Three athletes are being recruited for Texas football. Steve Sarkisian might be able to sign on National Signing Day in 2025.
The Texas Longhorns football program has seen a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With the team now firmly back in the conversation as a perennial contender in college football, Sarkisian and his staff are working tirelessly to build a championship-caliber roster. The 2025 National Signing Day is fast approaching, and there are three key athletes that Texas football could potentially land, which would have a significant impact on their future success.
Sarkisian, known for his offensive expertise, has done an excellent job recruiting high-level talent since taking over as head coach in 2021. Now, with a successful 2024 season under their belt, the Longhorns are poised to land some key players who could bolster both their offense and defense. National Signing Day is one of the most critical days in college football recruiting, as it determines which high school athletes will make the jump to the collegiate level and which programs they will sign with. Here, we will explore three of the most significant recruits on Texas’s radar as National Signing Day approaches in 2025.
1. WR Zachary Williams: A Deep Threat for Texas’ Offense
One of the most exciting prospects on the radar of Texas football is wide receiver Zachary Williams. Hailing from a high school powerhouse in Florida, Williams has been turning heads for his electrifying playmaking ability. His combination of size, speed, and hands make him one of the most highly sought-after wide receivers in the country. Williams has been impressive during his high school career, regularly showcasing the type of downfield ability that could fit seamlessly into Steve Sarkisian’s dynamic passing attack.
Sarkisian’s offense has been built on utilizing fast, explosive athletes who can stretch the field vertically. A player like Williams fits that mold perfectly. At 6’3” and 190 pounds, Williams is a physical receiver who can win jump balls and go up against taller defensive backs. He’s fast enough to blow by defenders and has excellent ball tracking skills. Texas has been looking for a true playmaker on the outside to complement its existing receiving corps, and Williams could be the player who gives them that deep threat they’ve been searching for.
What makes Williams even more enticing is his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Not only can he burn defenders with deep routes, but he’s also capable of making plays after the catch. His ability to turn a short pass into a long gain is a skill that would mesh well with Texas’s philosophy of generating yards both on the ground and through the air. Given the heavy emphasis on dynamic playmakers in Sarkisian’s offensive scheme, Williams would be a game-changer for the Longhorns.
Texas has made Williams a top priority in its recruiting efforts, and there is a good chance that he could commit on National Signing Day. His decision could come down to his fit in the Texas offense and the potential for early playing time. Given Sarkisian’s track record of developing wide receivers and his offensive system’s emphasis on featuring top athletes, Williams could find himself in a prime position to make an immediate impact.
2. CB Isaiah Johnson: A Lockdown Corner for the Defense
While the Texas offense is certainly a focal point for Steve Sarkisian’s program, building a dominant defense is just as important. One of the most critical positions for the Longhorns is cornerback, and they are currently in the running for one of the top cornerback recruits in the country: Isaiah Johnson.
Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerback from California, is widely regarded as one of the most physically gifted players at his position. His size and athleticism allow him to cover a wide range of receivers, and his physicality helps him win battles at the line of scrimmage. Johnson’s ability to cover both fast, shifty receivers and more physical, bigger wideouts gives him an advantage in multiple defensive schemes.
Texas has been prioritizing the development of its secondary under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. With the Longhorns’ defense trending upward, landing a player like Johnson would further elevate the team’s defensive unit. Johnson is the kind of player who can immediately step into the lineup and start contributing. His ability to lock down one side of the field would provide the Texas defense with much-needed stability in the secondary, and his presence would allow the defense to focus more on pass rush and coverage in other areas.
While Johnson has a number of options at his disposal, Texas is one of the top contenders for his services. The Longhorns have made it clear to Johnson that he has a chance to start early, and their strong recruiting efforts could tip the scales in their favor. With the right development and coaching, Johnson could be a cornerstone player for Texas’ defense, and signing him would be a huge win for the program.
3. RB Jamal Carter: A Game-Changing Back for the Ground Game
Texas has always prided itself on having a strong running game, and under Sarkisian, the Longhorns have developed a balanced attack that relies on both the pass and the run. In order to sustain this level of success, it’s critical to recruit top-tier running backs, and one player who fits that description is Jamal Carter, a running back from Georgia who has been on Texas’s radar for some time.
Carter, a 5’11”, 215-pound back, is a powerful runner with a combination of speed and strength that makes him difficult to stop in the open field. His ability to break tackles and keep his legs churning through contact sets him apart from many of his peers. Carter also possesses impressive vision and quick decision-making, which is vital for success in Sarkisian’s system. The Longhorns have made a concerted effort to establish a strong running game, and Carter could be the final piece in helping them dominate opponents up front.
Sarkisian has been adept at developing running backs who can contribute both as runners and as receivers out of the backfield, and Carter would be a perfect fit in that system. His versatility allows him to take advantage of mismatches against defenders, especially in the passing game. As Texas looks to continue its upward trajectory, adding a player like Carter to the backfield would allow the Longhorns to diversify their offensive attack and provide another playmaker for quarterback Quinn Ewers to lean on.
Given Texas’s emphasis on building a strong, well-rounded offense, Carter’s decision to join the Longhorns could prove to be a significant boost. Sarkisian’s pitch to Carter will likely include the opportunity for early playing time, as Texas looks to establish a formidable running game for the future.
Why These Recruits Matter for Texas Football
The 2025 National Signing Day is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the Texas football program. Steve Sarkisian and his staff are already positioned to build on the success of previous recruiting cycles, and the addition of players like Zachary Williams, Isaiah Johnson, and Jamal Carter would solidify their plans for the future.
- Offensive Firepower: Zachary Williams would give Texas the deep threat they need to complement their already-talented wide receivers. His ability to stretch the field would create more space for the rest of the offense, making it harder for opposing defenses to focus on one player.
- Defensive Stability: Isaiah Johnson’s commitment would address Texas’s need for a lockdown cornerback. His ability to shut down opposing receivers would give the defense more flexibility and allow other players to focus on pass-rushing and coverage.
- Running Back Depth: Jamal Carter’s addition would enhance the Texas backfield, providing a dynamic, powerful option in the running game. His versatility as both a runner and a pass catcher would be a huge asset to Sarkisian’s offense.
If these recruits choose to sign with Texas on National Signing Day in 2025, the Longhorns’ already-promising roster would be elevated even further. With these key players on board, Texas could be poised for sustained success in both the Big 12 and nationally, with championship aspirations on the horizon.
Looking Ahead
While there’s still much to be decided as National Signing Day approaches, the Texas Longhorns are in a strong position to land some of the nation’s top talent. Steve Sarkisian has already shown his ability to recruit elite players, and the addition of recruits like Williams, Johnson, and Carter would only further solidify Texas as one of the premier programs in college football.
If Texas can continue to build on its momentum and successfully land these recruits, the Longhorns will be well-positioned to compete at the highest level for years to come. National Signing Day 2025 could be the beginning of another exciting chapter in the storied history of Texas football.
