Texas is turning its defensive line recruiting nationwide—and the early returns are paying off. Under Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns continue to solidify their 2026 class with key wins and an aggressive approach that spans state lines.
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🎯 Major Commitments to Date
🔹 Richard Wesley – 5★ Edge Rusher
Just days ago, Texas secured a major commit when five-star EDGE Richard Wesley (6’5″, 250 lb) from California reclassified into 2026. Ranked No. 2 at his position and No. 14 overall, Wesley chose Texas over Ohio State and Oregon. He embodies dominant pass-rush potential, with 9+ sacks in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, and expressed commitment “10,000%” to Texas, dedicating his pledge to his mother .
🔹 Vodney Cleveland – 4★ Interior DL
Texas also nabbed four-star DL Vodney Cleveland (6’3″, 305 lb) from Alabama. A former offensive lineman turned interior force, Cleveland racked up 50 tackles and 7.5 TFL last season. He chose the Longhorns over North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia—led by his high ceiling in Texas’s system .
🔹 Corey Wells – 4★ DL
In early June, the coaching staff locked in Corey Wells (6’5″, 300 lb) from Mississippi, now ranked top‑35 nationally at his position. Wells spurned offers from Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Florida, helping elevate Texas’s class to 12th in the nation with an impressive haul of four DL commits so far .
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🌍 Nationwide Reach & Elite Recruiting Tactics
Texas’s strategy is crystal clear: an all-hands nationwide recruiting effort. This campaign kicked into high gear with a flashier recruiting weekend—complete with Lamborghinis showcased for recruits and VIP treatment at the Four Seasons hotel—designed to attract out-of-state elite talent . On3 reported this is no gimmick: the Longhorns are “aggressively pursuing top 2026 defensive line talent nationwide” and have consistently entered recruiting battles deep in SEC and ACC territories .
The payoff? A DL haul featuring talent from multiple power conferences—fresh off top-16 class ranking—underscoring Texas’s high-volume strategy and ability to close.
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🔎 What Lies Ahead
Though the 2026 DL haul is impressive, Texas isn’t done. They’re in active pursuit of Dre Quinn, a rising 4-star EDGE from Georgia with top-30 national rank, and have