In a move that continues to bolster the Longhorns’ secondary and reinforce Texas’ commitment to developing elite talent on the defensive side of the ball, 3-star safety Yaheim Riley has officially announced his commitment to the University of Texas. The rising prospect out of Florida made his decision public on social media Monday morning, sending a surge of excitement through Longhorn Nation and catching the attention of recruiting insiders across the country.
Riley, who measures 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, is considered one of the most versatile and instinctive defensive backs in the 2025 recruiting class. Despite being ranked as a 3-star prospect by most major recruiting services, his upside, athleticism, and high football IQ have made him a coveted target among Power Five programs. Texas, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, wasted no time in prioritizing Riley once it became clear he was open to leaving his home state.
The commitment represents another significant win for the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts in the Southeast and further signals the program’s momentum as it prepares for its second season in the SEC. Riley chose Texas over strong pushes from Miami, South Carolina, UCF, and Mississippi State. Sources close to Riley say that while he enjoyed visits to several schools, it was his unofficial trip to Austin — and the conversations he had with the coaching staff — that ultimately sealed the deal.
“I knew from the moment I stepped on campus that Texas was different,” Riley said in an interview Monday. “The coaches didn’t just talk about football. They talked about life, who I could be off the field, what kind of man I’d become at Texas. It felt real. They showed me the vision, and I believe in what they’re building. I want to be a part of that.”
While Riley may not carry the blue-chip rating that generates headlines, his film tells a story of a hard-hitting safety with closing speed, range in coverage, and an aggressive mindset that aligns perfectly with Texas’ evolving defensive identity. A two-way player at West Orange High School, Riley excelled on both sides of the ball but has made it clear that defense is where his heart is. As a junior, he recorded 87 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He also returned kicks and was used in wildcat packages, showcasing the type of all-around athleticism Texas fans have come to appreciate in their defensive backs.
The Texas staff sees Riley as a high-ceiling prospect who could develop into a multi-year starter with time and development. His ability to play both free safety and strong safety gives the Longhorns flexibility as they continue to stack talent and build depth in the secondary. With Riley in the fold, Texas now has six defensive backs committed in the 2025 cycle, including four from outside the state of Texas — a testament to the national reach the Longhorns are developing under Sarkisian’s leadership.
Recruiting analysts have been quick to point out that Riley’s commitment is yet another example of Texas betting on traits over stars. “Yaheim Riley is exactly the kind of player you win with in today’s game,” said national recruiting analyst Charles Simmons. “He’s physical, coachable, instinctive, and he plays like every snap could be his last. He’s got that ‘dog’ in him. He may not have the flashy 5-star next to his name, but he’s a ballplayer — and that’s what Texas is getting.”
Texas fans should take comfort in knowing that the staff has done its homework. Riley’s coach, Chris Boston, spoke glowingly of his star safety’s leadership and work ethic. “Yaheim is the kind of kid every coach dreams of having,” Boston said. “He’s the first in the weight room and the last one off the field. He studies film like a pro. He’s humble, he’s hungry, and he’s a tone-setter for our team. Texas is getting a great one.”
Riley’s decision to commit early in the cycle also opens the door for him to be a peer recruiter — something Texas has increasingly relied on in recent cycles to close on other top targets. Already, Riley has hinted at wanting to build a class around shared values and work ethic. “I want dogs around me,” he said. “Guys who love the grind. If you’re about the work, come join me.”
For the Longhorns, Riley’s addition is not just about one player — it’s about continuing to establish a culture of toughness and accountability on defense. Texas is coming off a 12-2 season in which it won the Big 12 title and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff, falling just short in a heartbreaker to Washington in the semifinal. That taste of national relevance has only fueled the fire in Austin, and landing players like Riley — who embrace competition and development — is a clear indicator that the Longhorns are building with a purpose.