Elite 2026 safety, Texas commit Zelus Hicks reclassifying up to 2025 class

Carrollton (Ga.) four-star 2026 safety and Texas commit Zelus Hicks is ready to get a start on his college football career earlier than anticipated.

The Longhorns’ pledge, who announced his commitment on Sept. 12, will reclassify into the 2025 recruiting class and join UT a year earlier. He gives Steve Sarkisian and Co. another elite prospect to add to a group that already ranks among the top five nationally, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder is the No. 54 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 7 safety and the No. 7 junior recruit in the Peach State.

Hicks played a large number of snaps as a freshman at nearby Parkview High and totaled 28 tackles and two interceptions.

As a full-time starter during his sophomore season, he made an even bigger impact, notching 67 tackles (5.5 TFL), two sacks and two forced fumbles. He transferred to perennial state and national powerhouse Carrollton ahead of junior season.

And it will be his one and only with the Trojans before he heads to Austin.

Longhorns beat out some top programs for Hicks

Hicks had plenty of other options. Georgia offered him first a couple of years ago. Schools like Auburn, Clemson and Ohio State have been on his radar too. Texas just has everything he is looking for.

“Texas is a top program,” he told On3’s Chad Simmons when he committed. “I want to be an impactful player that is competing for championships at a top program like Texas. They are elite with elite players. I can come in, make an impact and help the program keep winning. … And I get to play for great coaches. Development under coach Gideon was big in my decision. He has done what I want to do before. He has been in my position, he played at Texas, so he knows what it takes.”

The connections with not only Sarkisian, but safeties coach Blake Gideon were key as well.

“The relationships with the Texas coaches was a big factor too,” he added. “Coach Gideon, coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) and the whole defensive staff has gotten to know me. The environment was the other thing. My family and I like Texas a lot. My aunt lives in Texas, so it is a great place for me and my family to be.”