The Texas Longhorns continue to flex their recruiting muscle under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and the latest development in the race for one of the top tight end prospects in the nation only adds to the growing belief that Texas is building something special in Austin. With momentum, NIL backing, a proven offensive system, and a growing track record of player development, the Longhorns have now emerged as the clear favorites to land one of the most coveted tight ends in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing just over 240 pounds, the recruit in question—widely viewed as a top-three player at his position—has become a household name for college football fans who track recruiting as closely as they follow the games. He’s drawn interest from nearly every major Power Five program, including Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, LSU, and USC, all of whom pitched compelling visions of what he could become in their respective systems. But in the end, it’s Texas that has surged to the top of his list, thanks to a combination of personal connection, positional fit, and what sources describe as “a vision he believes in.”
The journey to this point has been anything but simple. Over the past 18 months, the blue-chip tight end has taken unofficial visits to nearly a dozen schools, and he’s been the subject of heavy recruitment efforts since his breakout sophomore campaign. Throughout the process, he’s maintained a public image of patience and composure, stating repeatedly that he would only make a decision “when it felt right” and that he wanted to make sure his choice was based on more than just football. That stance resonated with the Longhorns’ staff, who took a slow-burn approach to his recruitment, focusing on relationship building and trust over flash and hype.
That strategy has paid off in a major way. Multiple sources close to the recruitment confirm that the tight end has privately expressed to friends and family that Texas now holds a “significant edge” over other programs. And while a commitment may not be imminent, those same sources indicate that barring a major shift, the Longhorns are in line to secure his pledge before the summer ends.
One of the key factors in Texas pulling ahead is the presence of tight ends coach Jeff Banks, whose resume and reputation have made a lasting impression on the recruit and his inner circle. Banks, known for his ability to develop raw athleticism into pro-ready skill, has emphasized how the Longhorns would use the tight end as a dynamic chess piece in Sarkisian’s offense—a hybrid threat capable of lining up in-line, in the slot, or split wide. It’s a vision that mirrors how Georgia has used Brock Bowers or how the NFL has leaned on versatile tight ends like Travis Kelce and George Kittle. And it’s one that the recruit has bought into fully.
Beyond scheme, the Longhorns have made the recruit feel like a priority in every sense. Sarkisian himself has been personally involved in the recruitment, often making calls or texts directly and making it clear that the tight end isn’t just another name on a list—he’s a foundational piece of Texas’s future. That kind of top-down attention has gone a long way, especially in comparison to some other programs where the recruit reportedly felt like just one of many.
Then there’s the campus environment and life beyond football. During his most recent visit to Austin, the recruit spent time with current players and fellow 2025 commits, took in a spring practice, and attended a private dinner with staff and alumni. The visit made a huge impression, and those in attendance say he came away “blown away” by the team’s culture, the city’s energy, and the educational resources available at UT. He’s described Texas as “a place where I could see myself even if football weren’t part of the equation,” which speaks volumes about the Longhorns’ ability to sell a complete package.
NIL opportunities have also played a role—not as the deciding factor, but as part of the overall appeal. Texas’s robust NIL infrastructure, headlined by The Texas One Fund and other boosters, has given top recruits assurance that their value will be recognized. The tight end in question is expected to have multiple lucrative endorsement opportunities lined up shortly after his commitment, but sources stress that his decision is not being driven by money. Instead, NIL is viewed more as a bonus—an additional reason to feel confident in a long-term investment in Austin.
The timing of Texas’s rise in this recruitment is also telling. The Longhorns are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance, with Quinn Ewers returning to lead a loaded offense that includes elite talent at nearly every position. The program is stocked with NFL-caliber players and has shown a clear pipeline from Saturdays in the SEC to Sundays in the pros. For a tight end who wants to play at the highest level and win championships, the trajectory of the Longhorns is difficult to ignore.
Another underrated factor? The recruit’s relationships with current and future Texas players. Several 2025 commits have been actively recruiting him behind the scenes, sending texts, engaging on social media, and pitching the idea of teaming up to build something legendary. That peer-to-peer dynamic has created a sense of brotherhood before he’s even made a decision, and it’s made the possibility of becoming a Longhorn feel like more than just a career move—it feels like joining a family.
Meanwhile, Texas’s main competition has begun to fade. Georgia and Alabama remain in the picture, but sources indicate that their depth charts and differing offensive priorities may not align as well with the tight end’s long-term vision. Michigan impressed during a visit but has reportedly lost traction in recent weeks. Ohio State is still pushing, but the staff turnover and uncertainty around play-calling have made it tough to gain real ground. That leaves Texas with an increasingly clear path to victory—one paved by years of preparation and the kind of consistent messaging that resonates with high-character, high-talent prospects.
Should the Longhorns secure the commitment, it would mark another major win for Sarkisian in what is shaping up to be one of the strongest recruiting classes in recent memory. It would also signal that Texas is continuing to win not just in the headlines but in the trenches of recruiting battles against the sport’s most powerful programs. The tight end would be one of the class’s crown jewels—a player with All-American potential and NFL upside who could thrive in Sarkisian’s creative, high-octane offense.
Even more important than his measurables or star ranking is what he represents: Texas’s growing ability to win elite recruiting battles based on trust, vision, and fit. It’s not just about having the flashiest facilities or the deepest pockets; it’s about understanding what players and families truly value. In this case, the Longhorns have shown that they know how to meet a recruit where he is—emotionally, athletically, and personally—and paint a picture of what the next three to four years could look like.
The commitment is not finalized yet, and as always in recruiting, surprises can happen. But barring a late push or unforeseen twist, Texas is in the driver’s seat. They’ve invested the time, built the relationship, and sold the vision. And now, they’re poised to reap the rewards.
For Longhorns fans, the message is clear: the future is bright, and it may be getting even brighter with one of the best tight ends in America preparing to call Austin home.