Highly Touted Five-Star Running Back Commits to Texas Rival in SEC, Delivering a Major Blow to Longhorns’ 2025 Recruiting Hopes
In a decision that sent ripples across the college football recruiting landscape, one of the nation’s top-rated five-star running backs has officially committed to a Southeastern Conference rival, leaving the Texas Longhorns and their fanbase stunned and disappointed. The announcement came after months of speculation and intense recruiting efforts by multiple powerhouse programs. The highly coveted recruit had long been seen as a top priority for Texas, and many insiders believed the Longhorns were among the frontrunners. However, in the end, he chose to take his talents elsewhere — to a program that not only competes in the SEC but is also one of Texas’ fiercest rivals.
This commitment marks a significant moment in the 2025 recruiting cycle. It isn’t just about one player — it reflects a broader, ongoing battle among the top-tier programs in the nation, particularly within the SEC. With Texas having officially joined the SEC, the stakes are now even higher. Every recruiting loss to a conference rival is magnified, especially when the player in question is a generational talent.
This five-star back had it all: size, speed, vision, hands, durability, and a high football IQ. Standing over 6 feet tall and weighing around 210 pounds, he was known for punishing defenders at the line of scrimmage and leaving them behind in the open field. He posted video game-like numbers during his junior season, rushing for over 2,000 yards and scoring more than 30 touchdowns. Coaches from every corner of the country came calling, but the battle eventually narrowed to a few elite contenders — Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and running backs coach Tashard Choice were relentless in their pursuit. They visited the recruit multiple times, brought him to Austin for multiple visits, and rolled out the red carpet. There was even speculation that the recruit had quietly given Texas a verbal assurance earlier in the year, but that turned out to be wishful thinking.
Instead, the running back shocked many by choosing to commit to Georgia — the two-time national champions and perennial SEC power. The Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, have developed a reputation for turning elite running back prospects into NFL-ready products. Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, D’Andre Swift, and more recently, Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards — the legacy of dominant backs at Georgia is unmatched.
In his commitment announcement, the recruit cited “development, winning culture, and long-term opportunity” as his primary reasons for choosing Georgia. He also pointed out how Georgia’s offensive line tradition and physical style of play align perfectly with his skill set. “It just felt right,” he said. “It’s a business decision too. I know I can go there and get better every day while competing with the best.”
For Texas, the loss is more than symbolic. The Longhorns have built a strong recruiting class thus far for 2025, but missing out on a centerpiece offensive weapon like this running back leaves a hole in their plans. Running back depth is not a crisis in Austin — not yet — but the coaching staff had hoped to pair this recruit with their young core of playmakers to create one of the most explosive offensive units in the SEC for years to come.
Many analysts now question where Texas turns next. The top in-state running backs are already being courted heavily by other SEC and Big Ten programs. Sarkisian and his staff may need to pivot quickly, identifying new targets or even exploring the transfer portal as a safety net. But one thing is clear: in the SEC, recruiting is a zero-sum game, and when a rival wins, it feels like a double loss.
The impact of this commitment could also extend beyond just one position group. Five-star players tend to attract other elite talent. Quarterbacks, receivers, and offensive linemen take notice when a top-tier running back commits to a program. Georgia could now have even more momentum on the trail, while Texas might find it harder to land complementary offensive talent in the immediate aftermath.
Texas fans were vocal on social media following the announcement. While some expressed frustration, others took a more measured approach, recognizing that recruiting battles are far from over and that flips do happen. Still, losing out on a top-five national prospect stings, especially when the Longhorns appeared to be in control for so long.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Texas. Just weeks earlier, the Longhorns had celebrated a flurry of commitments, including a top quarterback and several elite offensive linemen. Momentum was on their side — until it wasn’t. This latest development serves as a sobering reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the world of recruiting, especially in the SEC.
Kirby Smart, on the other hand, continues to build what many are calling a dynasty in Athens. This commitment only adds to Georgia’s already loaded 2025 class, which now includes multiple five-star prospects across several positions. The Bulldogs are not just recruiting for SEC titles — they’re recruiting for national championships. And they’re doing it at Texas’ expense.
For the running back himself, the road ahead is bright. He’ll enter one of the most competitive locker rooms in America, where iron sharpens iron and nothing is given. But if history is any guide, Georgia knows how to develop its running backs, and this young man could be the next in line to carry the torch.
As for Texas, they’ll regroup. They always do. Sarkisian has proven to be a strong recruiter and a program-builder. The Longhorns will continue to target top talent and have plenty of time left in the cycle to make noise. But this one will hurt. It’s not every day that a top-five national player chooses your direct rival, especially after you’ve invested so much in the relationship.
In the long run, this recruitment saga underscores just how brutal the SEC can be — not just on the field, but in living rooms, high school gyms, and all across social media. The conference has become the ultimate battlefield for the best of the best, and every win or loss has massive implications.
Texas may be new to the SEC, but this recruitment loss is a full introduction to just how high the stakes are. The Longhorns will learn, adapt, and reload. But today, the victory belongs to Georgia — and they’ve earned it.
As the dust settles, attention will shift to what comes next. Will Texas bounce back with a flip of their own? Will this spark a new level of recruiting intensity between the two programs? And how will this commitment shape the narrative leading into the 2025 college football season?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain — this five-star running back’s commitment has changed the game.
