2025 DT Josiah Sharma flips from Oregon to Texas
Kenny Baker, Johnny Nansen, and Steve Sarkisian picked up one of the biggest wins for the Texas Longhorns in the 2025 recruiting cycle on Thursday when Folsom (Calif.) defensive tackle Josiah Sharma flipped his commitment from Oregon to Texas.
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Sharma is ranked as the No. 268 overall prospect, the No. 25 defensive lineman, and the No. 23 player in California according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. On3 ranks Sharma as the No. 148 overall prospect, the No. 14 defensive lineman, and the No. 10 player in California.
During the most recent season for Folsom, Sharma tallied 45 tackles with 15.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He also racked up three passes defended and two forced fumbles.
Sharma was originally committed to Kalen DeBoer’s staff at Washington before decommitting in January after DeBoer took the Alabama job. Texas topped Alabama, Washington, and Oregon for Sharma’s commitment.
Sharma was committed to Oregon before flipping on his Thursday visit to Texas.
How he fits at Texas:
Josiah Sharma is another in the mold of T’Vondre Sweat and Alex January who’s going to be an outstanding fit at 3-technique in Pete Kwiatkowski‘s defense and likely better than the recruiting ranking suggests. He moves very well at 6-foot-3.5 and 320 pounds, getting off the ball with real suddenness which combined with the size makes him an impossible matchup for guards. With his length and build he’ll be able to eat some double teams at times but as a 3-technique in PK’s Over fronts they can park him in the path of the run game and free up other players to run free while creating opportunities for him to get 1-on-1s in the pass-rush. He has the ability to have that sort of 3-down impact with good development, much of which will center around playing with better pad level as it is for most big guys playing D-tackle. – Ian Boyd
Coach Says:
Strengths — This is a wide human. Film shows 5-technique, 3-tech, and 0-tech/shade. Plays with good football IQ Looks like he has some good hip, knee, and ankle flexibility. Fires out of a relatively low, balanced three point stance and delivers a lot of power through a long wingspan and strong hands. While his power is great, he does show at least a little variation in his rush moves, including a swim move. Takes on the double team with a good base and stays square to the line, not letting himself get turned around. First few steps in the backfield are surprisingly quick with good closing speed for the position. Looks pretty light on his feet. Gets his hands up and anticipates the throw pretty consistently.
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Areas for Improvement/Concern — Weight distribution might need some attention. Level of competition is a slight concern in that his highlights are mostly against opponents overmatched before the snap.
