Richard Wesley has become one of the most talked-about names in college football recruiting this offseason, and for good reason. The elite 5-star offensive lineman made waves earlier this week when he officially decommitted from Oregon, reopening his recruitment and igniting a new wave of interest from some of the biggest programs in the nation. Now, the Texas Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Texas A&M Aggies have all jumped into the mix, scheduling visits with the towering 6-foot-6, 315-pound force in what is shaping up to be one of the fiercest recruiting battles of the cycle.
Wesley, ranked by multiple outlets as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country and a top-five overall prospect regardless of position, originally committed to Oregon during his junior year. The Ducks’ coaching staff had done an exceptional job selling the vision of a West Coast powerhouse built in the trenches, and for a while, it seemed Wesley was destined to be a cornerstone of their future. But after months of speculation, shifting dynamics, and what sources have described as a “reassessment of long-term fit,” the prized lineman announced his decision to reopen his recruitment.
His decommitment was not taken lightly. Wesley took to social media to thank Oregon and its staff for their belief in him but emphasized that he needed to make the best decision for his future. “I have nothing but respect and appreciation for Coach Lanning and everyone at Oregon,” Wesley wrote. “This decision comes after deep reflection with my family and mentors. I’m grateful for everything, but I feel it’s best to explore all my options moving forward.”
That decision sent shockwaves across the college football world. Almost immediately, recruiting staffs from coast to coast reignited their pursuit of Wesley, who now represents one of the most valuable unsigned players in the country. Within days, visits were scheduled to three blue-blood programs—Texas, Ohio State, and Texas A&M—each hoping to land the generational talent.
Wesley’s visit tour will begin in Austin, where the Texas Longhorns have quietly built one of the nation’s most dominant offensive line recruiting pipelines under head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood. The Longhorns were one of Wesley’s top choices before his initial commitment to Oregon, and the buzz around Texas gaining a second chance has grown louder by the day. Sources close to the recruitment believe Wesley is intrigued by Texas’ development of linemen, their recent success in the Big 12, and the transition to SEC competition starting this season. More importantly, Texas has the infrastructure and NIL backing to make an extremely compelling case.
Ohio State isn’t far behind. The Buckeyes have a rich tradition of producing elite offensive linemen and consistently send players to the NFL at a high rate. Coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye have already spoken at length with Wesley and his family, laying out a detailed plan not only for his college career but his path to becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick. Ohio State’s pitch is simple: development, exposure, and national contention every single year. Wesley is expected to visit Columbus during the Buckeyes’ premier recruiting weekend in June, and insiders believe the coaching staff will roll out the red carpet.
Then there’s Texas A&M, a program that has gained significant traction in recent years when it comes to recruiting elite offensive linemen from across the country. With head coach Mike Elko now leading the program and a new emphasis on player development and culture, the Aggies are positioning themselves as a dark horse in Wesley’s recruitment. Texas A&M has made it clear they view Wesley as a program-altering player, and the buzz around College Station is that the staff believes they have a real shot if the visit goes well.
It’s worth noting that Wesley hails from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and proximity to home may play a factor in his final decision. Though he hasn’t publicly confirmed whether staying close to family will be a deciding factor, those familiar with his recruitment suggest the idea of playing in Texas again holds some appeal—especially with both Texas and Texas A&M now making strong pushes. That said, the family’s emphasis remains firmly on player development, fit, and long-term opportunities.
While Oregon remains in contact and hasn’t been formally ruled out, most insiders believe the decommitment signals a clear break, at least for now. That hasn’t stopped fans in Eugene from holding out hope, but momentum has undeniably shifted to other parts of the country.
As the visits begin, one of the biggest storylines to monitor is how each program’s offensive line development and NIL strategy align with Wesley’s vision for his future. The modern college football recruiting landscape is no longer just about tradition and on-field success—it’s a multifaceted equation involving relationships, branding opportunities, financial support, and preparation for the professional level. Wesley is not just looking for a place to play football—he’s looking for a place to build a legacy.
The Longhorns believe they can offer that. They’ve already put together a stellar 2025 recruiting class and are on the verge of cracking the top three nationally. Adding Wesley would all but guarantee a jump to the No. 1 spot, and it would signal that Texas is ready to not only compete in the SEC but dominate in the trenches—a necessary element in a league known for its elite line play.
Ohio State, on the other hand, sees Wesley as a linchpin in their offensive overhaul. The Buckeyes have spent the last two recruiting cycles reloading at the skill positions, and now the focus has turned to beefing up the offensive front. Wesley fits the mold of the kind of physical, versatile tackle the Buckeyes covet. His combination of size, strength, agility, and technique make him one of the most complete offensive line prospects in recent memory.
Texas A&M may have the most to gain from a successful visit. With the program undergoing a cultural reboot under Elko, landing a player of Wesley’s caliber would send a powerful message about the Aggies’ renewed identity. Wesley could be the foundation for a new era in College Station, where the focus is less on flash and more on substance.
One key voice in Wesley’s recruitment has been his high school head coach, who has praised the young man’s maturity, leadership, and work ethic. “Richard isn’t just the best player I’ve coached—he’s one of the most grounded and focused young men I’ve ever been around,” the coach said. “He’s not making this decision lightly. Every school he’s visiting knows they’re getting someone who changes the game on and off the field.”
Scouts agree. Wesley has elite footwork, tremendous leverage technique, and the rare ability to play both left and right tackle at a high level. His size and strength make him nearly impossible to bull-rush, while his mobility and awareness allow him to handle speed rushers and complex blitz packages with ease. In short, he’s a day-one difference-maker who could anchor a Power Five offensive line from the moment he steps on campus.
As Wesley prepares for his whirlwind of visits, one thing is clear: this recruitment is far from over, and the stakes are only getting higher. Whichever program lands his signature will be adding not just a 5-star recruit, but a future captain, locker room leader, and potentially the face of their offensive identity for years to come.
With visits set and momentum building, the race for Richard Wesley is officially on. Texas, Ohio State, and Texas A&M all believe they have what it takes to win it. Now it’s up to Wesley to decide which vision aligns with his own. And when the dust settles, the ripple effects of his choice could be felt across the college football landscape for years to come.
