The Texas Longhorns are assembling one of the top classes of recruits for 2026, and things will only get better.

The Texas Longhorns are making serious noise in college football, and it’s not just because of their on-field success. The 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country — maybe even one of the best in Texas football history. And the most exciting part? It’s still growing.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have been working hard to bring top talent to Austin. Their goal is simple: win national championships. And with the way things are going, they are putting together a group of young players who could lead Texas to greatness in the years ahead.

Right now, the Longhorns’ 2026 class already includes several top-ranked recruits at key positions:

• No. 1 Quarterback: Dia Bell
  Dia Bell is not just the best quarterback in the 2026 class — he’s one of the most talked-about high school football players in the country. He has a powerful arm, quick feet, and a smart football mind. Bell can make every throw on the field and isn’t afraid of pressure. He’s the kind of leader that programs are built around. With him at the top of the class, Texas has their future signal-caller — and someone who could become the next star in burnt orange.

• No. 1 Linebacker: Tyler Atkinson
  Tyler Atkinson is a beast on defense. He’s fast, strong, and reads plays like a college veteran. Atkinson plays with high energy and doesn’t back down from anyone. He can blitz, cover receivers, and stop the run. As the No. 1 linebacker in the country, he’s expected to make an immediate impact once he arrives in Austin. His leadership on defense will be huge for the Longhorns.

• No. 1 Defensive Lineman: JJ Johnson
  JJ Johnson is a powerful force on the defensive line. Standing tall and strong, he overwhelms offensive linemen with his size and speed. He’s the type of player who demands double-teams — and still makes plays. Johnson is not just big; he’s skilled and explosive off the snap. Texas fans are already excited about the damage he could do in the SEC trenches.

• No. 2 Running Back: Derrek Cooper
  Texas has a long history of great running backs, and Derrek Cooper could be the next big name. He’s a complete back — quick, powerful, and great at catching passes out of the backfield. Cooper’s mix of size and agility makes him hard to tackle. With Texas’s strong offensive line, Cooper could become a star in no time. Having the No. 2 RB in the class is another huge win for Sarkisian’s staff.

• No. 3 EDGE Rusher: Richard Wesley
  Richard Wesley is a nightmare for quarterbacks. As an edge rusher, he comes flying off the line and causes chaos in the backfield. He’s ranked No. 3 in the country at his position, but his upside is massive. He’s tall, athletic, and constantly improves. Coaches love his work ethic and motor. In a league like the SEC, where pass rushing is critical, Wesley is a huge pickup.

What’s amazing is that this class isn’t finished yet. Texas is still in the running for several other five-star prospects. With the momentum they’ve built, it’s likely more top names will commit before the 2026 cycle is over.

Recruiting isn’t just about talent — it’s also about chemistry. Bringing in the No. 1 quarterback, top defenders, and elite skill players all in one group gives the team a strong foundation. These players know each other, respect each other, and want to win together. That kind of unity creates championship-level teams.

Texas is also doing something very important: keeping elite talent away from their biggest rivals. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Ohio State were going after many of the same players. But right now, Texas is winning those battles. That shows how powerful the program has become again.

There are a few big reasons why these top players are choosing the Longhorns:

1. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s Vision
   Coach Sarkisian has a clear plan for the future. He’s been honest with players and families. He’s shown that he cares about helping them grow, both as athletes and as young men. That message is connecting with recruits.

2. Winning in the SEC
   With Texas now in the SEC, top recruits know they’ll be playing against the best teams in the country. That means more exposure, better competition, and a real path to the NFL. Playing for Texas now means competing at the highest level.

3. Modern Facilities and Support
   Texas has some of the best football facilities in the country. Their locker rooms, training rooms, and support systems are first-class. They’ve also embraced NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), giving players opportunities to build their brand and earn money the right way.

4. A Chance to Be Legendary
   Texas hasn’t won a national title since 2005, but they’re closer than ever. Players in this 2026 class want to be the ones who bring it back. That’s powerful motivation. They want to leave a legacy and become legends in Austin.

With National Signing Day still months away, Texas still has work to do. They’ll continue hosting visits, attending high school games, and talking with families. The staff is aiming to finish the 2026 class as the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation — and they are well on their way.

If they can hold on to their current commits and add just a few more top players, they’ll have the kind of class that can change a program’s future for the next decade.

The Texas Longhorns are on fire in recruiting, and their 2026 class is proof of that. With top players like Dia Bell, Tyler Atkinson, JJ Johnson, Derrek Cooper, and Richard Wesley, the future looks bright. These young stars are the kind of athletes who can lead Texas to SEC titles and national championships.