Texas Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian thrown curveball in chase for five star talent who could make history with commitment
The Texas Longhorns looked to be as close to a lock to land an elite five star talent as a program can get, but a late surge from one of the least-suspected teams in the country could throw a wrench in Steve Sarkisian's efforts. No. 3 tackle Felix Ojo is from Mansfield, Texas, and has […]
The Texas Longhorns looked to be as close to a lock to land an elite five star talent as a program can get, but a late surge from one of the least-suspected teams in the country could throw a wrench in Steve Sarkisian's efforts. No. 3 tackle Felix Ojo is from Mansfield, Texas, and has been heavily favored to spurn Ohio State and Michigan to stay in state.
But there's one specific situation available where Ojo could make all sorts of history and potentially join an even better situation for his future. Texas has to be concerned, as Ojo wasted little time in setting up an official visit with the Utah Utes shortly after being offered a scholarship on June 2.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder would become the first five star prospect to sign with the Utes out of high school, should he shock the world. While this seems especially unlikely, the Utes are surely pitching him the chance to follow in the footsteps of two possible first-round picks at his position.
The Utes have an elite tackle duo of Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. Fano should be a top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Lomu has first round traits, too. Ojo could easily justify seeing this as a viable landing spot because of this.
Texas will have more money and has a similarly strong pipeline for tackles to reach the NFL after Kelvin Banks was just a first-rounder, but his 50th offer might be his most tempting besides the Longhorns'.
Currently sitting as an overwhelming favorite to land with Texas, with a 90% probability in On3's recruiting prediction machine, Ojo may just be one of those prospects who had multiple great fits but had to choose one.
Texas has the advantage in proximity, longevity of relationships, and being a hometown favorite for Ojo.
On3's Charles Power had this to say about Ojo in his scouting report from earlier this winter.
Developmental offensive tackle with the frame, length, and physicality to develop into a top prospect at the position. Measured in at around 6-foot-6, 275 pounds with plus length before his senior season. Has a lean, long frame and should be able to add considerable mass once in a college strength program. Pairs his long arms with outstanding hand strength to stun defenders on contact. Punch is palpable, both on film and in the camp setting. Latches onto defensive linemen and manipulates them to his will. Plays with a nasty edge, working to finish blocks. Flashes dominance as a run blocker. Play strength, length, and solid athleticism point to upside in pass protection. Showed considerable growth in his game from his sophomore to junior seasons. Will need to improve his lower body flexibility as he can play high and displays some hip stiffness. The youngest top offensive tackle prospect in the cycle, turning 18 years old in July prior to his freshman season of college football. Rapid rate of improvement and notable strengths give him one of the higher upsides among 2026 offensive tackles.
