Three uncommitted football players from Texas who could be useful to the Longhorns in 2025
As the Texas Longhorns continue to build a championship-contending football team under head coach Steve Sarkisian, recruiting remains an integral part of the program’s success. With the 2025 season rapidly approaching, the Longhorns are looking to bolster their roster with top-tier talent to compete at the highest levels of college football. Recruiting in Texas, known for its deep pool of high school talent, has always been a priority for the Longhorns, and with several major prospects still uncommitted, there is a unique opportunity to secure players who can make an immediate impact.
While Texas is already home to many elite football players, a few key recruits remain undecided about their college destinations. These athletes possess immense potential, and their abilities could be the missing pieces for the Longhorns’ quest to reach the top of the Big 12 and beyond. The following three uncommitted players from Texas are expected to be major contributors to whichever program they ultimately commit to, but if they choose Texas, they could immediately make a huge impact for the Longhorns in 2025.
1. Derrick Brown – Wide Receiver (Denton, Texas)
Derrick Brown is one of the most dynamic wide receiver prospects in the state of Texas. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 190 pounds, Brown brings both size and athleticism to the wide receiver position. As a senior at Denton Ryan High School, he demonstrated elite ability as a route runner and an explosive playmaker who can take over a game with his speed and physicality. Brown is known for his ability to make contested catches and create separation from defenders with his agility, making him one of the top uncommitted receivers in the country.
Why Brown Would Be Valuable for the Longhorns:
Texas is consistently looking to bolster its wide receiver corps, and Brown would provide a perfect addition to a room already containing talented players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington. However, the Longhorns have a need for a big, physical wideout who can make plays in critical moments and stretch the field vertically.
Brown’s elite athleticism and ability to win one-on-one matchups in the red zone would make him an immediate weapon for the Longhorns’ offense. He has the ability to dominate press coverage, which is a vital skill in the Big 12, where defenses often play aggressive man-to-man coverage. Brown’s ability to work the sideline and attack deep routes would complement the deep passing attack that Steve Sarkisian loves to implement.
Additionally, Brown is an excellent blocker downfield, which is crucial for Texas’ offense, especially when looking to establish a strong running game. His size and physicality make him a versatile weapon, and his skills would only grow under the guidance of Sarkisian’s offense. In an offense that will likely feature both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning at quarterback in the future, adding a player like Brown would give either quarterback a reliable, versatile target.
Texas’ Need:
While the Longhorns have solid depth at the wide receiver position, the addition of a big-bodied wide receiver with Brown’s playmaking ability would provide a crucial dimension to the offense. His skill set would be particularly beneficial in red-zone situations and on third downs, where a reliable, physical wide receiver is needed to move the chains and create mismatches with defenders.
Given the potential departure of some of Texas’ veteran receivers after the 2024 season, Brown could step in as a starter in 2025 and immediately contribute to an offense that will continue to evolve and grow under Sarkisian’s leadership. With his ability to make plays all over the field, Brown would be a game-changer for the Longhorns.
2. Kelvin Banks Jr. – Offensive Tackle (Houston, Texas)
Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the most coveted offensive line prospects in the country, and his size and skill set have made him a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Banks has the size and strength to dominate on the offensive line. He’s known for his quick feet, outstanding balance, and ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side. As a standout at North Shore High School in Houston, Banks showed his ability to anchor a line of scrimmage and provide a powerful push in both pass protection and the run game.
Why Banks Would Be Valuable for the Longhorns:
Texas has seen considerable success in recent years with offensive line play, but like all elite programs, the Longhorns are always looking to bolster their line to ensure a balanced and effective offense. With the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage in the Big 12, securing an elite offensive tackle like Banks could give the Longhorns a massive advantage.
Banks is a top-tier offensive lineman who excels at both run blocking and pass protection, making him a dual threat at left tackle. His quickness off the ball allows him to get into position quickly, and his ability to mirror edge rushers makes him a natural fit in the high-tempo offense that Texas runs. Furthermore, his size and strength allow him to dominate in the run game, creating running lanes for talented backs like Bijan Robinson or Jaden Blue.
With the departure of key offensive linemen potentially looming, including Junior Angilau, who could be on his way to the NFL after the 2024 season, Texas would benefit greatly from having a player like Banks in the fold. With his combination of size, strength, and agility, Banks has the potential to make an immediate impact and contribute from day one.
Texas’ Need:
The Longhorns are set to have a strong offensive line in 2025, but securing a dominant left tackle like Banks would provide the team with an elite player who can anchor the offensive line for years to come. With a potential transition at quarterback, whether it’s a battle between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, protecting the pocket will be of the utmost importance. Banks has the ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and create the necessary space for the Texas rushing attack to excel.
Having a player like Banks would also provide Texas with another offensive lineman who can go head-to-head with top-tier defensive linemen in the Big 12, ensuring that the team can compete at the highest level in both the passing and running game.
3. Reggie Powers Jr. – Safety (Dallas, Texas)
Reggie Powers Jr., a safety out of Dallas, Texas, is one of the top defensive prospects in the state. Powers is known for his ability to read the game from a deep safety position, showing exceptional awareness and anticipation on the field. He stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 205 pounds, combining size with speed and athleticism. Powers excels at covering ground quickly and is a reliable tackler who can make plays in both the passing and running game.
Why Powers Would Be Valuable for the Longhorns:
In recent seasons, the Texas Longhorns have put a significant emphasis on developing a strong secondary. However, with the departure of Jerrin Thompson and other key defensive backs in the coming seasons, the Longhorns will be looking for immediate contributors to fill those voids. Powers would be an excellent fit in the Texas secondary as both a free safety and a strong safety option. His speed, ability to cover ground, and high football IQ make him a versatile defender capable of covering a variety of different offensive schemes.
Powers’ ability to read quarterbacks and make critical plays in the passing game would make him an immediate asset for the Longhorns. His ball skills, which include the ability to come up with interceptions and force turnovers, would immediately elevate Texas’ defense. Moreover, his tackling ability and physicality in the run game make him a reliable asset for stopping big plays and covering opposing running backs out of the backfield.
Texas’ Need:
The Texas secondary, while talented, could benefit from the addition of a player like Powers, who can play multiple positions and offer a deep understanding of how to read offenses. The Longhorns have been solid in pass defense but could use another reliable safety to help provide depth and versatility. With Powers’ ability to cover ground quickly and his excellent coverage skills, he could be an immediate starter in 2025.
Powers’ ability to contribute as both a run defender and a pass coverage specialist makes him a perfect fit for the Texas defense, which has seen improvement in recent years but still has room for growth in the secondary. His physicality, athleticism, and football IQ would make him an ideal complement to the existing defensive players on the roster.
