The Texas Longhorns have scored a significant win on the recruiting trail by securing a commitment from Austin Westlake's standout, Jackson Cook. This three-star interior offensive lineman is not just any recruit; he's a Texas legacy.
His stepfather, Matt Trissel, donned the burnt orange as a running back from 1999 to 2002. Cook chose Texas over 24 other suitors, a testament to the program's appeal.
Standing at 6-foot-2.5 and weighing 290 pounds, Cook is ranked as the No. 67 interior offensive lineman nationally and the No. 134 overall prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports. The Longhorns have had their eyes on Cook for quite some time.
He was a familiar face at their events, attending a spring visit, a camp, and a Junior Day. His commitment was sealed after a practice visit on March 13, coinciding with his 18th birthday, when he received the long-awaited offer from Texas.
With his commitment, Cook is expected to cancel planned official visits to Duke, SMU, and Arkansas. As an interior lineman, he’s likely to find his future at either center or guard for the Longhorns.
Cook's journey saw him transfer from Lago Vista to Westlake ahead of his junior year. He's the first Westlake Chap to commit to Texas since the likes of Colton Vasek, Jaden Greathouse, and TJ Shanahan in the 2023 cycle, and he follows in the footsteps of Vasek and walk-on Bryce Chambers from the same class.
Under coach Steve Sarkisian, Cook becomes the second Westlake offensive lineman to join Texas, following Connor Robertson. He’s also the fifth scholarship player from Westlake in the Sarkisian era, joining the ranks of Michael Taaffe, Ethan Burke, Robertson, and Vasek.
Cook's athletic prowess isn't confined to the gridiron. He was a varsity basketball player at Lago Vista before dedicating himself fully to football at Westlake. Additionally, he competes in wrestling and track and field, boasting personal records of 47 feet in the shot put and 144-1 in the discus.
With his commitment, Cook is the first offensive line recruit for Kyle Flood and the Longhorns in the 2027 recruiting cycle. His skills were highlighted by 247Sports National Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks, who praised Cook's performance at the 2025 National Combine in San Antonio. Cook showcased his versatility and athleticism, excelling in one-on-one reps with impressive leverage, bend, and lateral movement, traits that bode well for his future development.
Cook's commitment is a promising addition to the Longhorns, reinforcing their offensive line with a player who brings both legacy and talent to the table.