Austin, Texas, January 17, 2026
The Texas Longhorns football program is intensifying its recruiting strategy by offering scholarships to high school athletes in the 2027 and 2028 classes. This proactive initiative aims to secure top talent to ensure the team’s future success. Recent scholarship offers include four-star linebacker Cooper Witten and sophomore offensive tackle Jai’Storm Knight, demonstrating the Longhorns’ commitment to building a strong foundation through early recruitment. These efforts highlight the program’s vision for sustained excellence in college football.
Austin, Texas – Texas Longhorns Expand Recruiting Efforts
The Texas Longhorns football program has intensified its recruiting strategy by extending scholarship offers to several high school athletes from the 2027 and 2028 classes. This proactive approach aims to secure top talent for future seasons, ensuring the team’s continued success.
Recent Offers to 2027 Prospects
In May 2025, the Longhorns offered a scholarship to four-star linebacker Cooper Witten from Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas. Witten, standing at 6-1 and weighing 210 pounds, is recognized as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 25 overall player in the 2027 class. His father, Jason Witten, a former Dallas Cowboys legend, serves as his high school coach. Witten has accumulated 127 tackles, seven interceptions, and 14 pass deflections over his first two varsity seasons.
Recent Offers to 2028 Prospects
Additionally, in June 2025, the Longhorns extended an offer to Jai’Storm Knight, a 6-8, 340-pound offensive tackle from Judson High School near San Antonio. Knight is the 16th team to offer the sophomore, and the 12th Power-Five conference team. He has previously received offers from in-state schools such as Texas Tech, TCU, and SMU.
Strategic Recruiting Initiatives
By targeting younger prospects, the Longhorns aim to build a strong foundation for future seasons. This strategy allows the coaching staff to develop relationships with emerging talent and monitor their progress over time. The program’s commitment to early recruitment reflects a long-term vision for sustained excellence.
Background Context
Recruiting is a critical component of college football, with programs continually seeking to identify and secure top talent. Early offers to underclassmen enable teams to establish connections and gain a competitive edge in the recruitment process. The Longhorns’ recent actions underscore their dedication to maintaining a high level of performance in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of the Texas Longhorns offering scholarships to 2027 and 2028 prospects?
The Texas Longhorns football program has intensified its recruiting strategy by extending scholarship offers to several high school athletes from the 2027 and 2028 classes. This proactive approach aims to secure top talent for future seasons, ensuring the team’s continued success.
Who is Cooper Witten, and why is he a notable recruit for the 2027 class?
In May 2025, the Longhorns offered a scholarship to four-star linebacker Cooper Witten from Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas. Witten, standing at 6-1 and weighing 210 pounds, is recognized as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 25 overall player in the 2027 class. His father, Jason Witten, a former Dallas Cowboys legend, serves as his high school coach. Witten has accumulated 127 tackles, seven interceptions, and 14 pass deflections over his first two varsity seasons.
What is the profile of Jai’Storm Knight, the 2028 prospect offered by the Longhorns?
Additionally, in June 2025, the Longhorns extended an offer to Jai’Storm Knight, a 6-8, 340-pound offensive tackle from Judson High School near San Antonio. Knight is the 16th team to offer the sophomore, and the 12th Power-Five conference team. He has previously received offers from in-state schools such as Texas Tech, TCU, and SMU.
Why is early recruitment important for college football programs?
By targeting younger prospects, the Longhorns aim to build a strong foundation for future seasons. This strategy allows the coaching staff to develop relationships with emerging talent and monitor their progress over time. The program’s commitment to early recruitment reflects a long-term vision for sustained excellence.
Key Features of the Texas Longhorns’ Recent Recruiting Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Targeted Classes | 2027 and 2028 high school prospects |
| Notable Offers | Cooper Witten (2027), Jai’Storm Knight (2028) |
| Strategic Focus | Building a strong foundation for future seasons |
| Recruitment Approach | Early engagement with emerging talent |
| Program Objective | Sustained excellence through proactive recruiting |
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