In a resounding recruiting victory, the Texas Longhorns have secured the commitment of four‑star offensive lineman John Turntine III from North Crowley High School, significantly bolstering their offensive line depth for the class of 2026. Turntine, a standout senior from Fort Worth, Texas, chose the Longhorns over elite programs such as Michigan, Stanford, Texas A&M, Florida, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, Alabama, Tennessee, and others , marking a marquee addition to a recruiting class already recognized for its strength.
Standing at 6‑foot‑3 and weighing approximately 285 pounds, Turntine earned a reputation as one of the most polished and adaptable linemen in the country. Rated as the No. 3 high school football recruit in Texas and the No. 3 interior offensive lineman nationally in his class by 247Sports , he brings a rare versatility to the table. Although Turntine played tackle throughout high school, scouts project him to transition into an interior role in college, capable of playing either guard or center. His record as a multi‑position lineman—flashing at both tackle spots and across the interior—showcases the athleticism and football IQ necessary for success at the collegiate level .
Turntine’s recruitment reflected his broad appeal. He earned over 30 scholarship offers from national powerhouses and excelled at high school at North Crowley, where he led the Panthers to a 16‑0 undefeated season and captured the UIL Class 6A Division I state championship (. Beyond his raw size and strength, his profile reveals clean technique, footwork, hip flexibility, mirror‑like lateral movement in pass protection, violent hand usage in run blocking, and the ability to climb to the second level on zone schemes—all markers of a future multi‑year starter .
John Turntine III wasn’t merely a physical marvel; he was among the most cerebral and driven recruits in the 2026 cycle. His football priorities aside, Turntine has long been focused on academics, harboring aspirations to become a neurosurgeon . His high school coach, Eli Reinhart, echoed this, saying, “John’s dream was to be a neurosurgeon… he really considering this choice in his college recruitment from a standpoint of where can this school put me in 15, 20 years” . His disciplined approach, multi‑sport athleticism (including track & field discus and shot put), and excellent academic standing made him a “Swiss Army Knife” on the field and a “complete package” off it .
Texas coaches recognized Turntine’s vast potential and moved aggressively. Offensive line coach Kyle Flood—a recognized developer of NFL talent such as Kelvin Banks Jr.—built a strong relationship with Turntine, visiting his high school and hosting him for official visits. Texas’ offer list had been among the most thorough and persuasive, emphasizing their academic support for his neurosurgery goals, NIL potential, and their blueprint for building a dominant offensive line . Multiple reports emphasized that Texas felt like home to Turntine; as he put it, “Texas provides the complete package better than anyone else, period” .
By adding Turntine, Texas continues to double down on the trenches under head coach Steve Sarkisian and Flood. The Longhorns had already lost four starters to the NFL, including standout tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and were pursuing multiple high‑end o‑line recruits. Though they came up short on five‑star tackle Felix Ojo—who opted for Texas Tech—securing Turntine softens that blow and underscores Texas’ commitment to fortifying its front five .
Turntine joins a 2026 class already tallying quality linemen Max Wright (4‑star) and Nicolas Robertson (3‑star) . With Turntine’s addition, the Longhorns’ offensive line recruiting gains both depth and potential immediate impact. Early signees like Turntine often push upperclassmen at practice, and his maturity and intelligence position him as a candidate for early playing time, especially once he acclimates to college strength and conditioning .
The ripple effect of Turntine’s commitment goes beyond just player personnel. On the recruiting trail, landing a top‑3 Texas lineman sends a powerful signal to other in‑state recruits about the strength of Texas’ player development and NIL strategy. It also aids the team in defending its turf against rivals, particularly Texas A&M and Texas Tech—many of whom were aggressively pursuing Turntine. It shows that Texas is not only capable of competing for elite national prospects, but also winning recruiting battles within its own state .
Meanwhile, Turntine’s raw abilities conceivably could help solidify a line that will protect quarterback Arch Manning in years to come. While Manning’s eventual NFL career will draw major focus, his time in Austin will be shaped by the people beside him in the trenches. Turntine gives Texas a lineman with NFL potential, football IQ, and the character to anchor together with fellow recruits and returning players. His body type and athleticism have drawn comparisons to NFL-level tackles, and experts believe he could be a high‑round pick down the line .
From North Crowley to Austin, Turntine has been on a rapid rise. Just over a year ago, in February 2025, he visited Texas with his official recruiting tour and immediately impressed Flood with his blend of size, footwork, and raw power . He continued to develop in his junior year, winning a state title and maintaining a 4.1 GPA while dominating at camps and on the field . Now, with a decision in hand, he’s set to begin the next chapter of his journey at the University of Texas—ready to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
In evaluating the immediate impact of his commitment, it’s clear that Texas’ offensive line is in a phase of rapid retooling. With four NFL departures and high expectations under Sarkisian’s leadership, each lineman recruited must be more than a developmental project—they have to contribute early. Turntine checks that box: physically mature, coachable, and intelligent. He adds experience, toughness, and technical polish to a line that will need to protect valuable assets and set the tone on offense .
On the broader stage, the commitment comes during a period of surging optimism for Texas football. Fresh off a top-15 recruiting haul in 2025 and continuing to climb in national rankings, securing home-state talent like Turntine reinforces the program’s upward momentum. Whether by disrupting rival recruiting or delivering high-quality athletes, Landon Turner III represents the kind of foundational piece needed to sustain success.
As the summer progresses, Texas will aim to fill out its remaining needs at linebacker, receiver, DB, and potentially pick up a cornerstone tackle to head the 2026 class. Having Turntine surrounded by peers and veterans ready to develop together bodes well for continuity and culture building. The Longhorns are staking their future not just on five-star flash but on multidimensional players with championship pedigree and academic drive—and Turntine embodies that profile .
In the end, John Turntine III’s pledge is more than an addition; it’s a statement. He brings championship experience, elite talent, versatility, and maturity. He carries the academic promise of a neurosurgeon in the making. He chose Texas over national bluebloods—not by default, but by conviction. He chose the Longhorns because he believes in their long-term vision. And in doing so, he helped Texas continue to rebuild in the trenches—not just for one season, but for seasons to come.
