Latest news with #SteveWiltfong
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Longhorns predicted to land cornerback Samari Matthews
Over the last few weeks, Longhorns football has been on a roll in adding to their 2026 class. That includes the additions of a five-star defensive end and two four-star defensive linemen. However, they are not done yet. On3's Chad Simmons and Steve Wiltfong have both logged expert predictions that Texas will land four-star cornerback Samari Matthews. The North Carolina native is ranked as the No. 9 cornerback in the 2026 class and the No. 69 overall player by On3. They also rank him as the sixth-best player out of North Carolina. While the expert prediction is a welcoming sign, Texas is not the only program with its eyes on Matthews. Advertisement During the offseason, the talented cornerback has been busy touring the country. Matthews has visited Florida State, Texas, and South Carolina this month. That came after a trip to Miami in May. With most of his visits in the books, the anticipation is building over his final decision. Currently, the Longhorns 2026 class includes one cornerback, three-star Hayward Howard Jr. While he is a talented prospect, adding more depth at the position is key for a recruiting class trending up. Following the Longhorns' recent additions, their 2026 class has climbed to No. 10 in the country and No. 4 in the SEC per on3. A commitment from Matthews could make that ranking go even higher. Luckily for the Longhorns, they won't have to wait long to find out Matthews's decision. He has set his commitment date for July 11. Texas hopes that on that date, they will be able to add Matthews name to the list of potential Longhorns stars. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Recruiting experts say Longhorns will land four-star cornerback
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
USA Today
26-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
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. 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
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Elite DL projected to commit to Texas
Texas has 13 total commitments in their 2026 class with five coming this month alone. According to Steve Wiltfong and Chad Simmons of On3, another one is on the way soon. They both put in predictions for the Longhorns to land four-star defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland. On3's industry rankings have Cleveland pegged as the nation's No. 120 player overall and the No. 11 defensive lineman. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder is also the No. 8 prospect in the state of Alabama. Speaking of Alabama, Cleveland was once committed to the Crimson Tide but reopened his recruitment after getting decommitted last December. Currently, Cleveland has 38 scholarship offers. It was a productive junior campaign for Cleveland at Parker High School. He amassed 50 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. The Longhorns already have four-star defensive line prospects Dylan Berymon and Corey Wells committed for the 2026 cycle. Adding another piece like Cleveland would certainly help solidify the group overall. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on X (Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
LSU football predicted to land elite tackle after decommitment from SEC rival
LSU football predicted to land elite tackle after decommitment from SEC rival On3's Steve Wiltfong logged a prediction Sunday for LSU to land a commitment from four-star offensive lineman Emanuel Tucker. Tucker is slated to make his commitment on June 13. Tucker took a trip to Baton Rouge over the weekend and it seems that the head coach Brian Kelly's staff won him over. He was active on social media, reposting content from the LSU facilities. Last weekend, Tucker decommitted from Mississippi State and reopened his recruitment process. Ole Miss and the Tigers entered the race with heavy hands over the past few days. Both are considered the front-runners for Tucker's services. According to On3's Industry Rankings, Tucker is the No. 203 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle. He is No. 16 at offensive tackle and No. 9 out of Mississippi. The New Albany, MS native initially chose the Bulldogs but he's under an hour away from Oxford. Tucker would be a significant regional get for Kelly, who built the SEC's best class of the 2026 cycle. He would be the second Mississippi native, alongside five-star Tristen Keys and the third offensive lineman, in addition to Brysten Martinez and Jalen Chapman.
