Texas' recent recruiting success is 'just the start'

It has never felt like Texas has been back more than it does right now. Heading into the 2023 season having wrapped up the No. 3 overall recruiting class — the Longhorns are only expected to continue on that upward trend as they enter the SEC.

Five star recruits are coming in at the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and that’s not a fluke. Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s vision of what he wants Texas to be is on full display within the recruiting world, and it’s only a matter of time until that translates to the 2024 class, too.

“Smart runners when running a race, save a little juice for the home stretch. Watch Texas continue to pick [their recruiting] up now. I think they close [the offseason] very strong as we get into the fall,” On3’s JD PicKell said on a recent edition of the Hard Count. “I would be surprised if they weren’t in the top 10 or top 5 conversations when it gets to signing day.

“Steve Sarkisian and Texas — especially if they have a solid product on the field in the fall — as we expect them to, Texas is going to be a team that we need to keep an eye on. We’re starting to pick up some steam now, and I think this is just the start for them when it comes to what they’re going to do on the recruiting trail with Steve Sarkisian running that operation.”

Texas’ 2024 recruiting class currently sits 16th in the country, giving them the eighth best mark in the SEC. If PicKell is to be believed, that number is sure to shoot up as the Longhorns march to the tail end of their 2023 campaign.

At this point, however, having a strong season and competing for the Big-12 Conference title will only go so far in the recruiting world. Instead, the simple fact that Texas is headed to the Southeastern Conference is enough for at least a handful of blue-chip prospects will be looking to make the jump for history’s sake. The same can be said about Oklahoma, as well as USC and UCLA regarding the Big Ten.

Still, that doesn’t mean Texas is allowed to have a poor season. Fans have been clamoring for the national spotlight for years now, and many believe Sarkisian and his recruiting prowess have the power to give them just that.

With the expanding College Football Playoff coincinding with the SEC and Big Ten conference realignments — Texas could be back quicker than you might think.