The Texas Longhorns are eagerly waiting with anticipation this weekend as they roll out the red carpet for a slew of top-tier 2026 recruits. This event marks a pivotal moment for the program, which has been steadily climbing the ranks under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Set for June 13-15, 2025, the visit coincides with a critical stretch in the recruiting cycle, where high school stars make decisions that could shape the future of the team.
Among the standout names are five-star offensive lineman Felix Ojo and four-star edge rusher Xavier Griffin, alongside other promising talents like Zaden Krempin and Jalen Lott. This weekend is a chance for Texas to solidify its status as a recruiting powerhouse and build on recent successes.
Showcasing Talent: Key 2026 Prospects Visiting the 40 Acres
The lineup of recruits heading to Texas this weekend reads like a who’s who of high school football. Ojo leads the pack, a 6’7”, 280-pound offensive tackle from Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas.
His physical presence and technical skill have turned heads, with offers pouring in from over 70% of the 2024-25 College Football Playoff teams, according to data from Prestige Management Group. Ojo’s visit comes when Texas is looking to strengthen its offensive line, a unit critical to supporting a dynamic offense under Sarkisian’s guidance.
Joining Ojo is Krempin, a four-star offensive tackle from Prosper High School. Standing at 6’6” and 290 pounds, Krempin brings versatility and strength to the table. His visit could signal interest in joining a line already shaping up to be a cornerstone of the 2026 class.
BIG WEEKEND for the Longhorns 🤘
Some of Texas’ Top Recruiting Targets Make Their Way to the 40 Acres This Weekend Including:
5⭐OL Felix Ojo @FelixTheOL
4⭐OL Zaden Krempin @zadenkrempin
4⭐ ATH Jalen Lott @JLott2026
4⭐ Edge Xavier Griffin @zay_social
+ Many More! 🤘Read… pic.twitter.com/jODGjVXVbc
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) June 13, 2025
On the defensive side, Griffin, a four-star edge rusher from Duncanville High School, adds intrigue. Known for his speed and pass-rushing ability, Griffin’s potential visit highlights Texas’ effort to fortify its front seven.
His recruitment status remains fluid, with analysts noting his athletic profile could see him excel at multiple positions, a trend seen in about 20% of top recruits.
Rounding out the group is Lott, a four-star athlete from Panther Creek High School in Frisco, Texas. At 6’0” and 170 pounds, Lott’s versatility as a wide receiver or defensive back makes him a valuable target.
Strategic Timing: Why This Weekend Matters for Texas Football
The choice of mid-June for this recruiting push aligns with a busy summer season where camps, showcases, and official visits dominate the calendar. According to a 2023 NCAA study, schools hosting high-profile visit weekends see a 15% higher commitment rate compared to those relying solely on later official visits.
For Texas, this timing capitalizes on the momentum from recent commitments, including defensive tackle Dylan Berymon, wide receiver Kohen Brown, defensive tackle Corey Wells, and punter Mikey Bukauskas, all of whom pledged in the past week.
The program’s move to the SEC has already elevated its profile, with tougher matchups and increased exposure drawing attention from top athletes. Sarkisian’s approach, focusing on early signings while nurturing ties with elite prospects, mirrors the strategy that landed five-star defensive lineman Justus Terry in the 2025 cycle.
With the 2026 class still in its infancy, this weekend could set the stage for a top-ranked haul.
Competitive Landscape: Texas Faces Stiff Rivalries
Texas isn’t the only program in the hunt. The SEC’s expansion has intensified competition, with Alabama, Georgia, and LSU also vying for these same recruits. Ojo, for instance, holds offers from all three, while Griffin’s athletic profile has drawn interest from SEC and Big Ten schools alike.
The Longhorns’ recent success, reaching the 2023 College Football Playoff and finishing 2024 with a strong record, gives them a leg up, but the race remains tight.
National recruiting rankings from On3, updated as of this month, place Texas among the top 10 classes for 2026, though no commitments have been locked in from this weekend’s visitors yet.
KEEP READING: ‘There’s No One Who’s Clearly Gonna Be Ahead of Them’ — Analyst Gets Honest About No. 1 Team in the SEC
The program’s ability to outmaneuver rivals will hinge on personalized recruitment plans and the relationships built during these visits. With the early signing period looming in December, every interaction counts, especially for blue-chip prospects who often wait until late in the cycle to decide.
The buzz around this recruiting weekend ties directly to Texas’ upward trajectory, a point recently underscored by ESPN. In a June 2025 article from Athlon Sports, the network named the Longhorns the college football program with the highest trajectory over the next two seasons.
This assessment reflects on-field results, coaching stability, and recruiting gains. The 2025 class ranks highly, bolstered by four recent commitments, and the 2026 cycle could push Texas into elite territory.
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