Top Texas Recruits Spurn SEC Powers as NIL Landscape Shifts the Balance
In a recruiting cycle that’s turning heads across the college football world, the top-tier talent from the Lone Star State is heading in a direction few would’ve predicted just a few years ago. The 2026 class has delivered a clear message: the traditional SEC heavyweights in Texas-namely the Longhorns and the Aggies-aren’t the only games in town anymore.
The top five prospects in Texas didn’t sign with Texas or Texas A&M. Instead, they’re headed to Houston, Texas Tech, Oregon, and USC.
That’s right-two Big 12 programs and two Big Ten newcomers landed the state’s most coveted high school players. It’s a recruiting shake-up that underscores just how much the NIL era has leveled the playing field.
Big Wins for Houston, Tech, USC, and Oregon
Houston scored the biggest headline-grabber by landing Keisean Henderson, the No. 1 overall recruit in Texas and a dynamic quarterback out of Legacy SSS. That’s a huge statement for a Cougars program that’s been working to establish itself in the new-look Big 12.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, locked down Felix Ojo, a massive offensive tackle from Lake Ridge who projects as a cornerstone in the trenches. The Red Raiders are no strangers to offensive firepower, but building up front is how you change the culture-and Tech is doing just that.
Out west, the Oregon Ducks dipped into Texas to grab Jalen Lott, a playmaking wide receiver from Panther Creek. And USC didn’t stop at one; the Trojans landed two blue-chip Texans in Boobie Feaster, a wide receiver out of DeSoto, and Jaimeon Winfield, a disruptive defensive tackle from Richardson.
That’s five elite prospects. None of them chose Texas. None of them chose Texas A&M.
NIL Isn’t Just a Buzzword-It’s a Blueprint
So what’s changed?
Let’s start with the obvious: NIL isn’t just about throwing money around. It’s about building infrastructure, trust, and a vision that resonates with recruits and their families. And right now, programs like Texas Tech, Houston, USC, and Oregon are doing that better than the traditional Texas powers.
At Texas Tech, Cody Campbell-a former Red Raiders offensive lineman turned major donor-has helped push the program into the national conversation. His investments aren’t just about flash; they’re about substance.
Tech is building a defense with teeth and surrounding it with skill position players who can take over games. That’s a formula recruits can buy into.
Houston’s NIL efforts have been bolstered by the leadership of Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars’ basketball coach, whose approach to athlete empowerment and resource allocation has carried over to the football side. The result? A more unified, forward-thinking athletic department that’s appealing to top-tier talent.
And then there’s USC. With GM Chad Bowden, head coach Lincoln Riley, and AD Jennifer Cohen working in sync, the Trojans have turned their NIL operation into a well-oiled machine. They’re not just offering opportunities-they’re offering a clear plan for development, exposure, and success on and off the field.
Pressure, Perception, and the Power of Fit
Let’s be honest: playing for Texas or Texas A&M comes with a different kind of pressure. The spotlight is brighter.
The expectations are sky-high. And when things don’t go right, the criticism is loud and relentless.
That’s not lost on today’s recruits. They’ve watched top-rated players go to Austin or College Station and struggle to meet the hype.
They’ve seen how quickly the narrative can turn. And they’ve also seen how stars from less traditional powers-like Colorado during the 2023 and 2024 seasons-can become national icons without carrying the weight of an entire state’s expectations.
There’s a growing sense among elite recruits that they don’t need to wear burnt orange or maroon to become household names. They can carve their own path, find the right fit, and still reach the NFL. In fact, they might have a better shot at long-term success by choosing programs that prioritize development over tradition.
Can Texas and A&M Regain Control?
This cycle was a gut punch for the SEC’s Texas duo. Between them, Texas and A&M landed just six of the top 25 players in the state. That’s not the kind of dominance either program expects-or needs-if they want to contend on the national stage.
The question now is whether this is a one-off or the beginning of a trend. Both programs have the resources, facilities, and fan support to bounce back. But the recruiting landscape has changed, and the old playbook isn’t enough anymore.
If Texas and A&M want to reclaim their status as the go-to destinations for elite Texas talent, they’ll need to adapt-fast. That means rethinking how they approach NIL, how they connect with recruits, and how they build trust in a hyper-competitive market.
Because right now, the rest of the country is coming for Texas talent-and they’re winning.