AUSTIN, Texas — OV Weekend 1 is complete and buzz around the Texas Longhorns is growing as UT looks to build on its 2027 class.
Here’s Part I of the latest intel we’re hearing coming out of the weekend -- Jordan and CJ will post their intel in the comments below.
Later on tonight Gerry Hamilton will publish Part II.
— On five-star CB John Meredith III … returns from talking to sources have relayed the same optimism sources have been relaying for weeks. The Longhorns look to be in prime position despite Texas A&M doing everything they can to sully those efforts. We maintain this continues to be an Aggies/Longhorns race, with a decision coming in the near future.
— Multiple sources noted Texas Tech linebacker Jhadyn Nelson enjoying his visit, one source going as far as thinking the Langham Creek product flips. We’re not there just yet in terms of that projection as a staff, but the interest is more serious in the Longhorns than just simply taking a visit.
— I spoke with one source familiar with four-star defensive lineman Kasi Currie’s recruitment, who told me Texas “is looking real good” in the Sierra Canyon product’s recruitment. Earlier this spring Currie named Texas his leader. The Longhorns are battling Ohio State, Oregon, and Georgia for the talented West Coast prospect. Richard Wesley helps here.
— Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou is more than likely to decide between Texas and Ohio State whenever he does make a decision, which sounds like it’s gearing more towards end of July to early August as originally planned. One source thinks UGA is out at this stage. Oregon and Notre Dame are up next on the OV schedule. This could be a signature recruitment for LaAllan Clark, similar to that of Richard Wesley — also out of Sierra Canyon. Sources are bullish on where Texas stands.
— Four-star safety Junior Tu’upo says Texas outright leads in his recruitment ahead of Alabama, Oregon, and others. Tu’upo is the top safety target and was treated as such, spending time with Jonah Williams, who he resembles as a prospect. Tu’upo plans to announce a decision on June 25. Auburn will host the Alabama standout next weekend, followed by Alabama June 19-21. The Tide are the biggest competition at this stage. Of note, Tu’upo has only lived in Alabama for a year after moving in from Florida, so he’s not born and raised Crimson Tide.
— OTF has been on the forefront of projecting four-star edge rusher Jabarrius Garror to Texas, and we feel even better about that projection coming out of the weekend. We could see movement on a decision from the Mobile area pass rusher this upcoming week. Florida State is set to host him June 19-21. We’ll see if that visit even happens. This is a Texas-Auburn race.
— Texas is locking down its commitments early. Of the guys we talked to at the airport: Derwin Fields, Noah Roberts, JT Geraci, and Brock Williams … they’re all shutting down their recruitments, only planning to visit Texas going forward. The class camaraderie is strong at this juncture.