The Texas Longhorns may soon receive clarity on one of their top EDGE targets, as elite pass rusher and national prospect Malik Edwards has officially set a commitment date. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive menace out of Buford High School in Georgia announced via social media that he will reveal his college decision on July 20, a date that falls squarely in the heart of summer recruiting season and just weeks before fall camp begins for high school programs around the country.
Edwards has long been viewed as a priority target for Texas, and his decision to set a date has turned the heat up in an already tense recruiting battle. With nearly 30 offers to his name and blue-blood programs lining up for his services, this announcement signals the beginning of the end for what has been one of the most closely watched recruitment sagas in the 2025 class. Texas has been in steady pursuit of Edwards since early last year, with head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski working in tandem to sell the vision of Austin as the premier destination for defensive stars looking to elevate their game before heading to the NFL.
Edwards, currently ranked as the No. 4 EDGE rusher and No. 21 overall player in the 2025 cycle according to most major recruiting services, brings a rare blend of size, speed, and technical polish that has drawn comparisons to recent first-rounders like Will Anderson Jr. and Travon Walker. His ability to bend around the edge, combined with a powerful bull rush and violent hands, has made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. In his junior campaign, Edwards racked up 14.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles while leading Buford to a state championship and earning All-American honors. His film is a clinic in disruption, and it’s easy to see why every top SEC and Big Ten program has been eager to secure his commitment.
Texas has made a strong push in recent months, hosting Edwards for multiple unofficial visits and positioning itself as one of the few programs that checks all the boxes for both the player and his family. On his last trip to Austin, which took place during Texas’ spring game in April, Edwards was seen spending extended time with Longhorns defensive line coach Bo Davis and several key returning players, including standout sophomore Ethan Burke. That visit was widely considered a turning point, as Edwards reportedly left campus with a glowing impression of the Longhorns’ facilities, culture, and defensive vision. Sources close to the situation say that Texas’ ability to develop NFL-caliber defenders—evidenced most recently by the success of players like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II—has not gone unnoticed by Edwards and his inner circle.
Still, Texas is far from the only major player in the mix. Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State have all maintained consistent communication with Edwards, and each offers its own unique advantages. Georgia’s proximity to home and championship pedigree are obvious selling points. Alabama’s tradition of elite defensive development under Nick Saban—and now Kalen DeBoer—gives the Crimson Tide a seat at the table in virtually any recruitment. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s recent track record with pass rushers like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Zach Harrison has kept the Buckeyes in the conversation, particularly after Edwards made an unofficial visit to Columbus in late March.
However, Texas may have a secret weapon in the form of NIL infrastructure and long-term vision. The Longhorns’ collective, along with a revitalized brand following their return to national prominence and upcoming move to the SEC, presents a uniquely attractive package for top-tier recruits. Edwards, who has spoken candidly about wanting to maximize both his collegiate development and business opportunities, has reportedly been impressed with how Texas has helped its current players navigate the NIL landscape. With figures like Quinn Ewers, Xavier Worthy, and Kelvin Banks Jr. serving as visible examples of that success, Texas has been able to craft a pitch that balances football, future, and financial growth.
What remains to be seen is whether the Longhorns can close. While momentum is clearly on their side, recruiting is a fluid and volatile game, especially with a player of Edwards’ caliber. There’s also the matter of upcoming official visits. Edwards is expected to take at least three more officials before making his July announcement, with scheduled stops at Alabama, Georgia, and Texas in June. The order of those visits could be telling. According to reports, Texas will host Edwards last—a potentially strategic move that would allow the Longhorns to make the final impression before he makes his decision public. It’s a tactic that has worked in their favor before, most notably with linebacker Anthony Hill and wide receiver Johntay Cook II in recent cycles.
Texas fans hoping for a commitment will need to stay patient but optimistic. While nothing is ever certain in the world of high-stakes recruiting, the Longhorns are undeniably in the thick of the battle and may even be in the lead heading into the final stretch. Sarkisian and his staff know the importance of landing a player like Edwards, not only for what he brings on the field, but also for the statement it would make on the recruiting trail. Beating out the likes of Alabama and Georgia for an elite SEC-area talent would be yet another sign that Texas is truly back—and ready to compete at the highest level in their new conference home.
The timing of Edwards’ announcement is also significant in the broader context of Texas’ 2025 recruiting class. The Longhorns have already secured commitments from several top offensive prospects, including quarterback K.J. Lacey and wide receiver Jaime Ffrench. However, the defensive side of the ball has been slower to come together. A pledge from Edwards would not only kickstart momentum defensively but could also have a domino effect, encouraging other top defenders to take a second look at Texas. Players like four-star linebacker Justin Williams and cornerback Zion Ferguson have reportedly been keeping tabs on where Edwards lands—and his choice could sway their own decisions.
Furthermore, landing a prospect of Edwards’ caliber at a premium position like EDGE has broader implications for roster construction and scheme flexibility. In today’s college football landscape, where offenses are increasingly built to stress the perimeter and attack quickly, having a dominant edge rusher who can win one-on-one and collapse the pocket is invaluable. Edwards profiles as exactly that kind of player, and his presence would allow the Longhorns to be more aggressive on the back end, knowing they have a game-wrecker up front. It’s the kind of addition that elevates a defense from good to great—and potentially into the national title conversation.
For now, the countdown to July 20 begins. Expect plenty of twists and turns between now and then, with every visit, quote, and social media post dissected by fans and analysts alike. The Longhorns will continue their full-court press, knowing that the finish line is in sight. And for Edwards, the next two months will be about gathering the final pieces of information, weighing his priorities, and preparing to take the next step in his football journey.
Texas has made its pitch. The path to playing early, competing at the highest level, developing into a first-round draft pick, and building a brand off the field is clearly laid out. Now, all eyes turn to Edwards and the decision that could shape not just his future—but the trajectory of Texas’ defense for years to come.
