Texas is riding a serious wave of momentum - and it’s not just from knocking off in-state rival Texas A&M in Week 14. That win didn’t just shake up the playoff picture; it sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape, and the Longhorns are cashing in.
Since that rivalry win, Texas has landed two major additions: a commitment from 2027 five-star wide receiver Easton Royal - the top-ranked pass-catcher in his class - and a flip of four-star defensive lineman Jamarion Carlton from Baylor. It’s one of the most impactful stretches of recruiting Texas has had all year, and it couldn’t come at a better time with the early signing period for the 2026 class kicking off this Wednesday.
The Longhorns’ recruiting class has surged to No. 7 nationally, climbing two spots in just two weeks. In the process, they leapfrogged both Texas A&M and Tennessee - a little extra icing on the cake after that big win in College Station.
Let’s break down what’s made this recent run so impressive:
- They handed Texas A&M its first loss of the season - a statement win that resonated far beyond the field.
- They secured a commitment from Easton Royal, the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2027 class - a future game-changer.
- They flipped Top 100 recruit Jamarion Carlton, a versatile defensive lineman who now bolsters an already loaded front seven.
This is the kind of 24-hour stretch that recruiting staffs dream about. It’s not just about stacking stars - it’s about building momentum, and right now, Texas has plenty of it.
A Look at the 2026 Class
The Longhorns now have 26 recruits locked in, and this class is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded in the country. Here’s a breakdown of who’s expected to sign this week:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Stars
- QB Dia Bell - A high-upside signal-caller with the tools to lead a modern offense.
- ATH Jermaine Bishop - A dynamic playmaker who could contribute on either side of the ball.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Stars
- LB Tyler Atkinson - Sideline-to-sideline range and a nose for the football.
- LB/DE Kosi Okpala - A hybrid edge rusher with burst and bend.
- DE Richard Wesley - Brings power and polish off the edge.
- CB Samari Matthews - A fluid cover man with elite instincts.
- RB Derrek Cooper - A downhill runner with breakaway speed.
- DE Jamarion Carlton - The recent flip from Baylor, bringing size and versatility to the defensive front.
- DT James Johnson - A space-eater with sneaky quickness.
- OG/OT John Turntine III - A mauler in the trenches who can play inside or out.
- DT Corey Wells - Strong at the point of attack with room to grow.
- DT Vodney Cleveland - Another interior presence who adds depth and power.
- **CB Hayward Howard Jr. ** - Physical at the line and confident in man coverage.
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Stars
- WR Chris Stewart
- LB Rocky Cummings
- OG Nicolas Robertson
- WR Kohen Brown
- RB Jett Walker
- S Yaheim Riley
- TE Charlie Jilek
- OG/OT Kaden Scherer
- P Mikey Bukauskas
- K Jack Collett
- LS Trott O'Neal
This group checks every box - skill, size, versatility, and depth. There’s talent across all three phases, and the coaching staff will have plenty to work with as they mold the next wave of Longhorn stars.
What’s Next?
While Texas may not reclaim the No. 1 overall spot like they did in the 2025 cycle, this class is loaded with potential. Only USC, Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Ohio State currently sit ahead in the rankings - all perennial recruiting powerhouses. But Texas is right there in the mix, and with more commitments likely on the way, they’re not done climbing.
Steve Sarkisian and his staff have built a foundation rooted in development, culture, and now - momentum. The win over the Aggies was a turning point.
The recruiting surge that followed? That’s how you build a program for the long haul.
The Longhorns are heating up at just the right time. And if this run is any indication, the future in Austin is looking bright.