Texas LB signee Elijah Barnes named No. 32 prospect in final 2025 On300

Texas garnered momentum on the recruiting trail throughout the entirety of the 2025 cycle. While the Longhorns had some big wins late, they’d been stockpiling talent in their class all year long.

A prime example of that was landing a commitment from Dallas Skyline linebacker Elijah Barnes back in April. While not a five-star then, Barnes has only seen his stock rise since. On Thursday, he acquired five-star status.

The final edition of the 2025 On300 recruiting rankings tabbed the 6-foot-1, 230-pounder as the No. 32 overall prospect and the top-ranked linebacker in the cycle. Barnes excelled during his senior campaign for Skyline.

Despite finishing the year with a losing record, Barnes was outstanding, collecting 110 total tackles and six sacks. He’s long stood out to On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power:

“Elijah Barnes is a true mike linebacker with a coveted combination of size, speed, physicality and effort level at the position. Measured in at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds prior to his senior year. Has plus length with 32.25-inch arms. A strong athlete and one of the faster top linebackers in the 2025 cycle,” Power wrote.

“The outstanding size-speed combo shows up on Friday nights. A menace when working downhill. Flows to the ball at high speed and closes quickly. Finishes with physicality, typically tackling with good form. Length aids in his tackling ability. Disruptive as a blitzer and pass rusher. Finishes plays behind the line of scrimmage at a high rate. Looks to diagnose and key well. Motor runs hot.

Barnes a key part of Texas’ No. 1 recruiting class

There’s talent up and down the Longhorns’ elite class, which ranks No. 1 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Barnes is one of 14 Texas signees in the updated On300.

Barnes committed while on a visit in Austin. Seeing the vision under head coach Steve Sarkisian and Co., the linebacker is ready to contribute as soon as possible on The Forty Acres.

“Texas is going to the SEC and the train is rolling,” Barnes told Inside Texas. “Texas is on the cusp of winning a national championship and they need more dogs to join, and I am one of those … “Just felt it was the right place and fit for me.”

Barnes is one of two listed linebackers in Texas’ class alongside in-state three-star Jonathan Cunningham.

“Barnes’ range and ability to cover sideline to sideline is extremely impressive pairing with strong track times during the spring. He seems to have become one of the most complete backers in this 2025 cycle and is seeing a deserved rise in his ranking,” On3 National Scout Cody Bellaire previously wrote of the LB.