Tashard Choice’s decision leaves 2026 top recruit stunned as Longhorns assistant was chasing multiple top-10 targets
Choice was the lead recruiter for three of the nation’s top 10 running backs in the class of 2026
The recruiting dominos have already started falling now that Tashard Choice is leaving the Longhorns.
News broke Thursday morning that Choice told the staff he was leaving UT for the same job with the Detroit Lions. While that news was probably celebrated in the coaching office, recruits aren’t taking it too well.
Ezavier “EJ” Crowell, a four-star recruit ranked the No. 8 running back in the class of 2026, told Rivals that he can’t believe the news.
“I’m shocked,” Crowell told Rivals. “We had a great relationship. I’ve got to find another official visit.” He went another step forward and cancelled his visit scheduled for June.
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According to On3’s recruiting profile, the Jackson, Ala., product is considered to be leaning toward staying in state as it is. Alabama and Auburn are projected to be his top two choices.
But he’s got scholarship offers from Texas, Ole Miss and Oregon, too. Choice was Crowell’s primary recruiter, so he’ll likely be starting from ground zero with any new assistant coach as a recruiter.
The Longhorns have only three players committed for the class of 2026, which is not surprising considering how early it still is.
Texas is the favorite to land Carthage running back KJ Edwards, who also listed Choice as his primary recruiter. It’s unclear how that might change now that Choice is gone.
The Horns are also in the mix for Forney standout Javian Osborne. He was also being recruited by Choice. On3 gives Osborne an 86% chance of signing with Texas.
Texas still has one ace in the hole with Edwards and Osborne in that they are in-state recruits, and both are ranked slightly higher than Crowell.
Still, it’s a huge sign that Choice was a major recruiter for the Longhorns. That’ll be something coach Steve Sarkisian must think about when finding his replacement.
