The Texas Longhorns have made a significant impact on the 2025 college football recruiting landscape by securing commitments from two highly rated four-star running backs: James Simon and Rickey Stewart. These additions bolster an already impressive recruiting class and reinforce the Longhorns’ reputation for developing elite running back talent.([si.com][1], [athlonsports.com][2])
### James Simon: A Dynamic Playmaker from Louisiana
James Simon, a standout from Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, announced his commitment to Texas during the 2024 On3 Elite Series in Nashville. The 5’11”, 200-pound back is ranked as the No. 10 running back and the No. 173 overall prospect nationally for the 2025 class. He chose Texas over offers from LSU, Notre Dame, and Texas A\&M, among others.([si.com][1], [athlonsports.com][2])
Simon is known for his explosive speed and agility, making him a dual-threat in both the running and passing games. His decision to join the Longhorns was influenced by the program’s strong tradition of developing running backs and its consistent competitiveness on the national stage .([sportskeeda.com][3])
### Rickey Stewart: A Texas Native with Impressive Stats
Rickey Stewart, hailing from Chapel Hill High School in Tyler, Texas, committed to Texas in April 2024. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 180 pounds, Stewart is ranked as the No. 20 running back and the No. 247 overall prospect nationally. He had previously committed to SMU but reopened his recruitment and ultimately chose Texas over offers from Alabama, Michigan, and Oregon .([athlonsports.com][4], [longhornswire.usatoday.com][5])
Stewart boasts an impressive high school resume, with over 6,000 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns. His combination of vision, speed, and power makes him a valuable addition to the Longhorns’ backfield.([si.com][6])
### Texas’ Running Back Legacy and Coaching Influence
The Longhorns’ success in recruiting top-tier running backs can be attributed to the program’s rich history and the efforts of running backs coach Tashard Choice. Under Choice’s guidance, Texas has developed notable talents such as Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, both of whom have gone on to successful careers in the NFL. Choice’s ability to connect with recruits and his track record of player development were key factors in Simon and Stewart’s decisions to commit to Texas .([sportskeeda.com][3], [athlonsports.com][2])
### Impact on the 2025 Recruiting Class
With the commitments of Simon and Stewart, Texas has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the 2025 recruiting class. These additions bring the total number of commitments to 10, with seven being four-star recruits. The Longhorns’ 2025 class now ranks among the top in the nation, reflecting the program’s continued excellence in recruiting and player development .([si.com][1], [athlonsports.com][2])
### Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, the addition of Simon and Stewart provides Texas with a dynamic and versatile running back duo. Their ability to contribute both on the ground and in the passing game will be crucial as the Longhorns aim to compete at the highest level. With a strong recruiting class and a history of developing elite talent, Texas is well-positioned for continued success in college football.
In summary, the commitments of James Simon and Rickey Stewart highlight Texas’ ongoing commitment to excellence in recruiting and player development. These additions not only strengthen the Longhorns’ backfield but also reinforce the program’s status as a premier destination for top-tier talent.