As the 2026 recruiting cycle officially comes to a close, the final Top247 rankings are in-and Texas fans have plenty to be excited about. The Longhorns' class features a strong mix of top-end talent, promising risers, and a few under-the-radar names who could blossom once they hit the Forty Acres. With the rankings now locked, let’s take a closer look at how Texas’ signees fared in the final update.
Headliners Holding Strong
Jermaine Bishop (ATH, Willis) continues to look like one of the crown jewels of this class. Already a top-20 talent, Bishop climbed from No. 16 to No. 13 in the final rankings.
He’s a dynamic, do-it-all athlete who projects to make an early impact in Austin, whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams. His rise is a testament to just how versatile-and explosive-his game has become.
A Few Slips, But Still Solid
Dia Bell (QB, Fort Lauderdale American Heritage) dropped slightly from No. 27 to No. 38, but he remains one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the country. Bell brings a high ceiling with his arm talent and mobility, and while the final rankings didn’t favor him, his physical tools and upside are still very much intact.
Tyler Atkinson (LB, Grayson, Ga.) also saw a modest dip, sliding from No. 38 to No. 52.
Still, Atkinson is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite instincts and a nose for the football. He’s the type of player who could thrive in Texas’ defensive system and be a tone-setter in the middle of the field.
Kosi Okpala (EDGE, Katy Mayde Creek) moved down just two spots from No. 58 to No. 60, but his role is worth highlighting. He’s expected to fill the SAM linebacker/EDGE hybrid spot-think Trey Moore’s role from 2025. Okpala’s versatility as both a pass rusher and coverage defender makes him a valuable chess piece for the Longhorns’ front seven.
Big Movers in the Trenches
One of the biggest jumps in the class belongs to Jamarion Carlton (DL, Temple). He skyrocketed from No. 158 to No. 91, cracking the Top100 and showing just how much his stock rose late in the cycle. Carlton brings power and quickness to the interior defensive line, and his development could be a major storyline for Texas down the road.
Richard Wesley (EDGE, Sierra Canyon, Calif.) and Samari Matthews (CB, Hough, N.C.) both held relatively steady in the rankings, finishing at No. 83 and No. 119, respectively. Wesley gives Texas another long, athletic pass rusher, while Matthews adds depth and upside to the secondary.
Depth and Developmental Pieces
While not everyone cracked the Top247, several four-stars are still part of the equation. Kohen Brown (WR, Waxahachie) made a notable leap, going from an 86-graded three-star to a 90-graded four-star despite being nationally unranked. He’s a name to watch as a potential breakout candidate once he gets into the Texas system.
Hayward Howard Jr. (CB, Edna Karr, New Orleans) held steady as a 91-graded four-star. Though he didn’t land in the Top247, his physical tools and coverage ability give him a strong foundation to build on at the next level.
The Rest of the Class
Texas’ 2026 haul is more than just top-end talent-it’s deep. Here’s a quick look at some of the other signees who round out the class:
- **Toray Davis (ATH, Fairview, Colo.) ** - A versatile athlete ranked fifth in Colorado, Davis brings a high football IQ and could find a home on either side of the ball.
- Chris Stewart (WR, Shadow Creek) - Ranked No. 75 among receivers, Stewart offers good size and reliable hands.
- Nicolas Robertson and Kaden Scherer (IOLs) - Both interior linemen bring solid technique and a physical edge.
- Jett Walker (RB, Georgetown) - A compact, tough runner who could carve out a role in a crowded backfield.
- Yaheim Riley (S, Austin Anderson) - A local product with good instincts and range.
- Charlie Jilek (ATH, Michigan Central) - Another multi-position athlete who adds flexibility to the roster.
- Mikey Bukauskas (P, Prosper), Jake Collett (K, Heritage, Ga.), and Trott O’Neal (LS, Prestonwood Christian) - Special teams often go overlooked, but this trio gives Texas a full battery of specialists heading into the future.
A Mysterious Addition
One name to keep an eye on is **Elijah Ali (DL, St. Pius X-St.
Matthias Academy, Calif.)**, a Texas commit with no listed grade or ranking. His lack of evaluation doesn’t necessarily reflect his potential-it just means he’s a bit of a wild card.
Sometimes those are the players who surprise everyone.
Final Thoughts
Texas’ 2026 class closes with a strong mix of blue-chip talent, high-upside projects, and positional balance. While a few players slid in the final rankings, others made significant moves up the board. More importantly, this group has the kind of depth and versatility that gives Texas options-not just for this fall, but for the seasons to come.
With the page officially turned to the 2027 cycle, the Longhorns can feel good about the foundation they’ve built. Now it’s about development, fit, and turning potential into production. And if this class lives up to its billing, the future in Austin looks bright.