KJ Edwards, one of the highest-ranked running backs in the 2026 class, plays his prep football at Carthage High School in east Texas and has been in the sights of many big-name programs, including the in-state Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies.
Edwards’s remarks to a reporter recently prove that everything really is bigger in the Lone Star State — especially college football recruiting.
KJ Edwards on Steve Sarkisian’s Texas’ Playoff Losses
After visiting the Longhorns for Junior Day on Jan. 19, Edwards shared his thoughts on the school with Rivals.com’s Adam Gorney. According to the reporter, the running back said, “They have that ‘chip on their shoulder’ from the back-to-back playoff losses, but Texas isn’t going anywhere, and I believe they will make it happen next year.”
No. 1 running back KJ Edwards after visiting Texas over the weekend.@OB_JasonS pic.twitter.com/LVM63Eyaar
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) January 28, 2025
After coming very close to national championship berths twice in the last two seasons, pressure is starting to build in Austin. This season, Steve Sarkisian and his squad lost in the College Football Playoff semifinal to eventual winner Ohio State.
On the other hand, Texas A&M is also in the picture for the Rivals’ top-ranked running back’s commitment, as Edwards had a good experience in College Station during his unofficial visit and thinks his playing style fits well with their offense.
However, the back is taking his time with the decision and hasn’t chosen a program just yet. He plans to visit Texas and Texas A&M officially, but other schools, such as Clemson, Georgia, and USC, are also pursuing him.
“All are great schools, and I could see great things,” Edwards told On3. “I want to give all the schools that recruit me hard a chance.”
When it comes to making his choice, Edwards said, “When I commit, it will be about God’s choice, but for me, I am about relationships and who can coach me up for the NFL. Those are the two main things for me. It will be about the fit for me and my parents, too.”
KEEP READING: 2026 College Football National Championship Odds
He further noted that he is expecting to decide by summer — around June or July.
“I haven’t narrowed my list down or anything yet, but I know Texas and Texas A&M will get official visits,” the RB told On3. “Those two are recruiting me hard; they are doing all they can to build relationships, and I am feeling good about those two schools.”
Texas is in the lead with a 56.9% chance to receive his pledge, according to On3’s predictions. Meanwhile, the ACC’s SMU Mustangs have a 25.5% probability.
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