Forecasting the first 5-Star commitment from Texas in 2025

As the Texas Longhorns continue to build a recruiting class that could set them up for success in the future, all eyes are on the upcoming 2025 recruiting cycle. Texas has always been a hotbed for high school football talent, and the state’s ability to produce elite prospects year after year makes it a prime destination for college programs, including the Longhorns. One of the major questions that Texas fans, coaches, and analysts are asking is: who will be the first 5-star commitment to the program for the 2025 recruiting class?

A 5-star recruit is an elite prospect—one of the best of the best. These players are often highly coveted by college programs across the country and are usually expected to make an immediate impact on the field. The first 5-star commit to Texas in 2025 will not only bolster the team’s recruiting class but also serve as a signal that the program is continuing to climb back to national prominence under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

In this article, we will forecast who the first 5-star commitment from Texas could be in 2025, breaking down the candidates and why they might choose to commit to the Longhorns. We’ll also discuss the program’s current trajectory, the recruits that Texas is targeting, and the factors that will influence the recruitment of these top-tier players.

Texas Longhorns’ Recruiting Momentum Under Steve Sarkisian

Since Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, the program has made significant strides in terms of recruiting. Texas has long been a recruiting powerhouse, but in recent years, the Longhorns had been overshadowed by rivals like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State when it came to landing the top talent.

However, Sarkisian’s offensive acumen, his ability to connect with recruits, and the consistent improvement of the program on the field have given Texas a renewed sense of excitement. Sarkisian’s offense, built around a dynamic passing game and a high-powered attack, has proven to be an attractive pitch to high school players, particularly quarterbacks and skill position players.

Sarkisian’s coaching staff has also done an excellent job of making Texas a highly desirable destination for recruits. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, Texas has already landed several high-profile commitments, including Arch Manning, one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. The fact that Texas was able to secure Manning’s commitment in 2023 spoke volumes about the program’s recruiting potential moving forward.

In addition to Arch Manning, Texas has managed to keep some of the state’s top talent in-state, which is a significant victory for the program. Recruiting is incredibly competitive in Texas, and being able to hold onto the best prospects from the state is critical for Texas’ long-term success. With that momentum, the Longhorns are in prime position to land their first 5-star recruit in 2025.

Who Could Be Texas’ First 5-Star Commitment in 2025?

Several top-tier recruits have emerged as potential 5-star candidates for the 2025 class. From quarterbacks to defensive stars, there are plenty of elite prospects that Texas is heavily involved with. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top names who could potentially be the first 5-star commitment to Texas in 2025:

1. Colton Feist, Defensive End (Denton, TX)

One of the most intriguing prospects in Texas for the 2025 recruiting class is Colton Feist, a highly-rated defensive end from Denton, Texas. Feist is an absolute physical specimen and has drawn comparisons to some of the top edge rushers in college football. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 245 pounds, Feist has the frame and athleticism to make an immediate impact at the college level.

Feist is known for his explosiveness off the edge and his ability to rush the passer, which is a crucial skill for modern defenses. His combination of size, speed, and technical skill has made him one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country. Texas has been heavily involved in his recruitment, and there are indications that the Longhorns could be the team to beat for Feist’s commitment.

Feist’s commitment would be a significant boost to Texas’ defensive line, which has seen marked improvement under Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. The Longhorns have a history of producing elite defensive players, and Feist could be the next great pass rusher to follow in the footsteps of former stars like Benson Mayowa and Malcolm Roach.

Given his relationship with the Texas coaching staff and the program’s recent success on the field, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Feist become Texas’ first 5-star commitment in 2025.

2. Bryce West, Cornerback (Dallas, TX)

Another elite Texas prospect that could make waves in the 2025 class is Bryce West, a cornerback from Dallas. West has been consistently ranked among the top cornerback prospects in the nation and has received attention from college programs across the country. His physicality, ball skills, and ability to cover receivers in all types of situations have made him one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the country.

The cornerback position is one that Texas has historically struggled to recruit at an elite level, but with the addition of Bryce West, the Longhorns would instantly have one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Texas has shown a strong interest in West, and he has visited Austin multiple times, which bodes well for the program’s chances of landing his commitment.

West’s potential to lock down receivers and contribute to a dominant secondary would be a major asset for Texas, and with the program’s success in recruiting top defensive players, he could very well be the first 5-star recruit to commit to the Longhorns in 2025.

3. Cedric Robinson, Running Back (Houston, TX)

The state of Texas is known for producing a wealth of talented running backs, and Cedric Robinson is no exception. Hailing from Houston, Robinson has already established himself as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 class. Known for his speed, agility, and vision, Robinson is a dynamic back who can make defenders miss and break long runs in the open field.

Texas has been heavily involved in Robinson’s recruitment, and with the Longhorns’ offense being built around a strong running game, Robinson would be an excellent fit in Sarkisian’s system. The addition of Robinson would bolster Texas’ already impressive stable of running backs and provide a versatile playmaker for the future.

While Robinson may not have as high a profile as some of the defensive recruits in Texas for the 2025 class, his potential as a difference-maker in the backfield makes him a strong candidate to be the first 5-star commitment for Texas in 2025.

4. Jaiden Bellamy, Wide Receiver (Fort Worth, TX)

Jaiden Bellamy is another player who could potentially be Texas’ first 5-star commitment in 2025. Bellamy, a wide receiver from Fort Worth, has emerged as one of the top pass-catching prospects in the country. With his combination of speed, route running, and ball skills, Bellamy has the potential to be a star in the Longhorns’ offense.

Texas has consistently been a contender for elite wide receiver talent, and Bellamy could provide the Longhorns with a dynamic playmaker on the outside. His ability to stretch the field and make spectacular catches would add a new dimension to an already explosive offense.

Given Texas’ recent success with high-profile wide receiver recruits and their growing relationship with Bellamy, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him become the first 5-star commitment for the Longhorns in the 2025 cycle.

Key Factors Influencing Texas’ Recruitment of 5-Star Prospects

Several factors will play a significant role in the recruitment of 5-star prospects for the 2025 class, and the Texas Longhorns are well-positioned to take advantage of these dynamics.

1. Sarkisian’s Offensive Scheme

Texas’ offensive scheme under Steve Sarkisian has been a major draw for recruits, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks and skill players in a high-powered offense makes the Longhorns an attractive destination for top offensive recruits. As the offensive mastermind behind Alabama’s 2020 national championship-winning team, Sarkisian’s success speaks for itself.

The Longhorns’ commitment to developing talent on offense, particularly at the quarterback and wide receiver positions, gives them a significant edge in recruiting. With Arch Manning in the fold and an exciting offensive system in place, Texas is poised to attract some of the top offensive talent in the country.

2. Texas’ Recent Success

Texas has shown significant progress in recent years under Sarkisian, particularly in the Big 12. The Longhorns’ performance on the field will be crucial in attracting top talent to the program. The continued success of the program in the Big 12, coupled with the eventual move to the SEC, will create a sense of excitement around Texas football, which could sway recruits to commit early.

3. The Texas Recruiting Hotbed

Texas is arguably the best state in the country when it comes to high school football talent. With a deep pool of elite players across every position, the Longhorns have the opportunity to land top recruits who are already familiar with the program and its history. The ability to recruit locally and keep the best in-state talent home will be key to Texas’ success on the recruiting trail.