Texas Longhorns WR Commit Sets Official Visit with SMU Mustangs
The Texas Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class received a shakeup recently when one of their prized wide receiver commits, Jaxon Ross, announced plans to take an official visit to SMU (Southern Methodist University). While it might not be unusual for recruits to take visits to other schools even after committing, Ross’ decision to explore the SMU Mustangs raises some eyebrows, especially given his verbal commitment to Texas.
As one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country, Ross’ commitment to the Longhorns was seen as a significant win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff. However, his decision to take an official visit to another program has added some uncertainty to his recruitment, prompting both excitement and speculation from the Texas fanbase.
Who is Jaxon Ross?
Jaxon Ross is an elite wide receiver prospect hailing from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas. Known for his excellent hands, quickness, and ability to make plays downfield, Ross has the potential to be a game-changing player at the next level. He has an impressive mix of size, speed, and route-running ability, which made him a high priority for Sarkisian’s offense, which relies heavily on wide receiver talent to execute its high-flying attack.
Since committing to Texas, Ross has been considered one of the cornerstones of the Longhorns’ receiving corps for the 2025 recruiting cycle. His commitment initially sent a clear message that the Longhorns were serious about building a talented receiving unit, especially as the team looks to bolster its passing game.
The SMU Visit: What Does It Mean?
Jaxon Ross’ decision to set up an official visit with SMU raises some interesting questions about the dynamics of his recruitment. Typically, once a player commits to a school, they limit their visits to other programs. However, in Ross’ case, this visit to SMU, a program that competes in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), suggests there may be some uncertainty surrounding his pledge to Texas.
SMU has had recent success in recruiting and developing talent, especially in the wide receiver position. The Mustangs have proven themselves as a capable offensive unit, and under head coach Rhett Lashlee, SMU has been known to produce dynamic passing attacks. Ross could be attracted to the idea of playing in a system that could allow him to shine early, particularly if he feels there’s a greater opportunity for immediate impact.
However, it’s important to note that this official visit doesn’t necessarily signal that Ross is wavering on his commitment to Texas. Official visits are a part of the recruiting process, and it’s possible Ross simply wants to see what other schools, including SMU, have to offer before signing his National Letter of Intent. Recruiting, after all, is a fluid and evolving process, and players often want to ensure they are making the right decision.
What Does This Mean for Texas?
For the Texas Longhorns, Ross’ visit to SMU is certainly something to monitor. While there’s no indication that Ross is decommitting or looking to transfer his commitment, the Longhorns coaching staff may need to step up their efforts to solidify his place in their 2025 class. Sarkisian and his staff have built strong relationships with Ross and his family, and they will likely work to reaffirm the reasons why Texas is the best fit for him in the long term.
The key here is communication. Texas will likely emphasize how much Ross is valued in their offensive plans, especially as the Longhorns continue to grow under Sarkisian’s leadership. Texas’ offense has seen significant improvements since Sarkisian took over, and with the incoming class of recruits, including other standout wide receivers, the Longhorns are positioning themselves as one of the premier programs in the country.
Moreover, Texas has the advantage of playing in one of the top conferences in the nation, with access to premier facilities, resources, and the stage of the Big 12 (soon to be the SEC). Sarkisian and his staff will undoubtedly highlight how these factors could contribute to Ross’ development as both a college and future NFL player.
The Impact of Jaxon Ross’ Commitment
If Jaxon Ross stays committed to Texas, it would be a huge boon for the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts. Ross is expected to be a big-time contributor, and with his ability to create mismatches and stretch defenses, he would add an element of explosiveness to the Longhorns’ offense. Additionally, his commitment would bolster Texas’ already impressive receiving corps, which will play a vital role in Sarkisian’s offensive scheme.
Having a player of Ross’ caliber in the fold could also help Texas continue to land other elite wide receiver prospects in the future. With Ross, along with some other potential recruits, Texas could create one of the most dynamic wide receiver rooms in the country—something that would be invaluable to Sarkisian’s aerial attack.
However, if Ross were to change his mind and decommit from Texas, it would be a significant blow to the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts. Although Texas has other top-tier wide receiver targets, losing a player of Ross’ caliber would create a void in a position that has long been an area of focus for the program. A decommitment would force Sarkisian to pivot his recruiting strategy for the position, but given his track record, it’s likely he’d adjust and find another elite talent to fill the gap.
The Recruiting Landscape
As college football recruiting continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly common for players to take visits to other schools even after committing. In this case, Ross’ decision to take a visit to SMU may simply be a part of his process of making the best decision for his future. Texas, with its recent momentum under Sarkisian, still remains a highly attractive destination for top recruits, and there’s no doubt that the Longhorns have all the tools needed to help Ross reach his full potential.
However, the rise of programs like SMU, which have been more competitive in recent years, is making recruiting a more competitive endeavor. For a recruit like Ross, the opportunity to explore all options before making a final decision is natural. And while SMU is not yet in the same recruiting tier as Texas, the Mustangs’ offensive success and vision for the future could make them a compelling choice.
What’s Next for Jaxon Ross?
It remains to be seen what Ross will ultimately decide after his visit to SMU. If the visit to the Mustangs changes the trajectory of his recruitment, it could mean some major shifts for both SMU and Texas. However, given the Longhorns’ recruiting staff’s efforts to build strong relationships with their 2025 commits, it’s likely that they will make a strong push to retain Ross’ commitment.
As the recruiting process continues to unfold, both Texas and SMU will be closely monitoring Ross’ decision, with the Longhorns eager to hold onto one of their top targets for 2025.