Texas Longhorns in Strong Position to Land Elite 2026 Defensive Back Chace Calicut as Sarkisian Builds Dominant Defense Future
The University of Texas football program is surging forward with relentless momentum on the recruiting trail, particularly as it gears up for its official entry into the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Among the prospects drawing substantial attention is 2026 four-star defensive back Chace Calicut, who has rapidly emerged as one of the premier talents in his class. Early indications suggest that Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian are in a commanding position to land the gifted defensive back, signaling yet another step forward in the Longhorns’ mission to reassert themselves as national contenders.
Chace Calicut, hailing from a talent-rich region in Texas, has attracted offers from several major college football programs, including Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Georgia. However, no program has appeared to resonate quite like the Longhorns. From culture and coaching to development and opportunity, Texas checks all the boxes for Calicut, and the growing relationship between the player and the program is putting the Longhorns ahead of the pack.
At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Calicut is the prototype of the modern defensive back. He combines elite length with fluid hips, quick reaction time, and a natural instinct for tracking the ball. Whether playing zone, man, or roaming as a safety, Calicut has demonstrated a rare blend of versatility and playmaking ability. His junior film is full of high-level plays—interceptions, pass breakups, and hard tackles that showcase both his football IQ and physicality.
For Texas, recruiting a player like Calicut isn’t just about adding a top-tier defensive back; it’s about solidifying the identity that Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski are building—fast, physical, and disciplined defense that can compete with the best in the SEC. The 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes have laid a solid foundation, but a commitment from Calicut would further elevate the Longhorns’ trajectory toward elite defensive dominance.
Sarkisian’s approach to recruiting has been methodical and strategic. After taking over the Texas program in 2021, he and his staff have made it a priority to not just chase stars but find fits—players who align with the culture and the competitive standard the coaching staff expects. Calicut fits that mold perfectly. He’s a player with SEC-caliber talent and Big 12-honed toughness. His recruitment has been accelerated because of his maturity, game awareness, and the clear strides he continues to make every offseason.
Sources close to Calicut’s recruitment have indicated that the defensive back has been impressed with the way Texas has handled his recruitment. Sarkisian and his staff have reportedly maintained consistent contact, offering transparent communication about where they see him fitting into the Longhorns’ long-term plans. Additionally, visits to Austin have left a significant impression on Calicut and his family, particularly the emphasis the coaching staff places on player development and academic support.
A critical factor in this recruitment is Texas’ ability to show a clear development pathway. Over the past couple of seasons, Texas has made strides in developing NFL-caliber defensive backs, and under the leadership of Kwiatkowski and defensive backs coach Terry Joseph, the Longhorns have evolved into a program that’s not only competing at the top but producing talent ready for the next level. Calicut has made it known that his long-term goal is to play on Sundays, and Texas is becoming an increasingly logical stop on that journey.
The Texas coaching staff has also made use of its new SEC status as a powerful recruiting tool. The opportunity to compete against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU on a weekly basis resonates deeply with players like Calicut, who want to test themselves against the best. The move to the SEC has already paid dividends in multiple recruiting battles—and Calicut may be another victory in that campaign.
It’s not just football drawing Calicut toward Austin. The city itself, combined with the strength of the university’s academic and personal development programs, has provided a complete package. From the world-class facilities at the South End Zone to the Longhorn Network coverage and NIL opportunities available in the state, Texas is positioning itself as one of the premier destinations for elite athletes in any position group.
Of course, Calicut’s recruitment is still ongoing, and other powerhouse programs remain in pursuit. Alabama, in particular, has made a strong push and is never to be underestimated in any recruiting race, especially for a defensive back. LSU and Texas A&M are also heavily involved, using their in-state proximity and SEC prestige to sway Calicut’s interest. Still, Texas continues to lead, especially given the relationships the staff has built and the strategic vision being shared with Calicut about his future in burnt orange.
The Longhorns are not taking any chances, either. The staff is doubling down on their recruitment efforts with Calicut, scheduling future visits, coordinating one-on-one time with current players and alumni, and reinforcing why Texas is the right choice not just for the next three to four years, but for life after football. It’s this holistic approach that has made Texas such a compelling option in the eyes of recruits and families alike.
What makes this recruitment particularly exciting for Longhorn fans is the broader trend it represents. Texas is starting to consistently win battles for top-tier in-state talent—something that had waned in recent years. With the success of the 2023 and 2024 classes, and a strong start to the 2025 cycle, landing a talent like Calicut in 2026 would further validate Sarkisian’s rebuild and signal that Texas is no longer just competing for top players—they’re landing them.
If the Longhorns are able to secure a commitment from Chace Calicut, it could have ripple effects beyond just the defensive backfield. His decision may influence other top targets in the class of 2026, particularly defensive standouts and other Texas natives who are watching closely to see where the state’s top talents commit. The recruiting dominoes often fall fast, and a commitment from Calicut might set off a flurry of good news for the Longhorns.
In the end, Calicut’s recruitment will come down to comfort, opportunity, and trust. Texas has built a strong case on all fronts. Sarkisian’s vision for the program is taking shape more clearly with each recruiting win, and Calicut fits into that future as a cornerstone piece. While nothing is guaranteed in recruiting until pen meets paper, the Longhorns have put themselves in the driver’s seat and appear poised to bring in another difference-maker for the secondary.
As we look ahead to the remainder of the 2026 cycle, it’s clear that Chace Calicut is one of the most important defensive targets on Texas’ board. He brings everything a modern defensive coordinator covets—speed, size, physicality, intelligence—and has the potential to be a true game-changer in the SEC. If Sarkisian and company are able to close the deal, it will be a massive statement of intent and a sign that the Longhorns are indeed building something special in Austin.
