Texas Longhorns Recruiting: Finding the right physical fits that translate to the NFL

Every coach has a type. It’s not just about star rankings or raw talent—it’s about identifying players who fit the philosophy, traits, and developmental path that translate to both the college game and the NFL. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have been meticulous in their approach, targeting athletes who not only fit their system but also possess traits that can make them elite at the next level.

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Over the past two years, Texas has established a blueprint for recruiting players who not only dominate at the college level but also translate seamlessly to the NFL. The 2024 and 2025 NFL Combine performances by Texas players have put the Longhorns’ recruiting philosophy on full display. From Xavier Worthy‘s record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash in 2024 to Matthew Golden clocking a blistering 4.29 at the 2025 Combine last weekend, Texas has started to consistently produce elite, NFL-ready athletes.

The 2026 recruiting cycle further reflects that approach, with Texas targeting prospects who mirror the attributes of current stars and recent draft prospects.

Speed Is King

Texas has always valued speed, but under Sarkisian, it has become the defining trait. Sark himself emphasized this during the NFL Network’s Combine coverage, making it clear that Texas covets speed across all positions.

2026 Prospects Who Fit the Speed Mold

Chris Stewart, WR, Pearland (Texas) Shadow Creek – A Texas 2026 commit, Stewart is an explosive receiver with elite top-end speed, smooth route running, and big-play ability.

KJ Edwards, RB, Carthage (Texas) – One of the fastest running backs in the 2026 class, Edwards possesses elite top-end speed and acceleration, making him a dangerous playmaker at the second level.

NFL and Texas Combine Comparisons

Xavier Worthy (WR, NFL Draft 2024) – Blazed a historic 4.21 40-yard dash, proving Texas emphasizes elite speed at receiver.

Adonai Mitchell (WR, NFL Draft 2024) – Speed plus size, another mold Texas loves.

Matthew Golden (WR, NFL Draft 2025) – The former Texas receiver ran a 4.30 at the 2025 Combine, further cementing Texas as a program that develops top-end speed talent.

Speed remains the foundation, ensuring Texas’ recruits can compete at the highest level in college and beyond.

Defensive Backs: Long, Athletic, Fast, and Smart

Texas has a clear prototype for defensive backs: long, athletic, fast, and high football IQ players who can thrive in both man and zone coverage. The Longhorns value versatility, ensuring their corners and safeties can match up with elite receivers and contribute against the run.

2026 DB Prospects Who Fit the Texas Mold

Jalen Lott, DB, Frisco (Texas) Panther Creek – A superior athlete who can play WR but projects as a DB at Texas. He fits the mold of Jahdae Barron—a heady, smart defender who reads the field at an elite level and reacts with precision.

Safety Traits Texas Looks For

At safety, Texas prioritizes long, rangy, physical players who can hit and cover. These safeties must have sideline-to-sideline range, be strong tacklers, and possess elite instincts.

Texas is tracking several 2026 safeties who fit the mold:

Chace Calicut, S, Houston (Texas) Galena Park North Shore – A big, physical safety at 6-foot-3+, 190 pounds who can run, hit, and cover. Plays with an edge and a high football IQ.

Donovan Webb, S, Frisco (Texas) Panther Creek – Versatile 6-foot-2 defensive back with elite range, a natural ball hawk with strong instincts.

Isaiah Williams, S, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall – Speed, physicality, and coverage ability at 6-foot-2 make him an ideal fit at the next level.

Aaron Bradshaw, S, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley – Explosive athlete at 6-foot-3 with the ability to play deep safety or roll into the box as a hitter.

Jett Washington, S, Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman – A hard-hitting safety at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds with exceptional range and closing speed who can play multiple roles in the secondary.

All of these safeties are over 6-foot-2, can run, hit, and cover, and play multiple roles in the secondary, making them ideal targets for Texas.

Texas continues to develop defensive backs with NFL potential, ensuring their secondary remains elite year after year.

The Offensive Line: Big, Smart, and Versatile

The foundation of Sarkisian’s offense is built on dominant, athletic offensive linemen. Texas’ recent recruiting strategy has zeroed in on big humans—massive, yet cerebral linemen who can play multiple positions and adapt to the mental and physical challenges of the game.

2026 OL Targets Who Fit the Mold

Drew Evers, OL, Flower Mound (Texas) – Powerful, mobile, and capable of playing multiple positions across the line.

John Turntine, OL, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley – Aggressive, tough, multiple sport athlete , and versatile with a high football IQ.

Zaden Krempin, OL, Prosper (Texas) – A true technician who plays multiple sports, proving his agility and intelligence.

Felix Ojo, OL, Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge – Another multi-sport athlete with elite movement for his size.

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Final Thoughts: Texas’ Recruiting Model Is NFL-Proven

The Texas Longhorns aren’t just recruiting for the college level—they’re recruiting players who will develop into NFL-caliber talent. This strategy has already paid off, as seen in the 2024 and 2025 NFL Draft Combines, where Texas players dominated, and will continue in 2026 with names like Cam Williams, Quinn Ewers, and Matthew Golden set to follow in their footsteps.

From elite speed to dominant, versatile linemen to NFL-ready defensive backs, Texas’ recruiting model is clear. The Longhorns are building a roster that not only fits Sarkisian’s championship aspirations but also translates to Sundays in the NFL.

With the 2026 class shaping up to follow that same pattern, it’s safe to say: Texas is back—and built for the future.