Texas Longhorns Ready for Potential Fireworks With Two High-Priority Recruiting Targets Set to Decide on Independence Day
The Texas Longhorns are approaching a crucial moment in their 2025 recruiting campaign as two key prospects have circled July 4th as decision day. It’s a date known for fireworks, and Texas fans are hoping the celebrations extend from coast to coast not only for America’s birthday, but also for a pair of talented athletes choosing burnt orange over the rest. With momentum building on the recruiting trail, Steve Sarkisian and his staff find themselves in prime position to possibly add two more elite pieces to what could become one of the top classes in the nation.
Texas has already laid a strong foundation in the 2025 class, landing several blue-chip players and filling key needs at important positions. But these next commitments could push the Horns into elite company and further establish the program as a powerhouse in the SEC. The competition is fierce, with top schools like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and others trying to make their final pitches, but the Longhorns have been methodical and aggressive in their pursuit. July 4th is the date circled on everyone’s calendar, and it could very well signal the next step in Texas football’s return to national prominence.
The first prospect to keep a close eye on is four-star linebacker Justin Williams, a high-motor defensive talent from Conroe, Texas. Williams has emerged as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country due to his explosiveness, football IQ, and leadership on and off the field. Ranked inside the top 100 nationally and among the top 10 linebackers in the class, Williams has become a major priority for Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who sees him as a future centerpiece for the Horns’ evolving SEC-style defense.
Williams recently completed his official visits, with Texas making a strong impression during his time in Austin. Sources close to the program indicate that Williams was particularly drawn to Texas’ culture, coaching staff, and the opportunity to make an immediate impact. While programs like Oregon, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma have also made significant pushes, Texas appears to be the leader heading into decision day. The Longhorns’ vision for how Williams would fit in the defense — possibly as a weak-side linebacker with the freedom to fly to the ball and disrupt plays — is reportedly a major selling point.
Off the field, Texas has made an effort to show Williams and his family that Austin can be a home away from home. With a strong academic reputation, a family-first program culture, and a growing list of defensive stars entering the NFL, the Longhorns have pitched a total package that could be hard to resist. Texas is looking to rebuild its linebacker room with more speed and versatility to match SEC competition, and Williams checks every box. If he announces for Texas on the Fourth of July, it would be a massive win for the Horns — both symbolically and strategically.
The second prospect on Texas’ radar for Independence Day is five-star offensive lineman Michael Thomas out of IMG Academy in Florida. Thomas, a towering presence at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, is one of the most coveted tackles in the 2025 class. Known for his violent hands, elite footwork, and advanced understanding of pass protection, Thomas has offers from nearly every major program in the country. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Florida State have all been in heavy pursuit, but Texas has quietly emerged as a dark horse that now looks like a frontrunner.
Coach Kyle Flood, Texas’ offensive line guru and one of the most respected developers of talent in the country, has played a key role in the Horns’ pursuit of Thomas. Flood’s track record, which includes sending multiple linemen to the NFL and building dominant units at both Alabama and Texas, has resonated with Thomas and his camp. The pitch is simple but compelling: come to Texas, anchor the line in the SEC, and become a first-round NFL draft pick. The Longhorns are building an offensive line capable of protecting elite quarterbacks and dominating in the run game, and Thomas could be the crown jewel.
Thomas’ recruitment has been shrouded in mystery at times, with multiple changes in top schools and visit schedules. However, his most recent visit to Austin reportedly went better than expected, with Thomas bonding with current players and getting a clear vision for his future in Texas’ offense. The relationship with Flood and Sarkisian has been critical, and the family atmosphere surrounding the program has also stood out. While nothing is guaranteed in recruiting — especially with national powers still in the mix — Texas feels like it’s in a strong position heading into July 4th.
The importance of these two potential commitments cannot be overstated. If Williams and Thomas both choose Texas, it would mark a major inflection point in the 2025 class, giving the Horns two blue-chip additions on opposite sides of the ball. Williams would be the type of sideline-to-sideline linebacker Texas hasn’t consistently had in recent years, while Thomas would solidify an offensive line that continues to grow into one of the SEC’s best. The ripple effects on other recruits would also be significant, as players talk, communicate, and often want to play alongside top talent.
Moreover, landing Thomas would further establish Texas as a national brand capable of pulling elite talent out of powerhouse programs like IMG Academy. That kind of reach has become more important than ever as the Longhorns transition fully into SEC competition. Beating out Alabama or Georgia for a five-star lineman from Florida would have been nearly unthinkable five years ago, but Texas has changed the narrative under Sarkisian. These battles are now winnable — and on July 4th, they may be won.
While fans await the final decisions, Texas’ staff continues to recruit hard, knowing how close these races truly are. There’s a sense of quiet confidence around the program, but also humility. The staff understands the unpredictability of recruiting and respects the power of last-minute pitches from other programs. Still, everything Texas could do to position itself has been done: the visits, the relationships, the development plans, the NIL structure, and the family-first culture are all in place.
Regardless of how July 4th ultimately plays out, Texas has already shown it’s operating at a high level on the recruiting trail. But if the Horns manage to add both Justin Williams and Michael Thomas, the impact will be felt immediately. It would signal to the rest of the SEC — and to the nation — that Texas is not only back in the conversation, but also capable of winning elite recruiting battles from coast to coast.
As fireworks light up the sky across America on Independence Day, Texas fans could have double the reason to celebrate. Two elite recruits. Two massive needs. One huge statement. All eyes are now on July 4th, where the Longhorns could add two foundational pieces that help define the future of Texas football.
