AUSTIN, TX — With its transition into the SEC complete, Texas has escalated its recruitment of interior defensive linemen, targeting talent both in-state and beyond in hopes of enhancing its trench depth for 2026.
The Longhorns currently boast multiple DT commitments in the 2026 cycle, including 6‑foot‑5, 300‑pound Corey Wells, a Mississippi native who pledged during a June surge of Texas prospects . Wells’s addition came alongside other key commits like Dylan Berymon (DL) and receiver Kohen Brown, helping elevate the class to 16th nationally .
But Texas isn’t just counting on high-profile commits—they’re actively recruiting across state lines. A prime example is Darryus McKinley, a DT from Louisiana, who recently named Texas among his “top four” schools alongside LSU, Florida, and Tennessee. McKinley plans to visit Austin this summer . Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Damari Simeon, a 6‑2, 275‑pound four-star prospect, also includes Texas in his final four for the 2026 cycle and intends to take an official visit during the summer recruiting period .
These out-of-state towns—Louisiana and New Jersey—show how Texas has adapted its recruiting net, bridging geographic boundaries to bring elite interior linemen into its fold. On3 also reports that the Longhorns have extended offers to defensive line twins Andrew and Aiden Harris from North Carolina, demonstrating deep national reach .
Locally, Texas’s own defensive line coach Kenny Baker, a Georgia native, has cultivated in-state pipelines. Though recent offers to California’s Josiah Sharma (DL) and Georgia’s Caleb Bell and Joseph Mbatchou focused on the 2025 cycle, the groundwork for local DT development carries forward .
Texas’s recent recruitment trip included hosting prospects with luxury NIL experiences—like Lamborghini hangs and Four Seasons accommodations—part of a crude but effective strategy to leave strong impressions on elite recruits . While some may criticize the flash, the Longhorns see this as an investment in persuading top-tier defensive linemen to join Austin’s defense.
Still, the competition remains fierce—McKinley favors LSU due to his brother’s presence there , and Simeon must weigh academics, development, and tradition before decides . But through a blend of local connections and national outreach, Texas is clearly intent on fortifying its 2026 defensive tackle pipeline.
As visits begin and offers lock in, Austin hopes its blend of in-state familiarity and out-of-state ambition will soon pay dividends along the defensive line.
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