Texas Longhorns Make Bold Push for Nation’s No. 1 Recruiting Class as Sarkisian Builds a Future SEC Championship Contender in Austin
The University of Texas football program is doing more than just making noise on the recruiting trail—it’s methodically building what could soon be the nation’s top recruiting class. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm and a revitalized coaching staff and infrastructure behind him, the Longhorns are stacking blue-chip talent at every position and positioning themselves as the SEC’s next major recruiting power. As the 2026 cycle begins to hit its stride, Texas is not merely in the conversation for the No. 1 overall class—it’s pushing to lead the entire nation by the time National Signing Day arrives.
This surge is no accident. It’s the culmination of a strategic overhaul under Sarkisian that began the moment he took the job. While Texas has always had access to elite talent, turning those recruiting wins into consistent on-field dominance required a modern approach. Sarkisian has brought that vision to life by creating a player-first environment rooted in development, exposure, and opportunity. The result? Texas is not just landing talent—they’re building a foundation capable of delivering playoff runs and, ultimately, national championships.
One of the biggest indicators of Texas’ upward momentum came recently when the Longhorns secured the commitment of Derrek Cooper, the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class. The five-star phenom out of Shreveport, Louisiana, chose Texas over offers from Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Ohio State. His decision wasn’t just a testament to Texas’ offensive appeal—it was a national statement. Cooper represents the kind of program-changing recruit who typically lands at the Alabamas or Georgias of the world. This time, it was Texas that won the battle.
Cooper’s commitment is the crown jewel of a class that already includes multiple top-100 players, several of whom come from Texas’ fertile recruiting grounds. The Longhorns have aggressively locked down their in-state borders while simultaneously expanding their national footprint. From California to Florida, Louisiana to Illinois, Sarkisian and his staff are in living rooms, on sidelines, and making personal connections with the country’s most elite prospects. And it’s working.
What sets this Texas class apart is its balance. Sarkisian isn’t just chasing stars—he’s building a complete roster. On offense, Texas is adding speed, power, and depth. At quarterback, they’ve prioritized traits like arm strength, intelligence, and leadership—key qualities needed to run Sarkisian’s pro-style attack. At wide receiver, they’re loading up on vertical threats and crisp route runners who can separate in tight SEC coverage. And on the offensive line, the Longhorns are landing some of the nation’s top trench players, many of whom already possess SEC-ready size and athleticism.
On defense, the story is equally impressive. The Longhorns are targeting edge rushers with length and explosiveness, defensive backs with instincts and ball skills, and linebackers who can both cover and thump in the box. It’s clear Texas is recruiting with the SEC in mind—big, fast, and physical players who can hold up against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. They’re not just building a Big 12 roster anymore—they’re constructing a team built to win deep into December and January.
Texas’ success is also rooted in its coaching continuity and staff chemistry. Assistant coaches like Jeff Banks, Tashard Choice, Kyle Flood, and Terry Joseph have become staples in top prospects’ homes, consistently earning trust and forging relationships. These aren’t just position coaches—they’re recruiters with deep connections, strong reputations, and a unified message. Recruits and their families hear the same consistent pitch: Texas is where you’ll be developed, challenged, and prepared for the NFL.
That development message has never carried more weight. Texas is now producing draft picks at a rate that backs up the talk. Bijan Robinson became a top-10 NFL Draft pick after starring in Austin. Xavier Worthy went early in the 2024 draft. Others like Jonathon Brooks, T’Vondre Sweat, and Adonai Mitchell all left with enhanced stock thanks to the Longhorns’ system and preparation. The NFL pipeline is real, and it’s becoming one of Texas’ most effective recruiting tools.
Another pillar of Texas’ recruiting momentum is NIL—Name, Image, and Likeness. Thanks to collectives like the Clark Field Collective and Texas One Fund, the Longhorns have positioned themselves among the nation’s best when it comes to NIL infrastructure. But Sarkisian has been careful to keep the program grounded. Texas doesn’t lead with money—it leads with opportunity. NIL is presented as a complement to development and performance, not a substitute for it. That balance has resonated with recruits looking for a serious, professional environment that mirrors what they’ll face at the next level.
The move to the SEC has also changed Texas’ recruiting pitch. Rather than simply selling Austin and tradition, the Longhorns now offer a chance to compete in the toughest conference in college football. Recruits know that SEC competition is the fastest way to the NFL and that playing for Texas means weekly matchups against the sport’s best. That challenge, once a deterrent, has become a magnet. Elite players want to prove themselves on the biggest stage, and Texas now offers that stage without having to leave home.
The in-state approach remains critical to the Longhorns’ recruiting plan. Sarkisian understands that if Texas wants to finish with the No. 1 class, it must dominate within its borders. That means prioritizing Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, East Texas, and San Antonio. Texas has reclaimed its foothold in those areas, routinely landing the state’s top talent and preventing programs like Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Alabama from poaching elite prospects.
The proof is in the numbers. Over the past three recruiting cycles, Texas has significantly closed the gap with the traditional national powers in terms of blue-chip ratio—the percentage of four- and five-star players on the roster. A roster composed of 70% or more blue-chip talent is typically required to compete for national titles. Texas is fast approaching that threshold, and this 2026 class could push them over the top.
Beyond rankings and stars, though, Texas is building something sustainable. Sarkisian is recruiting players who buy into the culture, who want to compete, and who understand the expectations that come with wearing burnt orange. It’s no longer about flashy graphics and social media hype. Texas is offering substance, stability, and a chance to be part of something bigger than any one class.
And that message is resonating.
The Longhorns are expected to host several more high-profile visitors this summer and fall, including five-star talents across the defensive line, secondary, and offensive skill positions. With Derrek Cooper now on board, other elite players are watching closely. In recruiting, momentum breeds more momentum—and Texas has more of it than almost anyone right now.
As National Signing Day approaches in the coming months, the battle for the top spot will intensify. Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Oregon are all in the hunt. But Texas has the tools, the trajectory, and the talent to take the crown. Finishing No. 1 would be more than just a recruiting win—it would be a symbolic milestone marking Texas’ true return to college football’s elite.
For Longhorn fans, the climb has been long. There have been false starts, missed opportunities, and plenty of frustration. But this era feels different. The recruiting is real. The coaching is aligned. The development is working. And the roster is getting stronger by the day.
If Texas finishes with the No. 1 class in the nation for 2026, it won’t be a surprise. It’ll be the natural result of a program that’s finally living up to its potential and delivering on its promise. Steve Sarkisian isn’t just building a team. He’s building a machine. And the rest of the college football world is taking notice.
The future in Austin isn’t coming. It’s already on the way—one elite recruit at a time.
