Five-Star Plus+ DL Justus Terry takes Texas official visit

Texas suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday night to Georgia, but the Longhorns still had a big opportunity to make a splash with top recruits this weekend.

One of the biggest names in attendance was Manchester (Ga.) Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Justus Terry. The 6-foot-4.5, 275-pounder is now the nation’s top uncommitted prospect in the 2025 cycle, and he logged an official visit with the Longhorns this weekend.

‘25 Manchester (Ga.) five-star DL Justus Terry during his official visit to Texas. #HookEm🤘@InsideTexas @On3Recruits @JustusTerry80 pic.twitter.com/9gIyTdNHvG

— Justin Wells (@justinwells2424) October 20, 2024

Terry, a former Georgia commit who flipped to USC and then decommitted from the Trojans, hit the brakes on his recruiting process once he came back on the board in June. Now taking his time, Terry is eyeing a final decision during the Early Signing Period.

The in-state Bulldogs are once again trending heavily to land Terry, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, but he’s hearing other programs out, too. Alabama was viewed as a top contender back in the summer, while Miami and Florida State both also received June official visits.

While Texas’ loss to Georgia won’t do it any favors in the race for Terry’s commitment, head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff still have an opportunity to make a move in his recruitment this weekend. Terry was surrounded by other top recruits in Austin and experienced a raucous environment at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

Texas looking for even more recruiting momentum this fall

With the Early Signing Period less than two months away, Texas enters the home stretch of the 2025 cycle with some serious momentum. It now has four five-stars in its recruiting class — which ranks No. 6 in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Terry could join some serious firepower that’s already in the mix for Sarkisian and Co. On300 five-star EDGE Lance Jackson, four-star EDGE Smith Orogbo, four-star DL Myron Charles and four-star DL Josiah Sharma are all in the mix and are all top-15 players at their positions.

Terry is the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 2 DL in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 2 player in Georgia.

Justus Terry Scouting Summary

On3 writes this of Terry as a prospect:

“Explosive defensive lineman with a big frame and outstanding first-step quickness. Measured in at over 6-foot-4 and around 280 pounds prior to his senior season. Has good length with arms that are around 33.5 to 34 inches. Weight is evenly proportioned throughout his frame. Dominant while playing the small school level, tallying 78 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Lines up all over the defensive front at the high school level. Has the skill set to develop into a dynamic interior pass rusher. Wins with first step and lateral quickness, has rare get off and leverage for a player of his stature. Quality bend and ability to change direction. Uses his length to initiate contact consistently and sheds blockers with ease. Able to anchor and two-gap if needed. Will need to continue adding mass and play strength in addition to honing his technical skills. A high upside prospect given his natural traits who could develop into a true interior disruptor.”