Longhorns add deep snapper Trott O’Neal

In a strategic move to bolster their special teams unit, the Texas Longhorns have secured a commitment from Plano Prestonwood Christian deep snapper Trott O’Neal for the 2026 recruiting class. This addition addresses an immediate need, as current starting deep snapper Lance St. Louis is set to exhaust his eligibility following the upcoming season.(Burnt Orange Nation)

Trott O’Neal, standing 6’2″ and weighing 225 pounds, is recognized as a top-tier long snapper in the 2026 class. He earned a five-star rating from Kohl’s Professional Camps and is currently ranked as the No. 6 long snapper nationally. His commitment to Texas follows a series of evaluations and visits, including an invitation to a spring practice in late February and a subsequent visit in March. Special teams coordinator Jeff Banks observed O’Neal during a practice session on Wednesday and extended an offer the same day, which O’Neal accepted promptly. (Kohl’s Professional Camps, Burnt Orange Nation)

O’Neal’s performance at Kohl’s events underscores his exceptional skills:

• 2024 Texas Spring Showcase: Achieved the third-highest overall charting score nationally.
• 2025 Underclassman Challenge: Demonstrated consistent accuracy and ball rotation, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable snapper.(Burnt Orange Nation, Kohl’s Professional Camps)

During the 2024 high school season, he successfully executed all 65 of his snaps, showcasing his reliability and precision. (Kohl’s Professional Camps)

Kohl’s Professional Camps highlighted O’Neal’s impressive size and effective use of his physical attributes in his snapping motion. His consistency in accuracy and ball rotation positions him as a prime candidate to step into the starting role following St. Louis’s departure. Given the specialized nature of the deep snapper position, O’Neal’s readiness to contribute immediately is a significant asset to the Longhorns’ special teams unit.(Kohl’s Professional Camps)

With O’Neal’s commitment, Texas continues to strengthen its 2026 recruiting class, which now includes five commitments. As summer official visits approach, the Longhorns are poised to attract additional talent, further enhancing the program’s depth and competitiveness.(Burnt Orange Nation)

O’Neal’s addition not only addresses a critical positional need but also reflects the Longhorns’ commitment to maintaining excellence across all facets of the game.