The Texas Longhorns have plenty to celebrate, as Steve Sarkisian has landed one of the best linebackers from the Class of 2026, Kosi Okpala from Mayde Creek High School. By choosing Texas, Okpala is not only staying in the Lone Star State, but he now also become the 16th commitment for the Longhorns from the Class of 2026.
View this post on Instagram
Kosi Okpala received over 30 different offers from schools all over the US, including Baylor, Houston, Penn State, and Miami. He is the No. 283 overall prospect, according to Rivals/On3 and is the No. 11 linebacker from his class. He is also ranked the No. 27 player in Texas.
He is regarded as one of the most sought-after defensive players in the country after tallying 55 total tackles with 17.0 for loss and 5.0 sacks during his junior season. He also had 21 hurries and a fumble recovery.
Here is how college football analyst Daniel Seahorn describes Okpala:
“Okpala is currently an EDGE defender that will likely make the transition to an off the ball linebacker position at the college level. He possesses adequate size at his 6’2, 230 pounds and already has a nice muscular frame for himself at this stage in his development. Shows good initial quickness at the snap and shows the ability to run the arc and turn the corner as as a pass rusher off the edge,” he said.
“Shows okay use of his hands when taking on blocks, but would like to see him be more assertive against blocks when he lines up as an off the ball linebacker. Shows good effort as a pursuit defender. Has produced solid production over the past two seasons with 31 TFLs and 9 sacks along with 3 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery,” Seahorn added.
Kosi Okpala Commitment Considered a Big Win for Texas’ Recruiting Efforts
Johnny Nansen, the linebacking coach for Texas, has been focusing on recruiting key in-state talent. In getting an EDGE linebacker like Kosi Okpala, he has fulfilled one of his goals. The four-star prospect is considered a physical specimen with explosive athleticism, but is also quite versatile because he can play both inside and outside linebacker roles.
With Okpala, Texas has also managed to fulfill its need for traditional inside linebackers, as they become increasingly difficult to find in the modern game. Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns can aim to develop the linebacker even further, and he may even become a starter after a year.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
