As the summer approaches, the recruiting trail for college football begins to heat up. High school recruits in the class of 2026 are preparing for official visits, which will ultimately help shape their decisions about where to play college football. Many programs, including the Texas Longhorns, are already taking proactive steps to secure commitments, making sure they are top of mind for some of the nation’s most sought-after players. One such player who has caught the attention of the Longhorns is four-star defensive lineman Dylan Berymon, who is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Recently, Texas assistant coach LaAllan Clark made a trip to visit Berymon in his hometown of Monroe, Louisiana, to continue building the relationship with the standout defensive player.
A photo of the two was shared on Berymon’s X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming the ongoing recruitment process. For Texas, this visit is significant, as Berymon’s recruitment is expected to come down to a handful of schools. The defensive lineman, who plays for Ouachita Parish High School, has already narrowed down his list of potential destinations to six schools: Texas, Houston, Purdue, North Carolina, USC, and Mississippi State. The Longhorns are certainly in the mix, and the program is eager to secure a visit and ultimately a commitment from Berymon.
Berymon is set to embark on a busy summer of official visits, with four consecutive weekends booked for college campuses. His trip to Texas is scheduled for the weekend of June 13, sandwiched between two other official visits: Houston on June 6 and USC on June 20. With each of these programs vying for his attention, the Longhorns know that securing a visit during this pivotal time is crucial. The fact that they are one of the few programs to get face-to-face time with Berymon before his official visit calendar begins speaks to the importance of his recruitment.
The importance of this visit can’t be overstated, as Berymon’s decision will play a significant role in shaping the future of Texas’ defense. Known for his explosive quickness off the ball, knock-back ability at the point of contact, and impressive leverage skills, Berymon is widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. His skills have caught the attention of multiple Power Five programs, but it is the Longhorns’ staff, led by defensive line coach Kenny Baker and edge rushers coach LaAllan Clark, who are working the hardest to make their pitch.
Berymon has already spoken highly of his relationship with Coach Baker. In an interview with On3, Berymon explained how impactful the coach has been in his recruitment, especially since he joined the Texas coaching staff. “Coach is amazing,” Berymon said. “Since Baker got there, he has been mind-blowing in the way he recruits me. We have a great relationship, and he has coached in the NFL, and the Texas program is in great shape.” This praise from Berymon is a testament to the work that Coach Baker and the Texas staff have done to build a connection with him, ensuring that the Longhorns are at the forefront of his recruitment.
Berymon’s skill set is the type that could immediately make an impact on any program’s defense. His ability to explode off the line of scrimmage allows him to disrupt plays in the backfield, and his knock-back ability means that he can not only shed blockers but also disrupt the timing of an offense. Additionally, his leverage skills help him gain an advantage over offensive linemen, often forcing them to give ground quickly. These traits make Berymon an incredibly valuable asset for any program looking to bolster its defensive line. The Longhorns have a history of producing dominant pass rushers, and Berymon could be the next in line if he chooses to join the program.
The fact that Berymon has listed Texas as one of his six finalists speaks volumes about the program’s ability to recruit top-tier talent. The Longhorns have consistently been in the mix for some of the nation’s top prospects, and their continued success in securing commitments from highly ranked players further cements their position as a national powerhouse. With Berymon, Texas could potentially add another dominant defensive presence to a defensive line that already includes some promising young talent.
In recent weeks, Texas has made strides in securing commitments from some of the best prospects in the country. One notable recent commitment was from Hayward Howard Jr., a four-star recruit from Louisiana. Howard, another standout defensive player, chose the Longhorns over LSU, making him the second defensive commit for Texas in the 2026 class. Howard’s commitment was a significant moment for Texas, as it not only bolstered the defensive line but also demonstrated the Longhorns’ growing presence in Louisiana, a state that has long been a hotbed for football talent. If Berymon decides to join Howard in Austin, he would become the second recruit from the bayou state to commit to Texas in the 2026 class, further solidifying the Longhorns’ influence in the region.
The Longhorns’ efforts to land Berymon are part of a broader strategy to continue building a dominant defense. The Texas defense has been a key component of the team’s success in recent years, and with new talent like Berymon potentially joining the program, that trend is expected to continue. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski have made it a priority to improve the defense and build a unit that can compete with the best in the country. Adding a player of Berymon’s caliber would be another step toward achieving that goal.
The Longhorns are also no strangers to competing with other elite programs for top-tier recruits. Houston, USC, North Carolina, and Mississippi State are all programs that have made an impact on Berymon’s recruitment, and each will be vying for his commitment during the official visit process. Houston, a fellow Texas school, will certainly provide stiff competition, as will USC, which has established itself as a national contender in recent years. North Carolina and Mississippi State are also programs that have made strides in the recruiting world and will be looking to make an impression on Berymon during his visits.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Longhorns are also preparing for an important year on the field. The season opener against Ohio State in Columbus will be one of the most high-profile matchups of the year, and Texas is hoping to carry momentum from a successful 2024 season into this high-stakes game. For Berymon, the opportunity to be part of a program with such national aspirations is an enticing one. Texas is not only a team with a rich football tradition but also one that is on the rise under Sarkisian’s leadership. The chance to play for a program with championship aspirations is something that Berymon is undoubtedly considering as he weighs his options.
As the official visit season gets underway, all eyes will be on Berymon to see where he ultimately decides to play. While his recruitment is far from over, the Longhorns have positioned themselves as one of the top contenders for his services. With the relationship built by Coach Baker, the opportunity to play for a national contender, and the chance to join a growing defensive line unit, Texas is certainly in a strong position to secure Berymon’s commitment in the coming months.
The recruiting process can often be a long and winding road, but the Longhorns have laid the groundwork for a successful pitch to Berymon. As the summer progresses and the official visits continue, expect the competition for his commitment to intensify. But with the momentum Texas has generated, there is a real chance that Berymon will choose the Longhorns as the place where he will continue his football career. If that happens, it will be another big win for the Texas coaching staff as they continue to build a program that is poised for sustained success on the national stage.