Texas already has the nation's hottest start to the 2025 recruiting cycle, with five early hires committed by the end of January.
Among them is one of the top quarterback candidates in the country. KJ Lacy. And now Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns are looking to add playmakers around him. Texas has already committed to four-star athlete Lance Jackson and four-star tight end Emalee Winston, but they are also likely to add one of the state's top receivers.
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) heavily favors the Longhorns for Houston (Texas) coach Hitchcock's four-star wideout Kelshawn Johnson. This is based on expert predictions made by recruiting insider Jerry Hamilton over the weekend.
“The No. 199 prospect in the On3 industry rankings returned to Austin for Junior Day on Saturday,” Hamilton wrote about Johnson on Monday. “The 5-foot-11.5, 165-pound playmaker with a 10.5 100-meter speed has already been an asset for the visiting Longhorns. This only further extended his lead.
…Today I entered the Longhorns On3 RPM pick at 70% and ended up taking an explosive wide receiver who fits a near-perfect scheme.head coach Steve Sarkisian Wide receiver coach continues to make Johnson feel like a priority chris jackson and area Recruiter Blake Gideon is strong at relationship building, which is part of the equation. ”
The Longhorns have been involved in recruiting Johnson for some time.
Jackson offered the 5-foot-11, 165-pound receiver after an impressive performance in June camp and remains a priority this season.
In addition to Texas, the University of Southern California, Penn State, Texas Tech and Oregon State are also among the candidates to acquire him.
Sarkisian also visited Johnson's school last week.
Looking for another top 5 recruiting class
The Longhorns' five commitments in the 2025 recruiting cycle are good enough for a class that currently ranks No. 9 in the On3 industry team recruiting rankings.
Lacey will headline the group.He is joined by Winston and Jackson, as well as four-star defensive lineman from Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie. Brandon Brown and 3-star EDGE in Pearland, Texas, Shadow Creek. anthony williams.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to play in the SEC.” Winston told On3. “The more I watch Texas and the more I see how they use their tight ends, the more I think about them. I love the Texas coach, the offensive line. I like the coach (Steve Sarkisian) is operated, which puts the city of Austin at the top of the list in Texas for me. ”
