Steve Sarkisian and Texas Longhorns look like early favorite for elite running back recruit amid multiple upcoming game day visits
Texas facing off against blue bloods for high four star running back and might have an edge
The Texas Longhorns have dominated the recruiting trail over the last few years and proven that their player development is among the most impressive in the country. Top five recruiting classes several years in a row with a number one class in 2025. 23 players drafted to the NFL in the last two years.
Now Steve Sarkisian and his staff are building on that momentum as they pursue top recruits not only for the 2026 cycle, but in 2027 and beyond this fall. For example, one of the most important targets for Texas who could become the face of the 2027 recruiting class is already taking actions that suggest he could be leaning towards the Longhorns among his top options.
Four star RB Noah Roberts visiting Texas Longhorns multiple times this fall
For those who might not know Noah Roberts yet, the high four star running back has quickly leaped up into the top 50 overall 2027 recruiting prospects in the nation following a wildly impressive 2024 season with nearly 1500 yards from scrimmage and over 20 touchdowns. His elite track speed (sub-10.8-second 100 meter time) flashes on every single touch. His ball skills, balance, and power all project well if he wants to be a future feature running back for Texas. It’s no wonder over 30 schools have offered him a scholarship already.
Roberts has recently narrowed his focus to just seven schools after taking several visits earlier this year. This week, he announced that he’ll be heading to seven campuses on game day this fall: Ohio State, Washington, Oregon, Arizona State, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas. However, two (not just one) of those games involve the Texas Longhorns. It’s clear he’s making a point to see Texas a great deal after already just visiting with Steve Sarkisian’s staff in June.
Roberts will be on-site for Texas’ season opener against Ohio State (in Columbus). Then he’ll head to Texas as his final fall visit as they likely annihilate Arkansas on November 22nd.
That script should sound familiar to many who have followed elite recruiting battles in the past. Top recruits will often schedule their greatest interests to kick things of and once again to wrap things up. Texas certainly seems like they’re in good position as the season kicks off to possibly land Noah Roberts. However, if the Longhorns don’t land him, which school(s) might he choose instead?
Which schools does Texas have to beat out to land Noah Roberts?
First off, Ohio State is the obvious answer here. Roberts is of course seeing them play against Texas to begin the year. Then he’s heading to Washington to see the Buckeyes again. Ryan Day and his crew are the only other team seeing him twice this fall on game day (as of this writing).
Washington should also be another program to keep a real eye on here too. The new Huskies starting quarterback Demond Williams was Roberts’ teammate at Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona just over a year ago. If Williams can take Washington back to a special place this season that might sway Roberts towards the Huskies.
It’s hard to get a read on any of the other early contenders for Roberts, but it’s good to see the Longhorns right in the mix for yet another elite running back prospect since they already boast one of the best running back rooms in the nation thanks to Tre Wisner, CJ Baxter, Jerrick Gibson, Christian Clark, and James Simon.
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