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Why Jermaine Bishop Jr. is a massive get for Texas

Eric Nahlinby:Eric Nahlin•05/14/25
2026 TX ATH Jermaine Bishop3.jpg

You can barely hear great athlete’s feet hit the ground, especially when they play cornerback or receiver. But that’s not why Jermaine Bishop Jr.‘s decision to commit to Texas snuck up on the recruiting world. The reason it snuck up on everyone, is, who the heck commits in May anymore? I mean, aside Jackson Cantwell.

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The decision to commit before visit season offers keen insight into the two-way star. One of the aspects Texas loves about Bishop is how he’s wired. He’s all ball and no drama. That isn’t to say kids who take visits are drama, but a lot of them have a damn good idea where they’re going right now and don’t pull the trigger.

With his commitment to Texas, Bishop reminds of Lance Jackson, the eventual five-star Edge who committed to Texas in January of 2024 with little fanfare. At the time, IT sounded the alarms to celebrate. Often, players who commit with zero buildup are not properly appreciated.

As IT did with Jackson it will do with Bishop—this is one to celebrate a little more than most.

In January while talking with an IT source, Bishop was described as a six-star. While that isn’t evident in his network rankings—though they are rounding into form—it is evident in Texas’ pursuit of him. He was a must-get when Terry Joseph was cornerbacks coach and he remained a must-get with new cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey.

While Bishop has been wildly productive as a receiver in high school, his likely destination will be cornerback. Unless, of course, he plays both ways. He first burst on the recruiting scene as Florida Gator’s and Heisman hopeful, Derek Lagway‘s most explosive target. With Lagway off to Gainesville, Bishop has eschewed the spotlight, content to go about his business on the 7 on 7 circuit.

Here’s just a glimpse of his two-way prowess.

*****

Last week Orphey landed Hayward Howard from New Orleans. Howard is the classic ‘new age’ boundary corner with a ton of length. Think: Ryan Watts or Kobe Black. Bishop profiles more to island cornerback, charged with covering vertical threats and a ton of space.

I don’t know if Howard is okay with the role of Robin in this dynamic duo, but it’s clear Bishop is fine with being the Caped Crusader.

KAPOW! BAM! WHAM!

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Texas A&M says OWWW! as Texas lands a massive commit from a “six-star.”

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