Steve Sarkisian and staff have signed three straight top 5 classes headed into the 2025 cycle.

That string of success means Texas has signed multiple four-star ranked prospects at every position, and top 300 nationally ranked prospects overall at every position. There must also be enough five-star's signed in each class to finish in the top 5. And then there is the national approach. One has to be a national recruiting program to truly register top 5 classes on annual basis because there isn't a program in the country signing all the best out of the home state at this point. 

With the 2024 class about to hit the field for the first time as Texas Longhorns Tuesday, it's time to take a look at Sark's ultimate recruiting class. Included in the list is Xavier Worthy (only 2021 prospect not already committed when Sark was hired), and the classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024. As expected, the 2023 class shows up most on the list. The 2023 class was the highest ranked class. 

This list is not who is starting or playing the most, but the highest ranked prospects Sarkisian and staff have signed since arriving in Austin. 

Quarterback
Arch Manning, New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 5-star

Running back
Cedric Baxter Jr., Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 5-star 

Jerrick Gibson, Gainesville (Fla.) IMG Academy - 2024
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 125 nationally)

Wide receiver 
Johntay Cook II, DeSoto (Texas) High - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 5-star 

Ryan Wingo, Saint Louis (Mo.) University - 2024 
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 40 nationally)

Xavier Worthy, Fresno (Calif.) Central East - 2021
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 75 nationally)

Tight end
Jordan Washington, Houston (Texas) Langham Creek - 2024 
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 300 nationally)

Offensive line
Kelvin Banks LT, Humble (Texas) Summer Creek - 2022
Recruiting ranking: 5-star

Neto Umeozulu, LG, Allen (Texas) High - 2022
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 200 nationally)

Daniel Cruz, C, North Richland Hills (Texas) Richland - 2024 
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 250 nationally)

DJ Campbell, RG, Arlington (Texas) Bowie - 2022
Recruiting ranking: 5-star

Brandon Baker, RT, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei - 2024
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 50 nationally) 

Defensive line 
Sydir Mitchell, Oradell (N.j.) Bergen Catholic - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 200 nationally)

Jaray Bledsoe, Marlin (Texas) High - 2022
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 200 nationally)

EDGE
Colin Simmons, Duncanville (Texas) High - 2024
Recruiting ranking: 5-star 

Colton Vasek, Austin (Texas) Westlake - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 125 nationally)

Linebacker
Anthony Hill, Denton (Texas) Ryan - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 5-star 

Tausili Akana, Kahuku (Hi.) Skyridge High - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 125 nationally) 

Defensive back
Derek Williams Jr., S, New Iberia (La.) Westgate - 2023 
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 50 nationally) 

Xavier Filsaime, S, McKinney (Texas) High - 2024
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 50 nationally)

Kobe Black, CB, Waco (Texas) Connally - 2024
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 50 nationally)

Malik Muhammad, CB, Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 50 nationally) 

Athlete
Jelani McDonald, Waco (Texas) Connally - 2023
Recruiting ranking: 4-star (top 100 nationally)

Texas will receive an unofficial visit from 2025 Lake Travis defensive end Gus Cordova for the Texas spring game on April 20.

Cordova has continued to be recruited by the Longhorns since his visit for the junior day in January and told me in February that the staff has continued to be actively pursuing him.

The Lake Travis EDGE also locked in an official visit to USC for June 21-23.

The next couple of months will be loaded with unofficial visits. Cordova told me last month he hoped to get up to as many as nine campuses in the months of March and April. 

With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 and eventually 14 teams, Rod Babers, Bobby Burton and I take a look back at Texas teams of the last 25 years to debate which teams would have made the cut. 

The most fun aspect about recruiting for Texas fans in the Steve Sarkisian era is the national recruiting approach. That national approach bring quite a bit of intrigue in a recruiting cycle, even for those that cover the Longhorns recruiting. That's because Texas is placing boots on the ground in new areas of the country, seemingly in every cycle. That's makes for fun and intrigue with the move to the SEC just months away. 

This morning, I take a look at five recruitments that provide intrigue headed into spring unofficial visits and June official visits. Let me say this, Dakorien Moore is not on this list. He's the prospect Texas fans are salivating about. The potential flip from LSU for a 5-star receiver from Duncanville High could certainly be on the list. He's in a category all his own for the Texas fan base in this cycle. 

Jaime Ffrench, WR, Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin

The Longhorns continue to expand the Sunshine State recruiting footprint. In the 2025 cycle, Texas is all in on one of the top receivers in the country out of Jacksonville. This is not an area Texas has worked much, but absolutely should moving forward as long as the Florida Gators are underachieving. Can Texas beat out Ohio State, Florida State and Miami for Ffrench? Is that truly realistic?  The fact that Texas has two visits scheduled says Sarkisian and Chris Jackson absolutely believe they have a real shot. Ffench will be in Austin for the two biggest recruiting weekends in the 2025 cycle - April 6 and June 21-23. 

LSU is another school in the mix, and especially now after Ffrench made a visit last weekend. 

Dorian Brew, CB, Conroe (Texas) High 

There aren't many recruitments in the state of Texas with both parents of a prospect being Hall of Fame/Honor level athletes at two different out of state universities. That is the case with Dorian Brew. His father starred at LSU (Klein Forest High) before taking home Olympic silver and bronze medals, while his mother is in the Ohio State Hall of Fame for track as well. That alone makes for a recruitment of intrigue, especially with the fact that Ohio State came very close to receiving a public commitment January 24 before Brew backed off that timeline. Ohio State remains very much in the mix, and has the June 21-23 official visit date locked in. LSU is very much in the mix as well with Corey Raymond all in. 

Steve Sarkisian, Terry Joseph, Blake Gideon and the entire defensive staff have left zero doubt with Brew and family how much he is coveted by Texas. The Longhorns are expected to receive an official visit (likely June 14-16). And a spring game visit April 20 is also on the table. 

Josh Petty, OT, Roswell (Ga.) Fellowship Christian School

Steve Sarkisian, Tashard Choice and Kyle Flood have all had multiple conversations with the Peach State athletic tackle and family members. That alone provides intrigue with a OnTexasFootball 4-star prospect that hasn't been talked about much among the Horns fanbase. 

Texas is scheduled to get the 6-5, 275 pound tackle on campus March 22 with his California Power 7v7 team/program teammates. Texas is one of several spring unofficial visits for Petty. He's at Georgia Tech and Georgia this weekend, and was at Clemson earlier in the week. He will be at Auburn March 19 and Florida State March 29. Tennessee is also very much in the mix. His older sister could also decide to attend FSU, Georgia, Tennessee or Clemson. 

The intrigue with Petty's recruitment is within in the family circle. The academics at Texas have the attention of Petty's parents, and both were very excited when Texas offered and visited the school in January. Petty's father spent a number of summers at Big Lake and around San Angelo. He still has family in both places. 

Josiah Sharma, DL, Folsom (Calif.) High

When Johnny Nansen made a trip to Folsom High in January and offered Sharma, he was still a largely unknown prospect nationally. The one-time Washington verbal has since made a visit to Alabama to reconnect with Kalen Deboer and staff. 

In speaking with a source close to the Folsom High program, Texas has continued to be in contact with the 6-5, 300 pound athletic and powerful OnTexasFootball 4-star prospect. The intrigue is when will Sharma first make it to campus? And how much of a role could Sharma and his mother having lived in the Arlington area and still having family in Texas help the cause of the Longhorns?  

Matai Tagoa'i, LB, San Clemente (Calif.) High

A top out of state linebacker target for Johnny Nansen in the 2025 cycle, and another chance to continue to expand the Southern California footprint. The hire of Nansen combined with Steve Sarkisian and Chris Jackson provide a lot of history in Southern California for the Texas staff. Nansen offered the 6-4, 195 pound instinctive and quick reacting linebacker in December of 2022. Texas offered Tagoi'a May 11, 2023. Now the two have combined to give the Longhorns a real shot at the OnTexasFootball 4-star with an official visit scheduled for June 21-23. 

Tagoa'i has official visits scheduled to Washington May 31-June 2, Utah June 14-16 (Same weekend as Josiah Sharma) and Texas June 21-23. 

https://youtu.be/SueM9T9TLI8

The trips to South Padre or Destin has turned into a first class flight to Jamaica or Cancun. It is rather remarkable to sit here and reflect on how spring break has evolved in the NIL era.

But regardless, one last opportunity for the team to sit back and relax prior to spring football kicking off on Tuesday.

The Texas team will get back to the weight room Monday morning for one last lift before getting to work. Over the next month, the 15 practices will provide a sneak peak at the 2024 team for anyone interested.

One of the most anticipated Pro Days in recent Texas history will take place Wednesday, March 20. For guys like Jordan Whittington, Jaylan Ford and Keilan Robinson, it is a massive opportunity to get in front of NFL scouts and executives for one last audition.

However, no one will have a bigger opportunity to impress than Quinn Ewers who will be throwing live for the scouts in attendance. This is not an uncommon practice to see the current QB throw at Pro Days. Texas has had former QB David Ash throw for the last couple of years at Pro Days. Though with a future first rounder on roster at the moment, one extra chance to get in front of NFL personnel was something Sarkisian and Ewers did not want to pass up.

Regardless, the next week should be very fun in regards to team coverage.

The next month should be a blast when you add in recruiting coverage and the number of big visit weekends set to hit the 40 Acres.

March Madness applies to more than just the hardwood.

Now comes the question of where will Texas be seeded on Selection Sunday at 6 p.m. eastern time.  

With the loss, falling to a No. 10 seed would likely be the best case scenario for Texas (20-12, 9-9). Getting off the 8/9 seed line and not being tasked with taking on UConn (again), Tennessee or Purdue would be welcomed as all three teams are not ideal matchups for the Longhorns.

Texas NCAA Tournament seeding scenarios

The Longhorns are going to be a No. 8, No. 9 or No. 10 seed in the tournament. Moving toward a No. 9 or 10 with the upset loss to Kansas State Wednesday. 

Joe Lunardi has Texas a No. 9 seed following the loss last night. One projection (Jerry Palm), has Texas a No. 9 seed - same as before the loss. 

NCAA Men’s Basketball NET Rankings (March 1)
Texas fell from No. 25  to No. 28 in NCAA NET after the Big 12 Tournament loss. 

The Longhorns are 5-9 in Quad 1 games, 3-2vs. Quad 2, 5-1 vs. Quad 3 and 7-0 vs. Quad 4. 

Kansas State is No. 70 in NCAA NET, and would be a fourth Quad 2 win for the Horns.

Should the Horns advance to Thursday, Iowa State would be a Quad 1 win opportunity on a neutral court. Iowa State is No. 9 in NCAA NET. 

T-Rank 
Texas fell from No. 19 to No. 20 in Bart Torvik’s rankings after Wednesday night. 

2024 Ken Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings
Texas checks in at No. 25 after being No. 23 prior to the Kansas State loss.

The next day, Texas will host its annual pro day for NFL prospects.

Then the Horns return to the practice field on Thursday. The Texas staff will be hosting a high school coaches clinic that day as well.

This is a OnTexasFootball first article with this headline. While the December 4th signing day is over 200 days away, the majority of prospects on this list will make decisions prior to senior seasons. 

Steve Sarkisian and staff are currently in the lead, top two or in a position to battle on more than two dozen prospects in the 2025 cycle. OTF takes a look at 25 prospects of note with the categories being - Yes, Maybe and Work to be done.

Yes is Texas leads, or would lead with a strong push. Maybe is Texas is right there, and work to be done is the obvious. 

This list will be fluid on a number of prospects as the spring plays out, and then through the summer official visits. 

Yes

Rickey Stewart, RB, Tyler (Texas) Chapel Hill
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas the clear favorite over Baylor, SMU and a couple of others. 

Kelshaun Johnson, WR, Hitchcock (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas has serious competition from USC, Texas Tech and Texas A&M. It would surprise a few if the Longhorns weren't the winner, should Sarkisian make the final June push. 

Marcus Harris, WR, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas has been the favorite at times in this recruitment. Oregon and Tennessee are key players.

John Mills, IOL, San Francisco (Calif.) St. Ignatius 
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Washington is real competition due to family ties. Texas has made a very strong impression with each visit. The Huskies new staff is going to have two cracks at winning out this spring. 

Jordan Coleman, OT, Cedar Hill (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
The Texas offer was very impactful. The Horns are the favorite with a closing push in June. 

Devin Coleman, IOL, Cedar Hill (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
The offer by Kyle Flood truly registered. Texas sits in the favorable position entering spring and official visits.

Chace Sims, DL, Richmond (Texas) Randle
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
The Texas offer was a big one. Close to home matters in this one with Texas A&M, TCU and LSU the key players.

Floyd Guidry, DL, Spring (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
A recruitment Texas would be expected to win, if Sarkisian and Kenny Baker make a push. 

Elijah Barnes, LB, Dallas (Texas) Skyline
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
OTF considers Texas the team to beat headed into the spring, and visits. 

Kade Phillips, DB, Missouri City (Texas) Hightower
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas headed into spring visits is in a good spot over LSU, with Texas A&M also in it. 

Maybe

Jordon Davidson, RB, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas has been the favorite are at various times throughout the recruitment. Tashard Choice is a feather in the cap for Texas, to be clear. Ohio State, Alabama and Oregon provide true comeptition. 

Kaliq Lockett, WR, Sachse (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Some chatter in the DFW area Texas is the team to beat. With that said, this recruitment has a number of national players a visits on the schedule.

Dakorien Moore, WR, Duncanville (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 5-star
The LSU pledge will be a battle with Texas to the wire. Texas will get the explosive playmaker on campus at least once in the three months. Ohio State and Oregon are looking to make it a true three and four team race. 

Nick Townsend, TE, Dekaney (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
This is another one that could move to yes with a late spring and June Jeff Banks push. 

Kiotti Armstrong, TE, Jasper (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas A&M has the "follow the visits" lead headed into the spring. The spring will include two more trip to College Station, and one to Texas.

Michael Fasusi, OT, Lewisville (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 5-star
Both Texas and Oklahoma have confidence. Someone will not by the end of June. Texas A&M looking to play spoiler. Oregon and Missouri looking to bump A&M for the spoiler role. 

Jonte Newman, OT, Cypress (Texas) Bridgeland
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas has some competition here in Texas A&M and Oklahoma. An Alabama push would make this recruitment interesting for Newman, who is originally from Lexington, Miss.

Jackson Christian, IOL, Port Neches (Texas) Port Neches-Groves
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
A big Texas push in June would ascend this one. Long standing relationships in play. Texas A&M needs to win some of these in-state battles on the offensive line in 2025. 

Tyler Thomas, IOL, Dickinson (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 3-star
Both Texas and Texas A&M feel like they have a legit shot. Brad Davis is working to play spoiler for LSU.

Zion Williams, DL, Lufkin (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
LSU was 1A and Texas 1B entering the spring, Texas A&M and TCU both in the hunt. This recruitment has the East Texas battle between LSU (Bo Davis) and Texas with Texas A&M going to fight, and Jamarkus McFarland playing a role for TCU.

Hayden Lowe, EDGE, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas scheduled for an April 6 unofficial visit, and June 14-16 official visit has the Longhorns firmly in the maybe category. Johnny Nansen and Pete Kwiatkowski are working this one for the Horns. 

Smith Orogbo, EDGE, Alief (Texas) Hastings
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
The April 6 visit will be the first key here, and if an official visit is scheduled things will get interesting. Orogbo has the SEC twitch and wingspan with physicality. 

Riley Pettijohn, LB, McKinney (Texas) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Texas is in a quality spot here. Maybe not quite to the level Elijah Barnes. Texas has serious competition with USC, Ohio State, FSU and Georgia.

Matai Tagoa'i, LB, San Clemente (Calif.) High
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
This is one that could easily change to yes after the spring. Johnny Nansen has Texas in position. Washington, Utah and others in the hunt.

Cobey Sellers, CB, Pearland (Texas) Shadow Creek
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Oklahoma has had the most confidence for months. Texas, however, is not lacking some level of confidence either. Texas A&M is giving chase.

Work to be done 

Jaime Ffrench, WR, Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
While Texas has two scheduled visits, Ohio State and Florida State are considered to be the favorites. The April 6 visit success with the staff prior to the June 21-23 official visit will be paramount.

Damien Shanklin, EDGE, Indianapolis (In.) Warren Central
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Notre Dame is considered the favorite headed into the spring. Tennessee and Texas looking to play spoiler. 

Jonah Williams, S, Galveston (Texas) Ball
OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
Oklahoma has been enjoying a lot of confidence with Williams since January. Texas is getting the Houston area two-sport star on campus April 6, and again for an official visit.