The Texas Longhorns have just added another critical piece to their future special teams unit. In a development that could easily be overlooked by the casual fan—but won’t be by those who understand the fine margins of elite football—2026 long snapper Trott O’Neal has officially committed to the University of Texas. The news was confirmed directly to Orangebloods on Friday morning in what marks yet another recruiting win for Steve Sarkisian’s staff as they continue to build depth and consistency across all phases of the program.
O’Neal, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound specialist from Allen, Texas, is one of the highest-rated long snappers in the nation for the class of 2026. Though long snappers don’t often earn the headlines that quarterbacks, receivers, or edge rushers might, they are crucial to the success of field goals, punts, and extra point units. And in O’Neal, the Longhorns are landing a prospect who not only brings technical precision but also poise, strength, and experience on the high school level that translates into future Power Five stability.
For Texas fans, this addition might feel subtle now, but it will almost certainly prove significant down the line. O’Neal has spent the past two seasons developing a reputation for clean, consistent snaps under pressure. With over 100 flawless snaps in the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined, he helped Allen High School maintain one of the most efficient special teams units in the region. His velocity, accuracy, and ability to protect after the snap have made him a top target among major college programs looking to shore up a position where mistakes can often spell disaster.
The O’Neal family has long been connected to Texas football. Though Trott’s commitment stands on its own merit, there is a deep respect for the Longhorn tradition that runs through his home. According to sources close to the family, Trott grew up admiring the pageantry of Texas football Saturdays—DKR Memorial Stadium under the lights, the Longhorn Band’s booming intro, and of course, the pride that comes with wearing burnt orange.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment for as long as I can remember,” O’Neal told Orangebloods in an exclusive interview. “There’s just something about the University of Texas. It’s not just football—it’s the culture, the history, the pride. When I got the call, and the opportunity became real, I knew I had to take it. I’m ready to be a Longhorn.”
While it’s unusual for a long snapper to commit so early in the cycle, O’Neal’s early decision speaks volumes about both his maturity and the Longhorns’ confidence in his ability. With specialists often going unheralded until late in the process—or even joining programs as preferred walk-ons—Texas’ decision to secure O’Neal with a scholarship shows a clear prioritization of special teams performance in an increasingly competitive Southeastern Conference environment.
Texas special teams coordinator Jeff Banks, one of the most respected minds in the country when it comes to specialists and field position tactics, reportedly played a key role in O’Neal’s recruitment. Banks, known for his time coaching dynamic returners and consistent kicking games at Alabama before joining Texas, has always emphasized the importance of the long snapper as the anchor of the operation. With O’Neal, he gets a player who not only delivers consistency but also carries the potential to become one of the nation’s elite by the time he steps onto campus in Austin.
Banks has been proactive in building an elite special teams core at Texas, and adding someone of O’Neal’s caliber is more than just about snapping the ball. It’s about creating trust in all three phases of the game. O’Neal’s quick release time, elite placement on both punt and field goal snaps, and agility in punt coverage make him a weapon in more ways than one. He’s not just a snapper—he’s a football player.
According to Rubio Long Snapping, one of the premier training and evaluation platforms in the nation, O’Neal is ranked among the top long snappers for the 2026 class. Their evaluations have praised his technique, spiral consistency, and ability to snap under pressure. “Trott O’Neal is the kind of long snapper every Power Five team should want,” said Chris Rubio in a recent update. “He’s got excellent hand speed, a tight spiral, and is extremely accurate. He’s as cool as they come under pressure.”
For Texas, this is another sign that the program under Sarkisian is paying attention to the little details that separate championship-caliber teams from good ones. While the offensive line gets most of the praise for protecting quarterbacks, and defensive backs draw cheers for pass breakups, special teams units win and lose games—often by the slimmest of margins. In that context, locking in a top-tier long snapper well ahead of schedule may end up being one of the smartest moves this staff makes in the 2026 cycle.
The importance of the long snapper position has only grown in recent years as punting strategies become more complex, and as programs like Texas prioritize field position battles in SEC play. Snap-to-punt and snap-to-kick times must be precise, predictable, and repeatable. A bad snap can turn a scoring opportunity into a turnover, or give away vital field position in a close game. Having someone who has already proven he can handle those responsibilities in high-stakes Texas high school football—where Friday nights often mirror the chaos of a Saturday in the SEC—is a significant advantage.
O’Neal is expected to continue developing with a private long snapping coach during his remaining time at Allen, and he’ll likely attend specialist camps this summer to maintain his sharpness. Still, his commitment to Texas allows him to focus on honing his craft rather than navigating the uncertainty of a late recruiting decision. And for Texas fans, that means they can look forward to welcoming a prospect who’s already laser-focused on the next level.
The timing of O’Neal’s commitment also fits with a broader trend in Texas recruiting—namely, early identification and early investment in positional needs. While other schools may have waited until the fall of 2025 to begin zeroing in on long snappers, Texas has already made a move that signals both long-term vision and short-term confidence in their evaluations. It’s a signal to the rest of the SEC: the Longhorns are building every piece of their roster with care and precision.
O’Neal’s high school teammates were quick to celebrate his commitment online, with several posting messages of support and pride. “Nobody works harder than Trott,” one teammate wrote on Instagram. “Texas is getting a DAWG.” That same tenacity and consistency has earned him respect from both coaches and competitors alike. And now, it’s going to earn him a place on one of college football’s most storied programs.
Beyond the field, O’Neal is known for his leadership and humility. He’s a high-character student-athlete, carrying a strong GPA and participating in community outreach programs in Allen. Coaches speak of him not only as a reliable contributor on the field, but also as someone who elevates the culture in the locker room. As Texas continues to emphasize character and team-first mentality in their recruiting blueprint, O’Neal is another example of the kind of person they believe can help build a championship program.
What’s next for O’Neal? After his senior year, he’ll head to Austin ready to compete, to develop, and to contribute to a special teams unit that’s quietly become one of the most improved elements of the Longhorn program. With the pressure and visibility that comes with SEC membership, every single snap will matter. And with O’Neal’s track record of perfection, Longhorn Nation has reason to feel confident.
In a recruiting cycle often dominated by quarterback chatter and five-star hype, Trott O’Neal’s commitment to Texas might not make every national headline. But make no mistake—it’s a commitment that could prove vital when the game is on the line, the stadium is rocking, and the team needs one perfect snap. For Sarkisian and the Longhorns, it’s one less thing to worry about. And for O’Neal, it’s the realization of a lifelong dream.