According to the most recent On3 Sports 2025 Team Recruiting Rankings, Texas Football ranks first.

The Texas Longhorns have long been considered one of the premier programs in college football, and their standing in the 2025 On3 Sports Team Recruiting Rankings has solidified that reputation. For the first time in years, Texas has clinched the top spot in these rankings, and the implications of this achievement are significant for the future of the program. This surge in recruiting prowess signals a new era for the Longhorns as they look to elevate their football program to championship contention on a consistent basis.

Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has made a conscious effort to become more competitive on the national stage. The Longhorns’ performance on the field has gradually improved, and with this new recruiting success, their trajectory is looking even more promising. The fact that Texas now ranks first in the 2025 recruiting cycle showcases a commitment to not only recruiting top-tier talent but also positioning the program for sustained success over the next several seasons.

A Look at the On3 Sports Recruiting Rankings

On3 Sports, one of the premier platforms for high school and college sports coverage, uses a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and rank college football recruiting classes. The On3 Sports Team Recruiting Rankings consider a variety of factors, such as the quality of each recruit’s rating, their rankings at specific positions, and their overall potential to impact a program.

In the 2025 recruiting cycle, the Texas Longhorns have emerged at the top of these rankings, signaling that they are landing some of the most highly sought-after high school athletes in the nation. This success is not just about individual high-profile players but rather reflects a broader effort to put together a well-rounded and highly talented roster across multiple positions.

Key Players in Texas’ 2025 Class

One of the driving forces behind Texas’ rise to the top of the recruiting rankings is the incredible talent they have attracted to their program. From five-star prospects to top-ranked position players, the Longhorns have been successful in securing commitments from players who are expected to make immediate impacts at the college level. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key recruits in Texas’ 2025 class.

1. Arch Manning – Quarterback (New Orleans, LA)

Perhaps the most talked-about recruit in recent years, Arch Manning‘s commitment to Texas in the 2025 class has generated tremendous excitement. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has been surrounded by football greatness his entire life. His decision to play for Texas signals the Longhorns’ return to national relevance as one of the premier programs in college football.

Manning, a five-star recruit out of Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, brings exceptional skills to the quarterback position. With a blend of size, arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, Manning has the tools to become one of the best quarterbacks in college football. His ability to read defenses, deliver the ball on time, and make the right decisions under pressure makes him an ideal fit for head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense.

Arch’s presence in the 2025 recruiting class is a major boon for Texas, as the Longhorns look to reestablish themselves as one of the premier programs in the country. If Manning can continue to develop under Sarkisian’s guidance, he could help lead Texas to national championship contention in the coming years.

2. Derrick Brown – Wide Receiver (Denton, TX)

Derrick Brown, a highly-ranked wide receiver from Denton Ryan High School, is another key piece in the 2025 class for the Longhorns. Brown stands at 6-foot-2 and has the physicality, route-running ability, and hands to be a dominant receiver at the next level. His combination of size and speed makes him a matchup nightmare for defensive backs, and he can stretch the field vertically while also making plays in short and intermediate routes.

What makes Brown an ideal fit for Texas is his ability to complement the Longhorns’ offensive philosophy, which emphasizes deep passing and explosive plays. With Manning’s arm talent and Brown’s ability to create separation and win contested catches, this dynamic combination will create an exciting duo for the Longhorns’ offense in 2025 and beyond. Brown’s presence ensures that Texas will be well-equipped to compete in an ever-evolving Big 12 and on the national stage.

3. Kelvin Banks Jr. – Offensive Tackle (Houston, TX)

Kelvin Banks Jr., an elite offensive tackle out of North Shore High School in Houston, is one of the top players at his position in the entire class. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 310 pounds, Banks possesses the size, strength, and agility needed to dominate along the offensive line. His impressive combination of quick feet, power, and balance has made him one of the most coveted recruits in the country.

Texas has had issues along the offensive line in recent years, and Banks could be the key to fortifying the position for the Longhorns. With his natural talent and the ability to step in and contribute immediately, Banks could be the anchor on Texas’ offensive line for years to come. His commitment to Texas signifies the Longhorns’ intent to build a strong, well-rounded roster that can win in the trenches, an area that has become increasingly important in college football.

4. Reggie Powers Jr. – Safety (Dallas, TX)

On the defensive side of the ball, Reggie Powers Jr., a highly-rated safety from Dallas, is another crucial piece of the 2025 class. Powers, known for his physicality and excellent coverage skills, can make an immediate impact in Texas’ secondary. As a player who excels at both run defense and pass coverage, Powers brings a well-rounded skill set that fits perfectly with the Longhorns’ defensive strategy.

Powers’ ability to read the quarterback, make plays in the passing game, and deliver punishing hits in the run game will provide a much-needed boost to Texas’ defense. As Texas continues to rebuild its defensive unit, Powers could be a key leader who helps elevate the program’s defensive play and makes the Longhorns a more complete team overall.

The Bigger Picture: What Does Texas’ Top Ranking Mean?

Texas’ rise to No. 1 in the On3 Sports 2025 Team Recruiting Rankings has broader implications for the program’s future. This achievement highlights several key factors that will play a role in Texas’ ability to compete for national championships in the years ahead.

1. Increased National Recognition and Credibility

A No. 1 recruiting class is a reflection of a program’s growing national prominence. By securing top talent, Texas is signaling that they are back on the map as a legitimate contender. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm, Texas has made significant strides in recruiting against some of the best programs in the country. This high ranking demonstrates that the Longhorns have the infrastructure and resources to compete with other elite programs, and it helps to further elevate the program’s profile among high school recruits nationwide.

2. Building a Foundation for Long-Term Success

While the 2025 recruiting class is loaded with talent, it’s important to remember that building a championship-level program is a long-term process. Texas is not just bringing in individual stars but building a well-rounded roster with depth at key positions. With this top-ranked recruiting class, the Longhorns are setting themselves up for sustained success, not just for one season but for multiple years. With key recruits at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back, the Longhorns are building a foundation that can allow them to compete at the highest level in both the Big 12 and on the national stage.

3. Increased Competition in the Big 12

With Texas’ recruiting success, the competition in the Big 12 is about to get even tougher. While Texas has long been considered a powerhouse, the influx of talent from the 2025 class will take their team to the next level. Texas will be looking to not only compete with the traditional powerhouses like Oklahoma and Baylor, but they will also aim to dominate the conference on a year-in, year-out basis. The program’s rise in recruiting is an indication of their intent to become the most dominant team in the Big 12 and make a successful transition into the SEC once that time comes.

4. The Steve Sarkisian Effect

Since taking over as head coach, Steve Sarkisian has transformed Texas’ recruiting approach and the program’s overall trajectory. Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy, his track record of developing quarterbacks, and his ability to attract top-tier talent have all been key in propelling Texas to the top of the recruiting rankings. With Sarkisian leading the charge, the Longhorns have attracted some of the nation’s best players and have positioned themselves as one of the premier teams in college football.