Texas Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian Near Major Recruiting Win With Five-Star Linebacker Trending Away From Georgia and Rivals
The Texas Longhorns and head coach Steve Sarkisian are on the brink of securing one of the biggest recruiting victories of the 2026 cycle, as a five-star linebacker prospect appears close to pledging his commitment to the Burnt Orange. With offers from powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU, the highly coveted defender has been the center of a fierce national recruiting battle for months. Yet, with a decision expected in the near future, multiple signs now point to Texas pulling off a massive win—one that could reshape the outlook of their future defense and elevate the entire trajectory of the 2026 recruiting class.
This linebacker is not just another elite high school prospect. He is regarded as a top-10 overall player in the country and the No. 1 linebacker in the class by most major recruiting services. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, he is the kind of modern defensive weapon every elite college program craves: fast, instinctive, versatile, and explosive. Whether it’s reading run plays, dropping into coverage against tight ends, or pressuring the quarterback on third downs, this player can do it all. His rare blend of power and athleticism has drawn comparisons to NFL stars, and he’s already being projected as a future first-round pick.
For Texas to be in this position—on the verge of beating out schools like Georgia and Alabama for a player of this magnitude—speaks volumes about what Sarkisian and his staff have built. The Longhorns are no longer viewed as outsiders trying to break into the elite recruiting tier. They’re now seen as legitimate contenders, and this recruiting battle may be the clearest proof of that yet.
From the start, Georgia was considered a strong favorite. The Bulldogs’ recent dominance in developing linebackers and producing defensive talent for the NFL gave them a natural advantage. Their national championships, recruiting consistency, and defensive culture have made them the gold standard for defensive recruits. But while Georgia made a compelling case, Texas made a deeper, more personalized connection. That connection, built over months of communication, visits, and trust, has given the Longhorns the inside track.
Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinators Pete Kwiatkowski and Jeff Choate have been relentless in their pursuit. Choate, in particular, has been instrumental in building the relationship with the linebacker and his family. The Texas staff emphasized not only the player’s potential fit within the defensive scheme but also his long-term development—academically, athletically, and professionally. More than just pitchmen, the Longhorns coaches made clear that they view this player as a future face of the defense and a leader within the locker room.
It also helps that Texas has momentum on its side. Following a 2023 season that saw the Longhorns win the Big 12, earn a College Football Playoff berth, and reestablish national credibility, the program now has the on-field results to match its recruiting ambitions. Players and families are seeing a different version of Texas than in years past—a team with an identity, a direction, and a head coach who has built one of the most balanced rosters in the nation. The transition to the SEC has only elevated that appeal, making Austin a more attractive destination than ever for elite prospects across the country.
The five-star linebacker has visited Texas multiple times, and each visit seems to have strengthened his bond with the staff and the program. He’s reportedly close with several current Texas players and has been in frequent contact with top commits from the 2025 and 2026 classes. Peer recruiting has played a vital role in the Longhorns’ resurgence, and this case is no different. Several top Texas targets have indicated privately that they’re waiting to see what this linebacker does before making their own decisions. His commitment could trigger a domino effect.
From a schematic standpoint, this linebacker is a perfect fit for Texas. The Longhorns’ defensive evolution under Kwiatkowski and Choate has emphasized versatility and aggressiveness. They want linebackers who can move sideline-to-sideline, communicate pre-snap, and make plays in space. This five-star prospect checks every box. He has elite closing speed, advanced instincts, and the toughness to thrive against SEC offenses. He would likely be a day-one contributor and could become the centerpiece of the defense by his sophomore year.
There’s also the symbolic importance of this commitment. Beating Georgia—and potentially Alabama and Ohio State—for an elite defensive player sends a message that Texas isn’t just returning to national relevance. It’s taking aim at the very top of the sport. For years, critics said Texas couldn’t win these kinds of battles. Now, Sarkisian is changing that narrative. He’s not just recruiting nationally—he’s winning nationally. And doing so at key positions like linebacker is crucial for competing in the SEC.
Texas fans have every reason to be excited. The linebacker’s game-changing ability makes him one of the most impactful defensive prospects in recent memory for the program. But beyond his talent, it’s the attitude and leadership potential he brings that makes him so valuable. He’s known as a vocal leader, a film junkie, and someone who demands the best from himself and his teammates. Those are the kinds of players who elevate an entire locker room and set the standard for future classes.
Of course, nothing is official until the commitment is public. Georgia isn’t going away quietly, and other programs are still making their final pushes. Recruiting at this level is unpredictable, and surprises are always possible. But for now, Texas is in the driver’s seat. The momentum is real, the confidence is high, and the finish line is in sight.
Should this commitment go through as expected, it will mark a watershed moment for the Longhorns in the 2026 cycle. Not only would it push Texas closer to securing a top-three national class, but it would also send shockwaves across the recruiting landscape. Other top prospects at defensive line, safety, and cornerback would take notice. It would validate the vision Sarkisian has been preaching—and show that elite defensive players see Texas as a place where they can thrive.
For Sarkisian, it would be a personal victory as well. While his offensive credentials have never been in doubt, his ability to recruit and develop defensive talent has been under the microscope. Landing a five-star linebacker over Kirby Smart’s Georgia defense—a unit known for churning out NFL stars—would be a statement of intent. It would say that Texas is not just about putting up points but also about shutting teams down.
In today’s college football landscape, where NIL, facilities, culture, and development all play crucial roles in recruitment, Texas is proving it can compete on all fronts. This recruitment is a case study in how the Longhorns have evolved from hype to substance. And if the commitment is made official in the coming days, it may be remembered as one of the most pivotal recruiting wins of the Sarkisian era.
For now, all eyes remain on the five-star linebacker and the announcement that could come at any moment. But for those close to the situation, the writing is already on the wall. Texas is ready. The staff has done the work, the player feels the connection, and the path forward is clear. When the dust settles, the Longhorns could be celebrating a commitment that defines not only the 2026 class but the future identity of Texas football in the SEC.
In a world where every inch of ground in recruiting is hard-fought and closely watched, this potential victory over Georgia and other national powers may be the clearest sign yet: the Longhorns are back, and this time, they’re building to last.
