The Texas Longhorns are entering a transformative phase in their football recruiting strategy, positioning themselves to compete not only in the SEC but on the national stage. With head coach Steve Sarkisian at the helm and fresh momentum from a College Football Playoff appearance, Texas is aggressively pursuing elite talent across the country.
The 2025 recruiting cycle marks a noticeable shift in Texas’ approach. While the Longhorns continue to lock down in-state stars—a long-standing tradition—they are now casting a wider net, targeting top-tier recruits from across the Southeast, West Coast, and Midwest. This nationwide reach is a direct result of their pending full integration into the SEC, where the talent pool is deeper and the competition more intense.
Quarterback recruiting is at the center of Texas’ strategy. With Arch Manning already on the roster and developing, Sarkisian is looking to build depth and continuity in the QB room. Five-star quarterback Julian Lewis, a Georgia native, is among the top national targets. Texas is also in the mix for other blue-chip prospects at key positions like offensive line and edge rusher—areas that are essential for long-term success in the SEC.
The Longhorns are leveraging the power of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, a state-of-the-art