One of the top running backs in the 2027 class is moving closer to a decision, and Texas has surged to the front of the pack.
Four-star Richmond (Tex.) back Landen Williams-Callis has trimmed his focus to a select group of Power Four programs, but a new projection from Rivals insider Sam Spiegelman points squarely toward the Longhorns. Spiegelman said Texas made “a significant step forward” in recent days that “changed the trajectory of his recruitment,” a development that followed what appears to have been a strong mid-June visit.
The momentum lines up with the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine, which currently gives Texas a 94 percent chance to land the standout. That number can still shift, especially with a prospect of this caliber, but for now the Longhorns are clearly in command.
Texas is still waiting on its first blue-chip running back in the 2027 class, even as it has already secured commitments from top-ranked cornerback John Meredith and five-star wide receiver Easton Royal. Steve Sarkisian’s staff, though, seems to be closing in on a major addition in the backfield.
Williams-Callis’ other serious suitors remain in the mix. LSU offered him in late December and hosted him on a multi-day official visit in April, a trip that included photos in a Tigers uniform and earned LSU a spot among his 10 finalists.
Texas A&M has also stayed firmly in the hunt, with the running back holding a longstanding offer from the Aggies, taking unofficial visits and an official visit last month. SMU and Oregon complete the group of five schools drawing the most attention, with both programs hosting productive visits and building strong relationships with him through their position coaches.
Williams-Callis has been one of the most coveted backs in the country since the start of the cycle. The Randle (Tex.) product is viewed as the consensus No. 3 running back in the 2027 class by an industry weighted average of expert recruiting opinion.
The production backs up the ranking. Williams-Callis has piled up more than 7,500 career rushing yards and 133 touchdowns across three varsity seasons, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors along the way.
His junior year was especially eye-opening: 3,502 rushing yards, 59 touchdowns, more than 12 yards per carry and 222 yards per game. He also finished with just under 3,100 all-purpose yards when his receiving numbers were added in.
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