In a recruiting cycle where trench warfare was clearly a priority for Texas, the Longhorns landed a major piece on Wednesday with the signing of John Turntine III - one of the top offensive linemen in the 2026 class and a critical in-state win.
Turntine, ranked as the No. 9 offensive tackle nationally per the 247Sports Composite, had his pick of powerhouse programs. He held 36 offers, including from Texas A&M, Michigan, and Stanford - all of which hosted him on official visits this past summer.
But it was Texas offensive coordinator and O-line coach Kyle Flood who closed the deal. Flood made a strong final push right before the quiet period, setting the stage for Turntine’s Independence Day commitment to the Longhorns.
This is a big-time get for Texas - and not just because of Turntine’s ranking. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, he brings size, athleticism, and, maybe most importantly, versatility.
He’s been projected as both a tackle and an interior lineman, giving Flood and head coach Steve Sarkisian options depending on how the roster shakes out. That kind of flexibility is gold in today’s game, especially in the SEC, where depth and adaptability up front can make or break a season.
Turntine isn’t just a mauler in the run game - he’s light on his feet, with the kind of mobility that shows up in his track and field background. His work in the shot put and discus speaks to his explosiveness and body control, two traits that translate well to offensive line play.
Still, at 270 pounds, he’ll need to add some mass to hold up against SEC defensive fronts. That’s not unusual for a high school prospect, and Texas will have a plan in place to get him SEC-ready.
A consensus four-star and the No. 79 overall player in the country, Turntine becomes one of the foundational pieces of Texas’ 2026 class. He joins quarterback Dia Bell and athlete Derrek Cooper as top-100 offensive recruits already in the fold. That number could grow depending on where two-way standout Jermaine Bishop ends up playing at the next level.
As of now, Turntine is one of just three offensive linemen committed to the class - and the only true tackle. He’s joined by four-star interior lineman Nicolas Robertson out of Klein (Spring) and late riser Kaden Scherer from Georgetown. That makes Turntine’s commitment all the more important, especially with some uncertainty looming over the current O-line depth chart.
One of the biggest variables? The postseason decision of Trevor Goosby.
If the veteran tackle declares early for the NFL Draft, Texas could be in scramble mode this offseason. They’d either need to land a plug-and-play transfer from the portal or hope that a more experienced tackle on the roster can step up and hold down the edge while younger players like Turntine develop.
Bottom line: Texas needed to beef up the trenches, and they did just that by locking down one of the state’s best. Turntine has the tools, the pedigree, and the upside to be a difference-maker in Austin - it’s just a matter of how quickly he can make the jump from high school standout to SEC-ready starter.