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Texas Recruiting Notes 2026: They Can't Keep Getting Away With This


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Posted

 

(Fairly measured and conservative takes;  Billy Liucci would not approve.)

 

The Stampede: Weekend intel after Texas' second loaded official visit slate
Texas continued official visit season by hosting 14 more prospects this past weekend, and while the Longhorns are yet to pick up a string a commitments like they did last official visit weekend, Horns247 has intel on who could be next to join the class in this week's edition of The Stampede.
Horns247 Staff
 

 

Spoiler

 

The Stampede: Weekend intel after Texas' second loaded official visit slate
Texas continued official visit season by hosting 14 more prospects this past weekend, and while the Longhorns are yet to pick up a string a commitments like they did last official visit weekend, Horns247 has intel on who could be next to join the class in this week's edition of The Stampede.
Horns247 Staff
 

Texas hosted the second of three official visitor groups over the weekend, as they brought in 14 prospects with several of those recruits being prospects Horns247 eventually expects to end up in the class. 

Horns247 was plugged in to new developments and storylines to watch on the Forty Acres throughout the past few days, and spoke with a number of the prospects who made the trip.

Before the Longhorns bring in a dozen-plus prospects this coming weekend, let's take a look at some of the names to watch after weekend No. 2.

Brunswick (Ga.) Top247 ATH Heze Kent
— Though there were several Texas fans who questioned if Kent could really play tight end at the next level after seeing the visit photos from the 6-foot-5, 300 pounder, Texas is continuing to pursue Kent to play tight end. Kent has always viewed himself as a tight end at the next level, and if schools recruiting him weren't talking about playing him at tight end, then Kent wasn't talking. He'll need to reshape his body before he's playable at the next level, but he's still a rare type of athlete that can stick at tight end at the next level as long as he buys into the reshaping of his body. 

Florida, Florida State, and Miami are the other schools in consideration besides Texas, and there's an argument to be made that the Longhorns need him more than the other programs due to Mark Bowman committing to USC and Kaiden Prothro trending to Georgia. Kent didn't say much when speaking with the media at the airport, but it seems as if the visit moved the needle for the Longhorns' chances, who have now hosted Kent three times. Up next is an official visit to Florida State before Kent shuts things down and goes into decision mode ahead of a July 12th commitment date. (SCRUGGS)

Mansfield Lake Ridge five-star OT Felix Ojo
— Horns247 is scheduled to get on the phone with Ojo later today and we'll have more intel on him following our conversation. From what we've gathered thus far, it seems like the trip went well, but we're going to continue gathering more info before reporting more on this recruitment. With Oklahoma off the schedule for the final weekend, Horns247 feels as if Ojo could announce a commitment date at any point, or even pull the trigger at any point. (SCRUGGS)

Clearwater (Fla.) Top247 IOL Samuel Roseborough
— At one point this seemed to be a shoo-in for the Longhorns. Roseborough's mom lives in Austin, UT has prioritized the Clearwater standout, and the program is making a big push for linemen in this class. And while Texas didn't hurt its chances this weekend, Texas A&M has emerged as a more serious threat for the 6-foot-4, 285-pounder, per sources. I view this as a Lone Star State Showdown down the stretch for Roseborough. Originally he had been set to visit Ohio State this past weekend before Texas the June 20-22. He shuffled his schedule this past week. We'll see what this weekend brings in terms of scheduling. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how this one will shake out as the in-state rivals trade punches. (SOUTH)

Prosper Top247 OL Zaden Krempin
— 247Sports should have a story out with quotes from Krempin later today, but from what we've gathered thus far it seems like Daniel Cruz did a great job hosting his good friend and longtime training partner. Kyle Flood has really turned up the heat on this recruitment in the last few months, and it's paying off as Horns247 still believes the Longhorns will be in the final two come decision time. As we've reported for a few weeks, Krempin fully intends to take all of his official visits before announcing a commitment. With a trip to Ann Arbor scheduled for this weekend, expect Krempin to shut things down by the end of the summer, and likely sooner than later. (SCRUGGS)

Buford (Ga.) five-star DL Bryce Perry-Wright
— Most recruits you can "follow the visits" and have a pretty good idea where they're leaning. For Perry-Wright, he's visited each of his four finalists on more than one occasion. When it comes to Texas, he's been to Austin at least five or six times throughout his recruitment. A July 4 commitment date is upcoming. I've said a few times since January I've viewed Clemson as a quiet trendy pick for the five-star defensive lineman. The Tigers, Miami, and Texas A&M are the top four duking it out for the Buford product. Perry-Wright says each school is even. Per sources, I think this looks more like a Texas/Clemson race with a few more weeks of final pitches to go. Too early to call. (SOUTH)

Birmingham (Ala.) Parker Top247 DL Vodney Cleveland
— Cleveland has been very well-traveled over the last month, seeing Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina prior to his trip to Texas. At this point, we're still waiting to hear how the visit may have changed the tides in his recruitment, but heading into the weekend, the Gators were thought of as being in a leading position.

Don't count out Texas though, or a few others like Tennessee and North Carolina before he likely announces his commitment before the month's end. (TURBOFF)

Richland (N.J.) St. Augustine Prep Top247 DL Damari Simeon
— It's Texas vs. the Big 10's best for this 6-foot-3, 275-pound lineman, and we like the Longhorns' chances. On his way out of town, Simeon raved about his relationship with Kenny Baker, his conversations with Steve Sarkisian, and even a presentation from the McCombs School of Business.

After having already seen Michigan, Penn State, and now Texas, it's time for Simeon to head for Ohio State, the school that likely poses the largest threat to UT. (TURBOFF)

Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy Top247 EDGE Jake Kreul
— Unlike most of the defensive names that visited throughout the weekend, there hasn't been a ton of buzz around Kreul and the Longhorns. That being said, his return trip to Austin went very well as far as we know, but it just may not be enough to overcome Florida, who has long been considered the team to watch.

Kreul will take his final official visit to Oklahoma this weekend, and a decision is expected at some point in the weeks following. At least for now, don't hold your breath for a Texas commitment. (TURBOFF)

Buford (Ga.) three-star EDGE Dre Quinn
— If you ask me, a team hasn't recruited Quinn better than Texas has the last few months. The Longhorns surged up his list following an unofficial visit in April. At the time I was considering putting in a Crystal Ball pick but held off with his lengthy list of official visits on the horizon. Now, coming off he and his parents' return trip to Austin, I think the Longhorns have emerged as the team to beat, if not right there neck and neck with Clemson. I don't believe we'll see Quinn take his visit to Notre Dame this upcoming weekend, and a decision date to be set relatively soon. Per sources, this is a Texas/Clemson race and I like the odds for the Longhorns as things stand. (SOUTH)

Gainesville (Ga.) five-star LB Xavier Griffin
— I think the safe pick is Alabama when trying to predict a decision that is now 13 days away. However, Texas is making the Crimson Tide work for it. It's no secret Texas is trying to hit big at the linebacker position this cycle, and Griffin and his versatility to play inside or out would be just that. Florida State will get him in this upcoming weekend, but the Tide and Longhorns appear to be setting the pace, per sources. Talking to sources around the Longhorns, and the feeling is this past weekend boosted UT's already strong chances for Griffin. There is optimism on the Forty Acres, but that's to be expected after all-inclusive visits that are designed to show the best parts of a school and city. 

Of course he's got family ties to the Yellowhammer State and those can't be overlooked. But Texas and its plan for Griffin both academically and athletically has he and the family very intrigued with the opportunity in Austin. I thought the safe pick for Justus Terry was Georgia last December and we saw how that turned out. I think Texas is right there with the Crimson Tide, especially since at least two sources have said it's going to be a "tough decision" for the nation's No. 1 linebacker, a decision that he hasn't made yet. Texas will try to keep chipping away here but just seeing how far they've come from simply wanting to check Texas out back in January, to possibly being a top two finalist is a pretty good run. We'll see if Texas can get it done. (SOUTH)

Marietta (Ga.) Kell Top247 LB Brayden Rouse
— Rouse returned to Texas for the first time since an unofficial visit in April, and told Horns247 that this trip exceeded his high expectations. This coming weekend, the nation's No. 4 linebacker will travel to Tennessee, a school that's been recruiting him far longer than any of the three others still in contention, and may have a slight lead as a result. 

After that, Rouse will wrap up what has been a very structured, methodical process with his family when it comes to choosing between the Vols, Longhorns, Michigan and Alabama. Texas appeared to have done a great job on the trip, and that very liley puts them right up there with Tennessee. (TURBOFF)

Cornelius (NC) Hough Top247 CB Samari Matthews
— Similar to my stance on Quinn, I loved where UT stood after Matthews' unofficial visit in the spring. And I love where they stand now. The only difference is I already put a Crystal Ball pick in during the spring. Matthews, however, will take his final official visit over to South Carolina this upcoming weekend. Clemson, Miami, and Florida State are the others in play. Texas welcomed Matthews and several members of his family to campus this past weekend, giving the full red-carpet experience. While the Longhorns came in later than the other contenders, they've rapidly made up ground. Sources like Texas' standing here with an Aug. 10 decision date still on the calendar. I wouldn't be shocked to see him move that date up, though. (SOUTH)

Austin Anderson three-star S Yaheim Riley — Texas commit
— The local prospect had the shortest drive time of any prospect that has taken an official visit to Texas since the Longhorns were recruiting Colton Vasek out of Westlake in the 2023 cycle. It was more of a lowkey trip with Riley already being a commit and someone that's never been a fan of the recruiting process, but the Texas safety commit enjoyed his time on campus and could be back next week as an unofficial visitor during Texas' June 20-22 official visit weekend. (SCRUGGS)

Frisco Panther Creek Top247 ATH Jalen Lott
— Lott is another prospect Horns247 is still working to gather information on and should have in the near future. Oregon, USC, and Texas are the schools with the most buzz, and there's still time for things to sway one direction or another with an official visit to Oregon still taking place this weekend and a commitment date scheduled for the Fourth of July. The Trojans would like to land one of Lott or Ethan Feaster for their last receiver spot, whereas Oregon is looking to add two to three more wideouts to their class to join Messiah Hampton. Texas on the other hand would like to add Lott, and his fellow Texas legacy Kaydon Finley to round out the Longhorns' receiver class with Chris Stewart and Kohen Brown. (SCRUGGS)

 

 

 

  • Hook 'Em 6
Posted
1 hour ago, closetojumping said:

The old “throw out another million” maneuver. Always advocated for by those without the millions. Always the magical and obvious answer no one else has considered. It’s the ultimate ultimate weapon. 

Not only ^^^ but also now is not the time to do it. Let the season play out, fill out the recruiting class, and then make a push  for your true needs.

  • Hook 'Em 3
Posted

 

This is good :-)).  

Kendall Guervil's comments to Gators 247, after his OV there.

*****************************************************************

After his visit to Florida, the No. 1 school remains the same, but it remains a close race.

"I'd say it's pretty tight," Guervil told Swamp247.
His No. 1 school is still Texas, and he is set to go on his official visit with the Longhorns on June 20, which will round out his official visit schedule. 

"The list is still the same," Guervil said after the visit.

**********************************************************************

 

FULL ARTICLE

 

Florida remains in top conversation after official visit for 4-star DL Kendall Guervil
Guervil is a 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive lineman from Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, Florida. He officially visited Florida on June 13-15.
Tyler Harden
 

 

Spoiler

 

Florida remains in top conversation after official visit for 4-star DL Kendall Guervil
Guervil is a 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive lineman from Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, Florida. He officially visited Florida on June 13-15.
Tyler Harden
 

Florida has been recruiting four-star defensive lineman Kendall Guervil since his freshman year. On Friday, he took his official visit with the Gators.

Guervil, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive lineman from Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, Florida, had been to Florida several times. However, another school currently holds the No. 1 spot in his recruitment. After his visit to Florida, the No. 1 school remains the same, but it remains a close race.

"I'd say it's pretty tight," Guervil told Swamp247.


His No. 1 school is still Texas, and he is set to go on his official visit with the Longhorns on June 20, which will round out his official visit schedule. 

"The list is still the same," Guervil said after the visit.

Florida has time to take that No. 1 spot, however, and the chance of it doing so are certainly there. Guervil doesn't plan on making a decision until December. He wants to get through his senior season and also see how teams perform during the season before making his decision.

Along with Florida and Texas, Georgia also holds a top spot in Guervil's recruitment, and he visited the Bulldogs on June 6. With Florida being the closest of the three schools to his hometown, Guervil expects to be able to make multiple games at Florida this season.

"I'm definitely going to show up to some games," Guervil said. "Just based on the season, that's really what will make my decision."

Guervil still enjoyed his official visit to Florida despite Texas still holding the No. 1 spot, and he appreciated how he was able to get his family around the coaches for more in-depth conversations. In fact, having his family with him on the visit played a big factor.

It played into the highlight of the visit, but he enjoyed being able to be a part of the things that the official visit had to offer.

"Definitely being able to spend time with the players," Guervil said of his highlight of the visit. "Having the photoshoot with my parents and everyone."


Kendall Guervil (Photo: Tyler Harden, 247Sports)
 Caleb Banks was Guervil's player host on the official visit, and he was able to get some valuable insight on what it's like to be a player in the Florida football program. The player perspective was also something Guervil appreciated.

"He's a good guy. I'm glad I had him as my host," Guervil said. "We were able to chop it up, and he was able to give me some life lessons and tips and advices about coming here."

Guervil was able to spend a lot of time around defensive line coach Gerald Chatman, but he really resonated with the conversation he had with Billy Napier. Once again, he was glad his parents were able to be present for that.

"Brought my parents up here for the first time, he was really excited about that," Guervil said.

Florida made a positive impression on Guervil following the official visit, but its expected that Texas will continue to lead the way after an official visit with the Longhorns. Luckily for Florida, there's lots of time for his recruitment to change.

Guervil is ranked as the No. 12 defensive lineman in the country, the No. 9 player in Florida and the No. 77 overall recruit in the 2026 class.

 

 

 

  • Hook 'Em 8
Posted

CJ Vogel

 

Recapping the visits for Xavier Griffin and Brayden Rouse

***

Xavier Griffin, LB, Gainesville (Ga.) High

One of the top targets on the board for the Longhorns this weekend and major priority for the 2026 class, Xavier Griffin, recapped his official visit. The Longhorns are right in the thick of things here for the five-star linebacker.

"I would just say being around the guys," Griffin said about the highlights of his trip. "It was a good time. I just enjoyed the visit."

LaAllen Clark has been running point on this recruitment and the relationship with Griffin has been paying off thus far.

"(He was) trying to stress how bad they want me," Griffin said about Clark. "Just trying to show me how they can use me and take me to the next level."

Of course, Clark coaches on the defensive edge spot, and that is a position that Griffin has been receptive to play. At 6-feet-4-inches and 205 pounds, Clark has some Anthony Hill Jr. tendencies to his game that Texas envisions using off the edge and in the middle of the field. That idea of getting after the passer and playing off ball linebacker is something that Griffin is open to.

Griffin told me that he hears a mix from each school in his recruitment about their plan to use him at the next level. Some pitch off ball only, some off the edge, and others with a mix of both.

Zelus Hicks and Bo Barnes were singled out as two of the guys Griffin was able to spend most of his time with during the trip. Griffin also said he was able to sit down with Steve Sarkisian on Sunday morning and discuss how he would fit in at Texas should he choose the Longhorns.

There is a decision date for Griffin set for June 29.

"A lot of talks with my mom, my family, my circle," Griffin said. 

Griffin says he doesn't have a "leader" currently in his recruitment. But with that decision date closing in, there will be some big decisions made here in the next two weeks. Florida State will host the five-star backer next weekend.

Texas is right in the thick of things. Alabama remains the biggest threat and Florida State will get the final crack this weekend. 

***

 

***

Brayden Rouse, LB, Kell (Ga.) High

Continuing the theme of elite Georgia prospects on campus this weekend was LB Brayden Rouse, out of Kell High. The three-sport star was offered by the Horns back in late January and Texas has done a great job of climbing the ranks in this out of state recruitment.

There remains work to do, but Texas gave Rouse a lot to think about this weekend.

"It was a great," Rouse said. "This is my second time being on campus, obviously, so coming down and just continuing to build those relationships with the coaches and players was huge. Getting to see the town more and Austin, itself was great."

Bo Barnes was once again mentioned as one of the hosts this weekend. It sounded like Barnes put in a good word about his time so far on campus and laid out why he ended up committing to the Longhorns.

"His message was, 'It's going to be hard when you come in, but they are going to help you with the transition obviously. But you are going to have to come in and work,'" Rouse said. "I expected that, but for him to relay that message, shows that what they are saying is real. He told me several times during the visit that what (the coaches) were telling him before he came is actually what they do when you get here. It was the same way they were acting during the recruiting process, is how they act when you get here."

Texas was able to sit down with Rouse on the official visit and pitch where he would fit in the defensive picture. The 6-foot-3-inch, 210-pound linebacker fits more of the traditional middle of the defense than what is being pitched to Griffin above. 

"Seeing how I would fit in their scheme, I mean that was my biggest question coming into the visit," Rouse said. "Seeing how I would fit into their scheme and seeing that they have a plan for me is huge. That was the biggest thing for me."

The visit to watch in this recruitment comes next weekend. Rouse will return to Tennessee for his final official visit, a campus that he is the most familiar with in his recruitment. Rouse visited the Vols April 12 and May 24 of this spring, and of course returns this weekend.

Rouse has been to Tennessee the most of any school that has been recruiting him and my expectation is that the Vols do whatever they can to ensure that he does not leave the trip with any questions about where he wants to be.

Still, Rouse mentioned he is hoping to stick to his commitment play of the first or second week in July.

The decision process will come down to a sit down with his parents after each visit. There will be deliberation between the visit, the campus, the football scheme, the education and everything in between. Rouse said he and his family will break down the pros and cons, then assign each visit a score before doing the same process again once all of his official visits have concluded.

Steve Sarkisian made it clear to Rouse on the trip that the Longhorns are recruiting him as a top priority this cycle, but the work done by Tennessee should not be discounted.

  • Hook 'Em 2
Posted
On 6/13/2025 at 9:50 PM, Tree Fidy said:

Tex, you are definitely value add here, but when do you play golf, go to a nice restaurant, get laid?   

I think Tex is more of a disc golf guy. 

 

Posted

Gerry Hamilton

 

Monday recruiting notes

Some notes with your brunch. 

Felix Ojo ...

Is possible/likely to make an OV out west this weekend, possibly Utah. Texas remains in a good spot.

Dre Quinn ...

Texas or Clemson. Tigers selling impact PT as a true freshman. Texas has had two terrific visits. Notre Dame OV this weekend is cancelled. Georgia will be in final three.

Zaden Krempin ...

Remains scheduled to OV to Michigan this weekend. Texas right there, but this one could come down to who makes a decision first out of Roseborough and Krempin. 

Samuel Roseborough ...

Texas A&M has the bigger NIL offer. Texas is the football preference. FSU is the third team that got an OV. 

Jalen Lott ...

Texas chances increased over the weekend. Oregon up this weekend. NIL is in play.

Bryce Perry-Wright ...

Visits A&M this weekend. Texas and Clemson perceived top 2, but OTF not ruling out A&M or Miami either. 

Samari Matthews ...

Confidence remains strong in Austin. Miami taking a swing. South Carolina OV this weekend. FSU is No. 4. 

Vodney Cleveland ...

Texas vs. Florida with North Carolina in it. Some confidence in Austin after the weekend. Georgia wants him too. Miami OV this weekend. 

Brayden Rouse ...

Tennessee the perceived leader over Texas headed into Vols OV this weekend. Alabama is No. 3 and Michigan No. 4.

Damari Simeon ...

Texas, Michigan and Ohio State. Penn State has to come from behind. One source believes Michigan or Texas due to academic combo. That same source likes Michigan's chances slightly. But Ohio State OV this weekend. 

  • Hook 'Em 4
Posted
3 hours ago, RockyMountainHighHorn said:

I’m still confused on this brown situation. We got development from a few players we thought were jags, this year we are relying on a peg leg Tar Heel and transfers. Getting a 5 star to have for multiple years seems like a massive need. Same with Bowman? I understand not being able to pay everyone what they want to the max but when are we going to start swinging our big Texas D and saying F it, an extra million won’t hurt. He went from loving our visit to now it’s over? 

We had the #1 class last year and likely a top 3 class this year and you think we're not swinging our dicks? OK guy

  • Hook 'Em 3
Posted
3 hours ago, closetojumping said:

Maybe it’s the ND catcher?

 

3 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

ND catcher or Virginia SS? Both?

 

3 hours ago, HenryJames said:

Baseball I assume.

Its a LHP

  • Hook 'Em 2
Posted
2 hours ago, BornAndRaised said:

1934665150792859944.webp

Those poor childrens hospitals man

Really cool with the staff taking a hard pass on this one.  As it stands, retention is tough as shit in this landscape.  Imagine having to re-recruit this guy every year until 2029-2030.  Kids are notoriously mercurial and selfish - some kids (and their uncles) more than others.  Too much squeeze for TBD juice.

Posted
6 minutes ago, Boko Bevo said:

Really cool with the staff taking a hard pass on this one.  As it stands, retention is tough as shit in this landscape.  Imagine having to re-recruit this guy every year until 2029-2030.  Kids are notoriously mercurial and selfish - some kids (and their uncles) more than others.  Too much squeeze for TBD juice.

Who said that Texas is taking a hard pass?

  • Hook 'Em 1
  • Like 2
Posted
9 minutes ago, Pato del Muerto said:

Sounds like someone working with old info. Could he correct, but it’s from before the Texas visit. 

This sounds like it could be a hard landing for old tyler if he is basing his projection on the fact that a kid told him his school led directly after a visit. 

Posted
4 hours ago, Chuckie Finster said:

Lamar Brown is scripting a perfect playbook on how to get paid even when the ultimate conclusion is inevitable.

The kid is definitely a money first recruit. Wonder what he would have done if LSU just said can't pay it and go to aggy? Was this guy really ready to go to aggy and become irrelevant for 3 to 5 years?

Posted
32 minutes ago, Hermanator said:

The kid is definitely a money first recruit. Wonder what he would have done if LSU just said can't pay it and go to aggy? Was this guy really ready to go to aggy and become irrelevant for 3 to 5 years?

There's a former No 1 recruiting class which answers your question. Money means different things to different people.

  • Hook 'Em 2
Posted

If I was a 5 or high 4 star with potential NFL measureables? I'd look at who puts dudes in my position into the NFL first. It's not like those programs aren't going to pay you anything. But the chance to get a couple of NFL contracts would be too valuable to trust myself to aggy except for maybe a defensive end. 

Posted
12 minutes ago, texifornia said:

20250616_193251.jpg

20250616_193253.jpg

This feels like one of the situations where an SEC reporter gets so anchored on a feeling/pick for an old SEC school, and the reporter discounts any new information related to Texas for one reason or another.

  • Hook 'Em 2
Posted
1 minute ago, Danimal said:

This feels like one of the situations where an SEC reporter gets so anchored on a feeling/pick for an old SEC school, and the reporter discounts any new information related to Texas for one reason or another.

image.gif.29041d2c4172597e659b1c1f0cf0e190.gif

  • Haha 1
Posted
Just now, closetojumping said:

This is a good point and it’s almost a constant with how the SEC honks cover Texas in every sport and damned near every subject. I imagine it could take these mouthbreathing rubes decades to get a handle for how things are now going to work. The dynamic has changed, dummies.  

We only win recruiting anymore because of money.  No one chooses this school because it's a great school in a great city with a great alumni base with a great coaching staff that has huge results recently both on the field and in the draft.  (and I am sure does also pay competitively...lol)

  • Hook 'Em 1
Posted
18 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

He's hedging now

 

Screenshot_20250616_184510_Chrome.jpg

Screenshot_20250616_184516_Chrome.jpg

Also, Spiegelman on Rivals just put in a Texas pick for Cleveland.

OMG!!  Money will be involved!  How did we not see this!

  • Haha 4

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