Texas Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian try to fend off two SEC foes for four-star linebacker from enemy territory
It’s down to Texas, Alabama and Tennessee for one of the top linebackers in the country Tuesday. Where will he go?
On Tuesday, four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse will announce his college destination at 6pm CT. The Kell (Georgia) prospect is down to Alabama, Tennessee and Texas. At 6-foot, 2.5 and 220 pounds, 247Sports ranks him as the No. 68 overall player in the country and No. 4 at his position.
Hank South from Horns247 believes head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns are "prioritizing linebackers" in the 2026 class. South believes the Volunteers have long been considered the favorite due to a connection with Rouse's family. There's been some mild optimism, per sources, in both Ann Arbor and Tuscaloosa but as decision day has arrived it looks to be down to Tennessee and Texas.
Rouse is still a touch green at the position, wearing several hats in high school. But, South reports his athleticism is what sticks out to the Texas staff and why is he high on Sarkisian's 2026 board.
As a junior, Rouse played everywhere from linebacker to safety to wide receiver. The two-way star collected 105 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five pass breakups on defense and 25 receptions for 378 yards and eight touchdowns on offense.
247Sports national analyst Hudson Standish is a big fan of Brayden Rouse–likening his game to a former all-conference performer
Rangy second-level defender who can flow downhill and strike ball carriers as well as he can drop into coverage and operate in space. Hovering around 6-foot-2.5, 220 pounds and has played meaningful snaps at LB, EDGE, S, WR, and TE. Immense three-phase production at the GHSA 4A level, made a noticeable leap on the defensive side of the ball as a junior. Active and instinctive pursuing the football, will make plays sideline-to-sideline and evade blockers in space with ease. Exceptional coverage defender to the point where he could offer flexibility as a potential overhang on Saturdays. Will routinely make highlight snags at the catch point on both sides of the ball, and has shown serious YAC ability for a player his size. Combination of multi-sport participation, athletic tools, and growth potential make him one of the higher ceiling linebackers in the Deep South. Should be viewed as a situation and scheme-versatile chess piece who should be able to stay on the field in all scenarios. Projects as an eventual high-major impact player with long-term NFL Draft potential. – Hudson Standish, 247Sports
Rouse took his final official visit to Knoxville June 20. The weekend before he was in Austin—visiting the Longhorns. As of this writing, the decision seems to be relatively unknown. There was a considerable amount of buzz earlier this year around Texas landing the talented linebacker, but the Vols are coming on strong down the stretch.
For now at least, it seems like Rouse is keeping things close to the vest and will surprise one lucky staff Tuesday evening.
