Looking at 2026 prospects who might be ready-made for freshman action
Here’s an early look at some standout 2026 players I’ve selected who have the potential to be day one contributors if they choose Texas.
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John Turntine III, OL, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley: Turntine is a talented player with a commanding field presence. His combination of size, speed, and work ethic allows him to transition to the college level seamlessly. With a high football IQ and toughness, he excels in both run and pass blocking, making him a well-rounded prospect with few weaknesses. He’s a must-get in the 2026 class, with the potential to rotate in for snaps early on.
Turntine is ranked as the No. 11 overall prospect, the No. 3 offensive tackle, and the No. 1 player in Texas in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking.
Jamarion Carlton, EDGE, Temple (Texas): Carlton is a long, athletic edge rusher with remarkable lateral quickness, enhanced by his basketball background. If he enrolls early, Carlton can add the necessary size to make an immediate impact in a loaded EDGE room. His agility and versatility make him a disruptive force off the edge.
Carlton is ranked as the No. 40 overall prospect, the No. 5 EDGE, and the No. 4 player in Texas in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking.
Tank King, LB, Port Arthur (Texas) Memorial: King, a safety-turned-linebacker, fits the modern hybrid role required by today’s spread offenses. He’s fast, physical, and excels in coverage, making him ideal for adapting to wide-open offenses. King should be an immediate contributor on special teams and could see defensive snaps as well.
King is ranked as the No. 224 overall prospect, the No. 20 linebacker, and the No. 28 player in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking.
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Zelus Hicks, S, Carrollton (Ga.) #AllGas26: A committed Longhorn, Hicks brings a combination of speed and versatility to the table. His athleticism will make him a special teams standout from day one, and depending on the depth in the defensive backfield, he could see early playing time.
Hicks is ranked as the No. 33 overall prospect, the No. 3 safety, and the No. 6 player in Georgia in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking.
Jamarion Vincent, ATH, Waco (Texas) University: Vincent’s speed, length, and playmaking instincts make him a potential game-changer. Similar to Kobe Black, he has fluid movement, a high football IQ, and excellent instincts that should allow him to process the game quickly and contribute early on. His athleticism and awareness put him in a strong position to see the field sooner rather than later.
Vincent is ranked as the No. 314 overall prospect, the No. 24 cornerback, and the No. 39 player in Texas in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking.
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Texas has consistently shown that if a player is mentally and physically ready, they’ll find a way to get them on the field. These five prospects have the potential to make an immediate impact if they choose the Longhorns.
