A Fabulous Final Four With One Question: Can Anyone Stop Duke?
Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns have made significant strides in recruiting top-tier defensive talent, positioning themselves as a formidable force in college football. A recent development underscores this momentum: the Longhorns are now in contention for five-star safety Xavier Filsaime, an in-state prospect previously committed to the Florida Gators.
Filsaime, hailing from McKinney, Texas, is ranked as the No. 32 overall prospect and the No. 2 safety in the 2024 recruiting cycle. His exceptional athleticism and versatility have made him a coveted asset for any collegiate program. Despite his earlier commitment to Florida, Texas has intensified its efforts to secure his pledge. In December 2023, Coach Sarkisian and safeties coach Blake Gideon conducted an in-home visit with Filsaime, emphasizing their interest and commitment. This visit preceded Filsaime’s scheduled official visit to Texas on December 15, 2023, highlighting the Longhorns’ persistent pursuit.
The Longhorns’ recruiting success isn’t limited to Filsaime. Their 2025 class boasts impressive commitments, including five-star defensive back Kade Phillips. Phillips, a Texas native, initially committed to LSU before flipping back to Texas just before early National Signing Day. His addition bolsters an already strong defensive lineup, featuring fellow five-star recruits such as safety Jonah Ball and defensive end Lance Jackson.
Another notable commitment is four-star defensive lineman Joseph Mbatchou from Grayson High School in Georgia. Mbatchou, who decommitted from Florida in October 2024, cited the genuine relationships and trust he felt with the Texas coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Kenny Baker, as pivotal factors in his decision. His commitment underscores the Longhorns’ ability to attract top talent from competitive recruiting landscapes.
Texas has also focused on reinforcing its defensive front by securing commitments from standout defensive linemen like Justus Terry. Terry, a five-star recruit from Manchester High School in Georgia, chose Texas over local powerhouse programs, a testament to the Longhorns’ growing national appeal. Coach Sarkisian emphasized the importance of strengthening the defensive line to compete effectively in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The Longhorns’ defensive prowess has translated into on-field success. In the 2025 season, Texas allowed only 13.3 points and 143.1 passing yards per game, ranking second nationally overall and first in passing defense. This achievement is attributed to standout performances from players like freshman pass-rusher Colin Simmons, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and defensive back Jahdae Barron. Maintaining this level of performance will depend on the seamless integration of their top-ranked recruiting class, including talents like safety Jonah Williams and cornerback Kade Phillips.
The transformation of Texas’ defense under Coach Sarkisian is evident. In 2021, the defense ranked 102nd nationally in yards allowed per play. By 2024, they had improved to 18th, showcasing significant enhancements across all defensive units. The secondary, in particular, has seen remarkable progress, with starting cornerbacks Jahdae Barron and Malik Muhammad holding opposing passers to a 47.3% completion rate. This improvement reflects strategic recruiting and development efforts aimed at building a faster, more agile defense.
The Longhorns’ recruiting strategy emphasizes not only talent but also the physical attributes necessary to excel in the SEC. By focusing on size and athleticism, Texas aims to build a defense capable of competing at the highest levels. This approach is evident in their pursuit of players like Justus Terry and their overall emphasis on strengthening the defensive line.
