Texas Longhorns Gaining Momentum with 4-Star Defensive Lineman

The Texas Longhorns’ pursuit of elite defensive talent has been a focal point in their 2025 recruiting efforts. One of their top targets was four-star defensive lineman DJ Sanders from Bellville, Texas. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 290 pounds, Sanders was a dominant force on the field, recording 115 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and three forced fumbles during his junior season .

Throughout the recruiting process, Texas appeared to be a strong contender for Sanders’ commitment. He took official visits to Texas on June 21-23, Michigan on May 31, and Texas A&M on June 14 . Leading up to his decision, several recruiting analysts entered high-confidence predictions in favor of Texas .

However, in a surprising turn, Sanders committed to Texas A&M over Texas and Michigan on August 7, 2024 . This decision was a significant blow to Texas’ defensive line recruiting efforts. Despite the addition of defensive lineman Josiah Sharma, who flipped from Oregon to Texas, the Longhorns’ defensive line class remained a point of concern .

In response to this setback, Texas hired defensive line coach Kenny Baker, aiming to strengthen their recruiting efforts and develop a more formidable defensive line . While Sanders’ commitment to Texas A&M was a disappointment, it underscored the competitive nature of college football recruiting in Texas, where top-tier prospects have multiple high-quality programs vying for their commitment.

Looking ahead, Texas will need to continue to adapt and refine their recruiting strategies to secure elite defensive talent and bolster their defensive line for future seasons.

Four-star recruit JaReylan McCoy is moving closer to a decision on where he would like to play football in college, with the Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators making major strides.

According to a post by Rivals recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman, Texas and Florida are “leading the way” in McCoy’s recruitment and now seem to be possible destinations for the standout defensive lineman. McCoy is currently listed at 108 on Rivals 2026 prospect rankings, Rivals250.

McCoy is currently listed by Rivals to be the tenth best defensive lineman in his class. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, McCoy currently has 19 total offers, 11 of which have come from SEC schools. Other programs who have offered McCoy include Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn and Texas A&M.

On3 scout Charles Power described McCoy in 2023 as a “physically gifted defensive lineman with a huge frame and plus athleticism.” Powers also wrote that McCoy demonstrates good speed and functional movement and has upside as a run defender.

Coming out of Tupelo, MS, Ole Miss could also be a potential landing spot for McCoy. According to Rivals forecast, Ole Miss is McCoy’s likeliest destination at the moment. Other recruiting sites such as 247sports and On3 also currently list Ole Miss as McCoy’s most likely commitment.

McCoy received his offer from the Longhorns back on March 10, but has not yet had a chance to visit the school. He has also not gone to Florida for an official visit yet as well. McCoy is currently scheduled to visit both schools, traveling to Florida on May 30 and Texas on June 13. In that time McCoy will also visit Ole Miss for the second time on June 6.

Texas now has eight hard commits in the 2026 recruiting class according to 247sports, ranking 25th amongst other teams. That ranking could climb with a potential commit like McCoy gaining momentum.

A Strong Recruiting Class for Texas: Adapting to the Challenge
The recruitment of four-star defensive linemen like DJ Sanders is indicative of the challenges faced by top programs, including the Texas Longhorns, in securing elite talent in the state of Texas. With so many competitive programs vying for the same recruits, every recruitment cycle presents its own unique challenges. Although Sanders chose Texas A&M over Texas, the Longhorns have continued to focus on bolstering their defensive line and overall recruiting class.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive line coach Kenny Baker have doubled down on their efforts to secure commitments from other defensive standouts in the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles. As the landscape of college football recruiting has shifted, the Longhorns’ recruitment strategy has become more aggressive, aiming to lock down top talent not only within Texas but also on a national scale. The inclusion of a seasoned and dynamic defensive line coach like Baker is seen as a critical step in improving Texas’ recruitment prospects and player development.

Baker, who previously made his mark as a recruiter at Arizona State, brings fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience that has already paid dividends. By re-evaluating how Texas recruits along the defensive line and using a more tailored approach to the needs of specific recruits, Texas aims to remain competitive with programs like Texas A&M and Oklahoma, which also have deep-rooted connections to the state.

The Impact of Defensive Line Recruitment on the Longhorns’ Future
Despite Sanders’ commitment to Texas A&M, the Longhorns’ pursuit of defensive line talent is far from over. The defensive line is one of the most crucial positions for any college football program, and Texas understands that to maintain its elite status, it must continue to recruit the best players to fill those spots.

In recent years, Texas has had a strong reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent along the defensive line. With notable players such as Bijan Robinson and a growing list of defensive standouts, the Longhorns have had success in developing players for the professional level, which has made them an attractive option for defensive prospects. Texas’ ability to demonstrate the potential for player development, combined with the exposure that comes with playing in the Big 12 and the national spotlight, continues to make them an appealing destination.

The need for more depth and high-quality talent on the defensive line is particularly pressing for Texas as they continue their hunt for success in the Big 12 and beyond. With every cycle, Texas’ recruiting efforts will determine the future competitiveness of the team, and securing dominant defensive linemen will be key to building a defense that can hold up against some of the most potent offenses in the country.

A Shift in Priorities: More Emphasis on Defensive Recruiting
As college football continues to evolve, programs like Texas are placing a greater emphasis on fortifying their defense. While offensive powerhouses have historically dominated, the growing trend in college football now emphasizes the importance of a disruptive and dominant defense. Teams like Georgia and Alabama have demonstrated how a high-performing defense can be the key to success, leading programs such as Texas to refocus their recruiting efforts on strengthening this aspect of their roster.

Texas is well aware of this shift and is leaning into it. The Longhorns have recognized that while they have had great success recruiting offensive talent in recent years, their defense needs to mirror the same level of success. In the 2025 and 2026 classes, the Longhorns have prioritized recruiting top-tier defensive players, ensuring that they can compete at the highest levels and complement their offensive firepower. Defensive line recruitment plays a pivotal role in this effort, as a strong front line can disrupt opposing offenses and significantly enhance the team’s performance on the field.

In addition to recruiting linemen like Sanders, Texas is working to secure commitments from top defensive tackles and edge rushers who will give their defense the power and flexibility needed to succeed. With more than one or two solid players in the trenches, Texas aims to build a defense that can wreak havoc and stifle even the most talented quarterbacks and offensive schemes.

Competing in a Tough Recruiting Landscape
Texas’ competition for defensive talent isn’t limited to the usual suspects like Texas A&M and Oklahoma. National programs such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Michigan also target the state of Texas heavily, seeking to land the next wave of future stars. This puts additional pressure on programs like the Longhorns to develop unique recruiting pitches and showcase their strengths to prospects.

Recruiting battles in Texas, a state known for producing an abundance of high school football talent, are often fiercely contested. Texas A&M has long had a foothold in the state, and new programs like Oklahoma and LSU have also made strides in poaching local recruits. Despite this, Texas remains one of the most recognized brands in college football, and its visibility on the national stage helps attract recruits looking to play on the biggest stages of college football. This visibility, combined with the promise of developing a strong defense that can compete at the highest levels, continues to make the Longhorns an attractive option for many.

Longhorns’ Long-Term Plan and the Road to Success
While DJ Sanders’ commitment to Texas A&M was undoubtedly a setback, it highlights the intense competition that Texas faces in recruiting. The Longhorns are far from being discouraged by this loss, as they have already shifted their focus to other targets and are laying the foundation for long-term success. The aggressive pursuit of top defensive line recruits, bolstered by the leadership of Kenny Baker, demonstrates Texas’ commitment to building a dominant, well-rounded team that can compete in both the Big 12 and nationally.

Looking ahead, the Longhorns are well-positioned to continue their recruiting success, with key decisions around players like Sanders having far-reaching consequences. Texas’ defense, particularly along the defensive line, will play a major role in the team’s quest for success in future seasons. The Longhorns are determined to develop their defense into one of the most feared units in college football, which in turn will strengthen the team’s overall competitiveness and drive them to new heights in the coming years.

As we enter the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles, Texas will have several opportunities to sign top-tier defensive linemen who will make a significant impact. With a focused recruiting strategy, experienced coaches, and a deep commitment to development, the Longhorns will continue to recruit elite players who can take them to the top of college football once again.