Latest news with #KosiOkpala
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas predicted to land elite in-state LB
Texas has landed a plethora of blue-chip commitments on the defensive line for their 2026 class in June. On Wednesday, they got a prediction to land another, but on the second level of the defense. Steve Wiltfong of On3 has logged a prediction for the Longhorns to get a commitment from four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder is the nation's No. 282 overall recruit and the No. 19 linebacker per On3's industry rankings. Okpala is also the No. 35 prospect in the state of Texas. Advertisement Okpala has been a productive player over the last two seasons for Mayde Creek High School in Houston. He registered 66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup as a sophomore. Okpala came back with 55 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two pass breakups. If the Longhorns are able to get Okpala, he would be the first linebacker for them in the 2026 class. Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on X (Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience Advertisement This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns Football: 4-star LB Kosi Okpala projected yo Texas
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas Lands 2026 Four-Star LB Kosi Okpala
Texas Lands 2026 Four-Star LB Kosi Okpala originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Fourth of July fireworks started early for the Texas Longhorns. On Thursday, Texas added the 16th member to its 2026 recruiting class. Four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala announced his commitment to the Longhorns via social media. Advertisement The Mayde Creek (Katy, TX) product chose Texas over Penn State and Miami. "It's a new era hook 'em," Okpala said. He becomes the seventh highest-ranked player in Texas' class and the top linebacker commit. Okpala is ranked the No. 11 linebacker in the nation and No. 27 overall prospect in Texas, according to On3. As a junior in 2024, Okpala recorded 55 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0).Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images "Long-levered two-point edge defender who could stay at the line of scrimmage or move to an off-ball linebacker role," 247Sports recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks said. "Projects as a P4/high-major defensive piece whose ultimate positional home could depend on scheme/staff. Owns physical traits and natural athleticism that could lead to long-term NFL Draft candidacy." Advertisement Although Okpala also took official visits to Baylor, Miami, and Houston throughout the month of June, several recruiting predictions were entered back in April for the Longhorns to land the versatile linebacker. Texas now holds the No. 13 recruiting class in the nation for the 2026 cycle per 247Sports. Related: Texas Coaching Staff Reaches Rare Milestone This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas Longhorns set for imminent 4-star in-state commitment
Mayde Creek (Texas) four-star edge-rusher Kosi Okpala is set to announce his college commitment Thursday at 10 a.m. CT. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound edge-rusher, out of Houston, is down to a final four of Baylor, Miami, Penn State and Texas. Advertisement Okpala is rated the nation's No. 281 overall prospect and No. 27 edge-rusher and accumulated more than 30 scholarship offers during his recruitment. As a junior, he recorded 55 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, 5 sacks, 2 force fumbles and 1 fumble recoveries. So, where is he headed? Okpala took official visits to all four of his finalists, but it was the Longhorns that earned his final trip. And it has been Texas that has all the momentum heading into his decision day. 247Sports has a flurry of predictions in - all favoring the Longhorns - while On3 gives Steve Sarkisian's program a 95.9 percent chance of landing Okpala. Advertisement What would Texas be getting? Here's what 247Sports had to say about Okpala as a prospect: "Long-levered two-point edge defender who could stay at the line of scrimmage or move to an off-ball linebacker role. Legitimately 6-foot-2 and around 230 pounds with significant frame potential given a wingspan greater than +7 inches relative to height." "Good functional athlete who's still putting together technical nuance and possesses ample developmental upside. Will need to continue to add mass/strength, especially if living full-time as an edge, but compensates at times with startling pursuit speed that manifests in closing ability and chase-down juice when required." Advertisement "Shows flashes of redirecting twitch at edge and linebacker, whether in pads or elite camp settings. Still, more natural as a forward-oriented player, whether rushing the passer or defending the run. Displays encouraging sudden burst and flexibility considering impressive, muscled-up stature." "Projects as a P4/high-major defensive piece whose ultimate positional home could depend on scheme/staff. Owns physical traits and natural athleticism that could lead to long-term NFL Draft candidacy." Overall, the Texas 2026 recruiting class consists of 15 pledges and is ranked No. 14 nationally. That group is led by Elite 11 Finals MVP and five-star quarterback Dia Bell, Willis (Texas) five-star athlete Jermaine Bishop and elite edge-rusher Richard Wesley.
