Texas Longhorns: 2024 commit breakdown

Texas is headed to the College Football Playoff in its final season before making the move to the SEC. Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ staff have also compiled a top-10 2024 recruiting class down the stretch this fall.

As of Dec. 9, Texas currently has 20 commitments, 11 of whom are currently projected to play on the offensive side of the ball, while seven are slotted as defenders, leaving one athlete and one pledge for the special teams unit.

The Longhorns’ class checks in at No. 8 in the nation and No. 4 in the SEC, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking.

Texas Class Breakdown

Texas’ class consists of three five-stars, 12 four-stars and five three-star prospects. The trio of five-star recruits committed to the Longhorns are Duncanville (Texas) Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Colin Simmons, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei five-star offensive tackle Brandon Baker and Saint Louis (Mo.) University five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo.

Five additional top-250 are committed to Sarkisian and Texas: Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star running back Jerrick Gibson, Marrero (La.) John Ehret four-star cornerback Wardell Mack, Daingerfield (Texas) four-star athlete Aeryn Hampton, North Richland Hills (Texas) four-star interior offensive lineman Daniel Cruz and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert Mountain four-star cornerback Santana Wilson.

Four-star and five-star prospects are rated as ‘blue-chip’ prospects — Texas’ class sits at No. 2 nationally in blue-chip percentage at 75%. The average distance of a Texas recruit’s hometown to Austin is 466.1 miles and 55% of the class hails from the state of Texas.

Top Commit: EDGE Colin Simmons

The 6-foot-2.5, 225-pound Simmons is the highest-ranked overall and defensive commitment for the Longhorns this cycle, ranking as the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect and No. 2 EDGE. He chose Texas over LSU and Miami on Aug. 10.

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:

“Speed rushing dynamo who stars for one of the top high school programs in Texas. Arguably the most dominant defensive player in the 2024 cycle, registering 22.5 sacks as a junior while playing in Texas’ highest classification. Measured at around 6-foot-2.5, 225 pounds with a 34-inch arm prior to his senior season. Primarily lines up at defensive end for Duncanville. Uses first-step quickness, play speed and dip to create issues for opposing offensive tackles. Shows good curvilinear movement with his ability to turn corners as a pass rusher.

…Length aids in disengaging from offensive linemen, finishing plays and disrupting passing lanes. Looks to play with a very strong effort level. Has an innate knack for disrupting passing lanes, batting down a number of passes as a junior. Took over the state title game in a key second-half sequence that led to Duncanville’s win. Has a smaller frame than most elite EDGE prospects and will need to put on weight early on in college to aid in his ability to hold up against the run.”

Top Offense Commit: OT Brandon Baker

The 6-foot-4.5, 300-pounder out of the California powerhouse Mater Dei is Texas’ highest-ranked pledge on the offensive side, checking in as the No. 23 overall prospect and No. 2 offensive tackle. He committed to Texas on Sept. 24 over the likes of Ohio State and Oregon.

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him:

“High floor offensive tackle who is battle tested against top competition while playing at one of the nation’s top high school programs. Measured in at 6-foot-4.5, 300 pounds as a rising senior. Has good length for the position with a 34-inch arm. Lines up at right tackle for powerhouse program Mater Dei. Technically advanced and proficient as a run blocker. Understands technique, angles and hand placement. Shows developed footwork as a puller when working to the second level. Keeps his feet moving and uses his size and strength to create a push.

…Further along as a run blocker than pass protector at this stage but has the ability to improve on that front. Has a tendency to lunge at times in pass protection. Not overly flashy from an athletic standpoint and can continue to improve his lower body flexibility. Projects as a steady, safe offensive tackle prospect who could potentially play multiple spots on an offensive line.”