Texas just landed a big piece for its future offense - and he’s only a sophomore in high school. JT Geraci, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey, has committed to the Longhorns, becoming the third pledge in their 2027 recruiting class.
Geraci had already narrowed his choices to five schools: Alabama, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, and Texas. But it was a game-day visit to Austin - and a strong connection with tight ends coach Jeff Banks - that ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the Longhorns.
“Coach Banks offered me in June and wanted me to get down there for a game,” Geraci said. “When you think of Texas, you think of a blue blood program, and when I went down there for a game, it was awesome.”
That game was against UTEP, and it made quite an impression. For Geraci, it wasn’t just about the on-field product - though the atmosphere certainly helped - it was about the people.
He had the chance to meet with Banks in person, along with offensive line coach Kyle Flood and assistant coach Mike Bimonte. Both Flood and Bimonte have ties to Rutgers, and Bimonte is a fellow New Jersey native, which helped Geraci feel right at home.
“The environment and seeing all the coaches and the staff - there are some Jersey guys on that staff - so that was cool to talk to them and get to know them a little better,” Geraci said. “Being at the game and seeing the environment, I just had a gut feeling. This is really something special.”
That feeling only grew stronger in the weeks that followed. Geraci continued to build his relationship with Banks, and it all came together during a recent phone call.
“I had a great phone call with him the other night and it won me over,” Geraci said.
While Geraci is still early in his development, the tools are there. He’s already got the size you look for in a Power Five tight end and is continuing to work on adding strength and refining his game. This past fall, he caught 10 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown - solid numbers for a young player in a program like Don Bosco, which regularly churns out D1 talent.
But what really sold Geraci on Texas was how the Longhorns use their tight ends. He pointed to the team’s use of 12 personnel - a formation that features two tight ends - and the way the offense has evolved under Steve Sarkisian.
“Watching their last couple of games, and against Texas A&M, Arch was balling out,” Geraci said, referring to quarterback Arch Manning. “Coach Banks was telling me they like to use their tight ends. They run a lot of 12 personnel, so I love seeing that.”
Geraci sees a future in that system - not just as a blocker, but as a pass-catching weapon who can take advantage of mismatches. And with Texas continuing to build out its 2027 class - all three commitments have come in the last three weeks - the foundation is already being laid for what could be a special group.
For now, Geraci is focused on his development, both on and off the field. He made it clear that academics were a major factor in his decision, and Texas checked all the boxes.
“I pride myself on academics, so Texas is a rigorous school,” he said. “After football, you have to have something, and I really wanted to look at some schools that were highly academic.”
It’s early, but Texas just added a high-upside prospect with the right mindset and a frame built for the modern tight end role. If Geraci continues to grow - physically and as a player - this commitment could pay major dividends down the line.