Texas climbs in On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings

Texas‘s 2023 recruiting class improved greatly on National Signing Day. That is because this afternoon, head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff landed a commitment from Kahuku (Hi) Skyridge four-star EDGE Tausili Akana, one of the top pass rushers in the country.

Akana’s pledge elavated the Longhorns’ group to No. 4 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings. Texas, whose class ranks No. 1 in the Big 12, jumped one spot from No. 5 and over Ohio State.

The Longhorns now have pledges from three five-stars, 10 four-stars and nine three-stars. Texas’ class is led by New Orleans Isidore Newman Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Arch Manning, Denton (Texas) Ryan five-star linebacker Anthony Hill and Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater running back Cedric Baxter Jr., the top-ranked recruits at their respective position.

Akana is the No. 102 overall prospect and No. 17 EDGE in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in Utah.

For more Texas recruiting intel, check out Inside Texas.

Texas is building one of the nation’s best classes

The Longhorns’ 2023 class has been on an upward trajectory since landing a commitment from Manning, the No. 1 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus, on June 23. Texas currently has 22 pledges, with nine ranked in the top 105 of the On3 Consensus. 

Six of those players are among the 50 best in the On3 Consensus. They are Manning, Hill, Baxter Jr., New Iberia (La.) Westgate four-star safety Derek Williams, DeSoto (Texas) four-star wide receiver Johntay Cook II and Dallas South Oak Cliff four-star cornerback Malik Muhammad. 

Akana was Texas’ first pledge since Hill chose the Longhorns on Dec. 15. The four-star pass rusher has made three visits to Austin, most recently on the weekend of Sept. 10 for an official.

Tausili Akana On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Tausili Akana:

“Disruptive edge player who can stand up or stick his hand in the dirt that makes his presence felt. Has the ability to get upfield quickly and turn the corner to get to the quarterback. Measured in at around 6-foot-3, just shy of 210 pounds with a 6-foot-6 wingspan. Ran an electronically-timed 4.82 second 40-yard dash, 4.47 second shuttle and 7.17 second 3-cone drill in the spring prior to his senior season. He also jumped a 30-inch vertical and an 8-foot-10 broad jump at the same event. Strong against the run and can set the edge consistently. Turned in a strong junior season at Skyridge (Utah) High totaling 78 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

“Also carried the ball 25 times for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns. Has the chance to be a menace for opposing offenses at the next level due to his versatility and athleticism. Has the look of a high floor prospect but will need to continue adding size. A bit on the smaller side for a top-end EDGE prospect. Transferred to Skyridge from Wasatch (Utah) after his sophomore season. Attended Wasatch after moving from Hawaii playing his freshman season at Kahuku High.”