Where the Texas Longhorns stand in the race for elite five-star recruit Felix Ojo after he expresses 'real love' after Buckeyes visit
The start of June marks a massive moment in the recruiting cycle. The Texas Longhorns and all of the programs around the country will host top names on campus over the next few weeks. After that, a slew of early commitments will be made before National Signing Day arrives after the regular season. Texas is […]
The start of June marks a massive moment in the recruiting cycle. The Texas Longhorns and all of the programs around the country will host top names on campus over the next few weeks. After that, a slew of early commitments will be made before National Signing Day arrives after the regular season.
Texas is in the mix of numerous top names, but one in particular could be on shaky ground. Five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo is from Mansfield, Texas, but his recent trip to Ohio State went well.
It might've gone too well for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian to sleep soundly until Ojo is on his campus later this month.
Here's what the 6-foot-7, 275-pounder had to say about his trip to Columbus last weekend.
In a statement to On3's Hayes Fawcett, Ojo said, "The family atmosphere and how the program is deeply centered in faith. Also the offensive scheme fits and resembles my play style a lot. Overall it was a great visit.”
However, here's the latest intel from Alex Gleitman of Letterman Row.
I came into this visit thinking that Felix Ojo really liked Ohio State, but it wouldn’t be enough to keep him from staying home with Texas. I am coming out of this visit, feeling the same.
Ojo had a great visit, and sources inside the WHAC agreed on that. There’s no doubt his love for the program is real and that the Buckeyes are legitimately in contention to land him. That said, it just continues to feel like a bit of an uphill battle to keep him away from Austin.
I do like what Ohio State did this weekend in having fellow Texas-native Riley Pettijohn, who picked the Bucks over the Longhorns last year, spend a lot of time with Ojo. I think Tyler Bowen and Ryan Day are saying/doing all the right things. I’m just a bit skeptical that it actually leads to OSU beating out UT here.
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 two great fits but had to choose one.
Texas has the advantage in proximity, longevity of relationships, and being a hometown favorite for Ojo. The Buckeyes have the cash to spend but have rarely spent top dollar to incoming freshman.
That's different from Texas, which routinely is near or is the top of the market deal. It'd be a surprise for Ojo to slip out of Sarkisian's hands, even if he has great affection for the Buckeyes.
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.
