall, securing a West Coast blue-chip talent over Oregon — a Big Ten-bound program — signals that the Longhorns are successfully leveraging their SEC status to attract top-tier prospects nationwide.

Oregon, meanwhile, faces the difficult reality of replacing a player they had once viewed as the face of their 2025 defensive class. Ducks head coach Dan Lanning, known for his defensive expertise and aggressive recruiting approach, expressed disappointment over Wesley’s departure but remained focused on the future.

“Recruiting is competitive, and while we’re disappointed, we respect Richard’s decision,” Lanning told reporters. “We’ll continue building this class with players who want to be here and are excited about the direction of Oregon football.”

For Wesley, the next chapter begins with high expectations. Texas fans have already embraced him as the potential heir to the program’s storied tradition of elite defensive linemen, a lineage that includes names like Brian Orakpo, Jackson Jeffcoat, and Charles Omenihu. With Wesley’s commitment, many believe Texas is assembling the defensive foundation necessary to contend for conference titles and College Football Playoff appearances in the coming years.

Recruiting analysts have also noted that Wesley’s decision could trigger a domino effect, with several uncommitted five-star and four-star prospects watching his choice closely. Texas, already in the mix for other elite targets like defensive back Kameron Bradley and linebacker Micah James, may benefit from the momentum created by landing Wesley.

Longhorns fans wasted no time celebrating the news, flooding social media with “Hook ‘Em” emojis and excitement over what Wesley’s presence means for the program’s future. The commitment also reinforces Sarkisian’s reputation as a master recruiter and a coach capable of landing elite talent in the hyper-competitive SEC landscape.

As the 2025 class takes shape, Texas’ recruiting class now features multiple five-star prospects on both sides of the ball, including Wesley, quarterback Trey Owens, and wide receiver Malik Stewart. The Longhorns’ vision of blending elite talent with player development is becoming a reality, and Wesley’s commitment serves as both a statement and a warning to the rest of the SEC — Texas is here, and they’re building a roster capable of winning at the highest level.

For now, all eyes will be on Wesley as he prepares for his senior season at Centennial High, where he’ll look to add to his already impressive high school legacy. But for Longhorns fans, the future is clear — with Richard Wesley anchoring the defensive front, the next era of Texas football looks as promising as ever.