Top 10 Best WR in the 2026 Class: Jabari Mack Decommits from Destrehan, Chooses Texas Longhorns Over Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State
Top 10 Best Wide Receivers in the 2026 Class: Jabari Mack Decommits from Destrehan, Chooses Texas Longhorns Over Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State
The world of college football recruiting is ever-evolving, and the 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and talent-laden in recent memory. Among the most coveted prospects in this class is Jabari Mack, a wide receiver who has been turning heads since his freshman year at Destrehan High School in Louisiana. Known for his explosive speed, incredible ball-handling skills, and precise route running, Mack has established himself as a top-tier wide receiver prospect for the 2026 class.
In a highly anticipated and dramatic twist, Jabari Mack has decommitted from Destrehan and decided to take his talents to the Texas Longhorns, choosing Texas over powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State. This decision has sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, as Mack is widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in his class.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Mack’s journey, the significance of his commitment to Texas, and examine how his decision affects the recruiting landscape for the Longhorns and the other major programs involved. Additionally, we will break down the top 10 wide receivers in the 2026 recruiting class, with Mack’s decision serving as a major talking point.
Jabari Mack’s Recruiting Journey: From Destrehan to Texas
Jabari Mack’s rise as a star in the recruiting world has been nothing short of meteoric. At Destrehan High School, Mack quickly established himself as a standout player, dominating on both sides of the ball. A versatile athlete, Mack was initially recognized for his ability to make plays at wide receiver, but his contributions extended to special teams and defensive back as well. However, it was on offense where Mack truly shone, showing his ability to stretch the field with his elite speed, break away from defenders, and make acrobatic catches in high-pressure situations.
By the time Mack was a sophomore, college scouts were already salivating over his potential. His physical traits — standing at 6’2″ and possessing a reported 4.4-second 40-yard dash — paired with his natural ability to catch passes and turn them into big plays, placed him on the radar of top-tier programs around the country. His ability to adjust his route running, gain separation from defenders, and win in contested situations made him a difficult player to defend.
Mack had originally committed to his hometown school, Louisiana State University (LSU), after receiving offers from several top programs. LSU had long been seen as the favorite in his recruitment due to his family’s ties to the program and his admiration for their style of play. However, in a shocking move earlier this year, Mack decided to decommit from LSU and re-open his recruitment process.
Several programs quickly entered the race for Mack’s services, with Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State among the frontrunners. All of these programs offered Mack a chance to play for a national powerhouse, but Mack’s final choice came down to the Texas Longhorns.
Why Texas? The Longhorns’ Appeal to Jabari Mack
Texas’ rise in college football recruiting has been impressive over the past few seasons. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have worked hard to re-establish themselves as a premier program, and they have succeeded in bringing in top-tier talent from all over the country. With the Longhorns’ move to the SEC on the horizon, the program is expected to elevate its recruiting even further, and adding a player of Mack’s caliber only reinforces that trajectory.
There are several reasons why Texas stood out to Jabari Mack during his recruitment process:
- Offensive System: Mack’s decision to commit to Texas was largely influenced by Steve Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy. Sarkisian is known for his innovative, high-octane offense that focuses on utilizing the wide receiver position to its fullest potential. As a wide receiver, Mack will be given ample opportunities to make big plays and showcase his skills in a system that is designed to get the ball into the hands of dynamic playmakers.
- Relationship with Sarkisian: In addition to the offensive system, Mack developed a strong relationship with Sarkisian, who is known for his ability to develop elite wide receivers. Under Sarkisian’s coaching, several wide receivers have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, and Mack sees Texas as the perfect place to reach his full potential. Sarkisian’s history of working with top-tier talent like Jerry Jeudy (Alabama), DeVonta Smith (Alabama), and Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) played a key role in Mack’s decision.
- Texas’ Recent Success: The Longhorns have made significant strides in recent years, especially in recruiting. With a strong class of 2024 and 2025 recruits already in place, Mack saw Texas as a program on the rise. The opportunity to play alongside talented players and compete for championships was highly appealing.
- SEC Transition: The Longhorns’ upcoming move to the SEC also played a role in Mack’s decision. He understands that the SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and he’s excited about the challenge of playing against elite talent week in and week out. Joining a program like Texas, which is making a concerted effort to position itself as a national contender, gives him the chance to compete at the highest level and showcase his abilities on a national stage.
- Immediate Impact: Texas also offered Mack the chance to make an immediate impact. The wide receiver room at Texas is one that is currently looking to build for the future, and Mack’s potential to come in and contribute right away was highly appealing. With the Longhorns’ offense set to be explosive, Mack’s ability to stretch the field and add another dimension to the passing game makes him an ideal fit.
The Recruiting Landscape: Texas vs. Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State
While Mack’s decision to commit to Texas is a huge win for the Longhorns, it’s also a major blow to some of the top programs in the country, including Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State. All three of these schools were in the running for Mack’s commitment, and each offered a compelling case for why Mack should choose them.
- Alabama: Known for its success in recruiting and its consistently dominant offense, Alabama is a program that has long been a powerhouse in college football. Head coach Nick Saban has developed some of the best wide receivers in recent memory, and Mack could have easily fit into the Crimson Tide’s system. However, despite Alabama’s appeal, Mack ultimately felt that Texas offered the best fit for his development as a player.
- Clemson: Under head coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson has established itself as a national championship contender, and their offensive system is tailored to getting the ball to dynamic playmakers. With a strong reputation for developing wide receivers, Clemson was another top contender for Mack. However, Mack ultimately chose to leave the ACC behind and head to Texas for the challenge of playing in the SEC.
- Ohio State: Ohio State has a long history of producing top-tier wide receivers, and Mack would have been joining a program that has consistently been one of the best in the nation. Head coach Ryan Day has been a major influence on wide receiver development, and Mack would have had a chance to work with some of the best offensive minds in college football. However, despite Ohio State’s allure, Mack was drawn to Sarkisian’s offense at Texas and the chance to compete in the SEC.
Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2026 Class
As Mack’s commitment to Texas highlights, the 2026 wide receiver class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. With several elite talents still making their college decisions, here are the top 10 wide receivers in the class based on their rankings, skill sets, and potential:
- Jabari Mack (Texas)
A dynamic, fast, and physical receiver, Mack has the complete package. His ability to stretch the field and make difficult catches in traffic makes him a top target for the Longhorns. - Braylen Edwards (Alabama)
Edwards is a smooth route runner with exceptional hands and body control. His ability to make contested catches and high-point the ball makes him one of the most polished receivers in this class. - Kendrick Reid (Ohio State)
With explosive speed and a knack for making plays after the catch, Reid is a game-changer. His ability to take the top off defenses makes him a perfect fit for a high-powered offense like Ohio State’s. - Amari Anderson (Clemson)
A physical specimen with great length, Anderson uses his size to dominate defenders. He’s a matchup nightmare in the red zone and has excellent ball-tracking skills. - Tyrese Evans (Georgia)
Evans is a versatile playmaker who can excel both as a deep threat and in short-yardage situations. His quickness and agility make him a dangerous weapon in space. - Xavier Barnes (LSU)
A well-rounded receiver with good hands, Barnes is known for his ability to make plays on any part of the field. He’s also one of the best blockers among wide receivers in the 2026 class. - Elijah Brooks (Oklahoma)
Brooks is a speedster who excels on vertical routes. His breakaway speed makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. - DeShawn King (Texas A&M)
King is a strong, physical receiver who can outmuscle defenders in contested situations. His toughness makes him a difficult player to bring down after the catch. - Darnell Jackson (Florida State)
A natural athlete, Jackson has great explosiveness and can jump out of the gym. He’s an ideal red-zone target and a threat on jump balls. - Trey Matthews (Michigan)
Matthews is a smooth route runner who consistently finds separation. His crisp cuts and agility make him a reliable possession receiver who can be trusted in critical situations.
