According to the final 2025 recruiting rankings, the Texas Longhorns have four 5-star prospects.

The Texas Longhorns are continuing to build momentum as one of the most powerful programs in college football. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the program has made massive strides in both recruiting and player development. As the 2025 college football season nears, Texas has solidified its place as a recruiting powerhouse. With four 5-star prospects in the final 2025 recruiting rankings, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact on the national stage in the coming years.

These highly coveted recruits represent the next wave of talent that will help the Longhorns compete for a College Football Playoff appearance and potentially a National Championship. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at each of these four 5-star prospects, analyzing their strengths, their potential fit within Texas’ system, and how they can contribute to the team’s future success.

1. Arch Manning – Quarterback

Perhaps the most high-profile recruit in recent memory for Texas is Arch Manning, the quarterback from New Orleans, Louisiana. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, comes from an esteemed football lineage that has already placed a great deal of pressure on his shoulders. However, Arch has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of handling the spotlight. His commitment to Texas sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, as the 5-star quarterback was one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2025 class.

At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Manning has the physical attributes to excel at the next level. His arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket make him a prototypical NFL quarterback. He has consistently shown the ability to make all the throws, from deep bombs to quick slants and screen passes, demonstrating an advanced understanding of the game. What sets him apart, however, is his high football IQ and his ability to read defenses, something that has made him stand out even among a loaded 2025 quarterback class.

Manning’s addition to the Texas Longhorns roster is a game-changer. While Quinn Ewers will be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, Manning’s commitment ensures that Texas will have a potentially elite quarterback for years to come. Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks, as seen with Bryce Young at Alabama, will be critical in Manning’s growth. Given his pedigree, combined with the coaching he will receive at Texas, Manning could be the leader of the Longhorns for years, guiding them to new heights.

2. Cedric Baxter Jr. – Running Back

Another 5-star recruit in the 2025 class is Cedric Baxter Jr., a highly coveted running back from Orlando, Florida. Baxter is a physical, powerful back who combines size, speed, and agility to make him a true all-around weapon in the backfield. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Baxter already possesses the kind of size that translates well to the NFL. However, what truly sets him apart from other running backs is his explosiveness and vision.

Baxter’s ability to burst through holes, evade tacklers, and accelerate down the field makes him an ideal fit for the Texas Longhorns offensive system, which is predicated on creating big plays both in the running and passing game. With the Longhorns moving toward a more balanced offense under Sarkisian, Baxter will fit seamlessly as a primary ball carrier. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield also gives Texas the versatility to incorporate him in various formations and offensive schemes.

While Texas has had a history of excellent running backs, from D’Onta Foreman to Bijan Robinson, Baxter’s skills put him in a position to continue this legacy. As Robinson moves on to the NFL, the Longhorns will need a new feature back, and Baxter is more than capable of stepping into that role. He will likely be a focal point of the offense, giving Texas a dynamic weapon in both the ground game and passing attack.

3. Jaden Greathouse – Wide Receiver

The 5-star wide receiver, Jaden Greathouse, has committed to Texas and is expected to have an immediate impact. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Greathouse is a big-bodied receiver with excellent hands, making him one of the top prospects at his position. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Greathouse has the size to dominate in contested situations, and his speed allows him to make plays all over the field.

Greathouse is an excellent route runner with the ability to separate from defenders, even when matched up against top-tier cornerbacks. His athleticism, combined with his natural ability to read defenses and adjust his routes accordingly, makes him a perfect fit for Sarkisian’s pass-heavy system. Greathouse’s ability to stretch the field vertically and work the middle of the field will provide quarterback Quinn Ewers (or Arch Manning) with a reliable target for years to come.

With Texas’ receiving corps set to lose key players like Xavier Worthy to the NFL in the near future, Greathouse’s arrival will help fill the void at the receiver position. His size, speed, and playmaking ability will make him an immediate threat, and his presence in the Texas offense will make the team’s aerial attack even more dangerous.

4. Colton Vasek – Edge Rusher

The fourth 5-star recruit in the 2025 class for Texas is Colton Vasek, an edge rusher from Austin, Texas. Vasek is a dynamic, high-energy player who has the ability to disrupt both the passing and running games. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Vasek has the perfect frame for an edge rusher, with the strength to set the edge and the quickness to collapse the pocket and pressure the quarterback.

Vasek’s ability to rush the passer will be essential for Texas’ defense in the years to come. Sarkisian has already started building a physical, fast defense, and Vasek fits right into that mold. His speed off the edge, combined with his ability to disengage from blockers, will make him a key figure on the Texas defense. Additionally, Vasek is a very intelligent player with excellent football awareness, which allows him to make plays in various situations and provide versatility to the defensive scheme.

As Texas continues to build a defense that can compete at the highest level, Vasek’s arrival will provide an added pass-rushing threat. In an era of college football that relies heavily on high-powered offenses, having a player like Vasek who can consistently pressure the quarterback and change the dynamics of a game is invaluable.

The Future of Texas Football

The addition of these four 5-star recruits—Arch Manning, Cedric Baxter Jr., Jaden Greathouse, and Colton Vasek—is a massive win for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns. Not only do these recruits bolster the team’s talent at key positions, but they also serve as a foundation for the future of the program. With these four players leading the charge, Texas is poised to become one of the most dangerous teams in college football.

Each of these recruits brings a unique set of skills to the table that will make Texas a well-rounded team in the coming seasons. Whether it’s Manning’s leadership and passing accuracy, Baxter’s powerful running style, Greathouse’s playmaking ability, or Vasek’s disruptive edge-rushing, these four players represent the next generation of Longhorns who will compete for national championships and cement Texas as a perennial contender.

Why Texas’ 2025 Recruiting Class Is Special

Texas’ success in the 2025 recruiting cycle, particularly with four 5-star players, speaks volumes about the state of the program. Under Sarkisian, Texas has reestablished itself as a recruiting juggernaut, pulling in top talent not just from Texas, but from all over the country. The Longhorns are back at the top of the recruiting rankings, and this influx of talent bodes well for the program’s future.

Not only will these 5-star players help Texas compete at the highest level, but their commitment also sends a message to other elite recruits across the country: Texas is a program on the rise. With an offense that will feature Arch Manning and Cedric Baxter Jr., and a defense bolstered by Colton Vasek, the Longhorns are primed to challenge for national titles in the near future.