REPORT: Texas Longhorns Making ‘Strong Push’ to Flip Elite Oregon OT Commit
The Texas Longhorns are once again making headlines on the recruiting trail, as sources indicate that they are making a “strong push” to flip one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. This time, the target is elite offensive tackle (OT) prospect David Johnson, a highly sought-after recruit who had previously committed to the Oregon Ducks. As the 2025 recruiting cycle intensifies, the Longhorns are aggressively working to sway Johnson’s commitment, offering the chance to play for one of the premier programs in the nation.
The Recruiting Battle: Texas vs. Oregon
Recruiting battles between powerhouse programs like Texas and Oregon are always intriguing, and this one is no different. Johnson, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive tackle from Los Angeles, California, has been one of the most coveted recruits in this cycle. He is widely regarded as a top-10 offensive lineman and is praised for his combination of size, strength, and technique. After a stellar high school career, it was no surprise when Johnson verbally committed to Oregon, given their strong tradition of developing offensive linemen and their consistent success in recruiting top-tier talent.
However, Texas is known for its ability to flip high-profile recruits, and the Longhorns have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make a compelling case for Johnson to reconsider his commitment to the Ducks. According to reports, Texas has been in consistent contact with Johnson’s camp, emphasizing their plans for his development, the elite coaching staff led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, and the chance to play in a high-profile program with national title aspirations.
With the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts showing no signs of slowing down, the race for Johnson’s signature is becoming one of the most closely-watched storylines in the 2025 recruiting class.
Texas’ Offensive Line Needs
Texas has been making significant strides under Sarkisian, particularly in terms of building a strong offensive line to protect their future quarterbacks and establish a dominant rushing attack. The Longhorns’ recruiting class for 2025 already includes a handful of high-caliber offensive linemen, but adding a prospect like Johnson would be a massive coup for the program. He would immediately be one of the most coveted recruits in their class, bolstering an already-impressive group of incoming talent.
The Longhorns have made a priority of building depth on the offensive line, as they look to establish a strong, physical foundation for their offense. With a star-studded roster featuring talented quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, having a dominant offensive line is crucial to the success of the program. A player like Johnson, who has the size, skill, and potential to develop into a future NFL prospect, would be an immediate contributor and a cornerstone for the team’s long-term success.
The Case for Texas
While Johnson’s commitment to Oregon still stands, Texas has several factors working in their favor as they attempt to flip his decision. First and foremost, the Longhorns have one of the most well-respected coaching staffs in college football. Sarkisian, who has a proven track record of developing top-tier talent on both sides of the ball, is a big draw for many recruits, including offensive linemen like Johnson. Under Sarkisian, Texas has experienced a resurgence, both in recruiting and on-field performance. The team’s offensive system, which places an emphasis on physicality and protecting the quarterback, is attractive to many offensive line prospects.
Additionally, Texas’ facilities and resources are among the best in the nation. The Longhorns boast state-of-the-art training centers, film rooms, and weight rooms, all of which contribute to an elite level of player development. For Johnson, who has aspirations of playing at the next level, the chance to develop at one of the most prestigious programs in college football could be too good to pass up.
Another selling point for Texas is the opportunity to play in the Big 12, a conference that has produced its fair share of standout offensive linemen and players who have gone on to the NFL. Johnson would have the chance to face some of the best defensive players in college football week in and week out, providing him with plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills and develop into a future NFL prospect.
Finally, there’s the appeal of the Texas fan base. The Longhorns have one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in all of college football, and Johnson could immediately feel the love and support of the Texas faithful. The prospect of playing in front of thousands of fans at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, with all the pageantry and tradition that comes with being a part of the Texas program, is something that many recruits find irresistible.
Oregon’s Response
Oregon, meanwhile, is not sitting idly by. The Ducks have been aggressive in their recruitment of Johnson, and they continue to make a strong push to hold onto his commitment. Oregon has built a reputation for developing offensive linemen who go on to successful NFL careers, with several former Ducks finding success at the next level. Their offensive line coach, Alex Mirabal, is considered one of the best in the country, and his ability to develop talent has been a key selling point for recruits like Johnson.
Oregon also offers Johnson the opportunity to play in a high-powered offense that regularly competes for Pac-12 championships. The Ducks have become a perennial contender in the Pac-12, and Johnson would have the chance to contribute to a program that consistently plays in major bowl games and has produced NFL-caliber talent.
The relationship Johnson has built with the Oregon coaching staff is another important factor. He’s spent considerable time getting to know Mirabal and other members of the Ducks’ staff, which has helped foster a sense of loyalty and trust. Johnson’s connection to Oregon, both on and off the field, could play a significant role in his final decision, especially as he weighs the possibility of switching his commitment to a different program.
Johnson’s Recruitment Timeline
While there is still a long way to go in Johnson’s recruitment, there is no doubt that Texas will continue to push hard to convince him to flip his commitment. Johnson’s recruitment is expected to remain fluid in the coming months, with the offensive tackle likely taking additional visits to both Texas and Oregon, as well as possibly other schools that might enter the picture.
In the end, the decision will come down to a combination of factors, including Johnson’s personal relationship with the coaching staff, the development opportunities offered by each program, and his vision for his future in college football and beyond. Texas is hoping that their strong pitch and the chance to play for a program on the rise will be enough to win out over Oregon, a team that has been a major player in his recruitment from the start.
What It Means for Texas
If the Longhorns can successfully flip Johnson, it would be a massive victory for Sarkisian and his staff. Offensive line play has been a focus of improvement in recent years, and landing a talent like Johnson would provide a major boost to the Longhorns’ future prospects. It would also send a strong message to other recruits that Texas is a serious contender for elite talent across the country.
Furthermore, flipping Johnson would be a testament to Texas’ growing presence in the recruiting world. Over the past few years, the Longhorns have built momentum on the trail, and their efforts to secure top-tier prospects like Johnson show that they are a program to be reckoned with. With each successful recruit, the Longhorns continue to elevate their standing in the college football hierarchy, setting themselves up for long-term success.