5-star athlete set to visit Texas, and the Longhorns are trending for elite 2026 prospect

The state of Texas endured another hot summer, made no cooler by the Longhorns’ heater on the recruiting trail in the month of August.

Steve Sarkisian and Co. landed not one, not two but three five-star commitments in the month: safety Jonah Williams and wide receivers Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench. Among the few uncommitted elite prospects in the class, the Longhorns have their eyes on a few more major additions.

At the top of that list is five-star athlete Michael Terry III, one of the nation’s most dynamic playmakers on offense. Texas is battling both Oregon and Nebraska for Terry, who is coming off a visit to Lincoln last weekend and has plans to see both other programs before a decision comes. On Wednesday, InsideTexas.com’s Justin Wells reported that it will indeed be this weekend when the ‘Horns welcome Terry back to campus for an unofficial visit.

He already tripped to Austin for an official visit in June and returned again at the end of July. With a momentous blowout of Michigan putting some wind at their backs, they’ll lock to make a final big push for Terry.

The 6-foot-2, 211-pounder is the No. 28 overall prospect and No. 1 athlete in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

During his junior season, Terry accounted for 1,588 offensive yards and 32 touchdowns, including 564 receiving yards and 995 yards on the ground. He also had 15 tackles and an interception in limited action on defense.

Texas is currently the favorite to land him in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) after multiple picks went in their favor in late August.

Longhorns trending for an elite defensive prospect

Terry isn’t the only top target they’re looking to lock down sooner rather than later. Carrolton (Ga.) four-star safety Zelus Hicks is set to announce his commitment on Thursday, and a little more than 24 hours out, the Longhorns are also trending to win out, according to the On3 RPM.

On Wednesday, both Wells and Auburn insider Cole Pinkston logged picks in Texas’ favor. Besides the Longhorns, the other finalists include Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee, and Auburn.

Hicks took an unofficial visit to Austin in June, his second trip in three months after coming for a 7v7 event in April. The Longhorns have been battling hard against the Southeast programs, and look to be in good position to add one of the country’s best defensive players in the junior class.

Hicks is the No. 33 overall prospect, No. 3 safety, and the No. 6 prospect in Georgia, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Should he join the Longhorns’ class, he’ll be their third 2026 commitment. Elite quarterback Dia Bell committed in June, and a week later, four-star Chris Stewart added his name to the list.