Five-star edge rusher Richard Wesley generated major buzz on social media after announcing his commitment to the Texas Longhorns, sparking viral videos and reactions following one particular celebration moment.
Wesley, a standout from Sierra Canyon High in Chatsworth, California, ranks as the No. 2 edge and No. 14 overall player in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports composite. He reclassified from 2027 to 2026, de‑committed from Oregon in late May, and officially pledged to Texas on June 22—choosing the Longhorns over top contenders Ohio State and Oregon . In his emotional social‑media reveal, he dedicated the decision to his mother, writing, “This for you Mom ❤️ 10,000% committed 🤘🏾” .
🔥 Viral Pool Celebration Resurfaces
A video featuring Wesley and his former Oregon coach Dan Lanning celebrating in a pool, which originally went viral when he committed to Oregon in May, has resurfaced and sparked considerable online reaction following his Texas flip . The moment—a splash-filled celebration—has become emblematic of recruiting highs and subsequent course changes, with many fans playfully remarking that Lanning may have “jinxed” the pledge .
🔝 Athleticism at the Camp
Not content with just verbal commitment, Wesley made headlines at a Rivals camp in Indianapolis. A standout clip shows him overpowering Tennessee commit Gabriel Osenda—shoving him back and even tripping him over a dummy—leaving an immediate impression of his elite physicality .
✅ Why He Chose Texas
Speaking with Rivals, Wesley praised the balance Texas offers on and off the field:
> “Not only football, but academically… I get to play in the SEC, but I also get to walk out with a good degree,”
He also credited edge coach LaAllen Clark, noting, “Coach Clark comes from a humble beginning… he’s just a great guy.”
🎯 What This Means for Texas
The addition of a top‑2 edge rusher significantly boosts Texas’s 2026 haul, pushing them to ninth in national class rankings .
Wesley brings rare size (6′5″, 250 lb) and sack production (9 sacks as a sophomore at Sierra Canyon) .
His commitment follows a wave of DL pledges from Vodney Cleveland, Corey Wells, and Dylan Berymon—demonstrating Texas’s growing defensive momentum .
🔜 Next Steps
Though committed, Wesley will visit Ohio State when Texas faces OSU in Austin on August 30. He’s also expected to take an official visit to Texas A&M—but insiders say his heart is with the Longhorns .
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This flip and the viral moment not only add elite talent to Texas’s class—they’ve made Wesley one of recruiting’s hottest names. Keep an eye on Austin: the Forty Acres are proving they mean business.