'They're pretty even': Steve Sarkisian and Texas Longhorns have work to do as elite five-star narrows his list down to two blue blood programs
The Texas Longhorns looked to be as close to a lock to land an elite five-star talent as a program can get, but No. 3 tackle Felix Ojo hasn't quite made the call yet. Ojo, from Mansfield, Texas, officially narrowed the race for his recruitment down to two teams. It's down to the Longhorns and […]
The Texas Longhorns looked to be as close to a lock to land an elite five-star talent as a program can get, but No. 3 tackle Felix Ojo hasn't quite made the call yet. Ojo, from Mansfield, Texas, officially narrowed the race for his recruitment down to two teams.
It's down to the Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes for the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder. And Ojo opened up about his recruitment process, which once included Michigan and Utah until recently.
“Right now Texas and Ohio State,” Ojo said. “Those are the main two.”
Ojo plans to set a commitment date and announcement soon, but first, he talked about the selling point for each school.
“The development factor of both schools and opportunity to play early. Especially Texas. Kelvin (Banks) Just left and Trevor stepped in the role and he’s going to leave."
“Ohio State is losing their left tackle this year whether it’s the draft or eligibility there’s going to be a vacancy. So they’re emphasizing me coming in and potentially starting.”
He also added that the NIL packages from each team are about the same, so don't think money or cars will be a major difference for either program.
Rivals analyst Sam Spiegelman made a prediction that Ojo would end up at Texas. "There is a sense that Texas closed strong on this official visit and left a big enough impression on the elite OT ahead of his July commitment," Spiegelman said. "There is a strong sense that Ojo wont leave the state to play college football."
Ojo has certainly given Texas enough praise to believe that will be the case.
"I would say the winning atmosphere of the programs. And also the development factor. (Texas offensive line) Coach (Kyle) Flood is one of the best in the business. He had two first rounders last year." — Felix Ojo
Ojo and four-star Ohio State defensive line commit Khary Wilder showed off some one-on-one reps recently, and Ojo lost this key highlight.
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 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.
