Why the Texas Longhorns prioritize multi-sport athletes in recruiting

In modern football recruiting, every team values multi-sport athletes, and the Texas Longhorns are no exception. These athletes bring a well-rounded skill set, natural competitiveness, and physical traits that translate directly to football. Whether it’s speed, explosiveness, agility, or raw strength, excelling in another sport often gives a player a unique edge on the field.

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Why Coaches Love Multi-Sport Athletes

Track & Field – A track time doesn’t lie. It shows exactly how fast a player is, how well they accelerate, and their top-end speed. Competing in track also reveals a player’s willingness to go head-to-head against the fastest athletes, with no excuses and no hiding. Events like shot put and discus develop flexibility, bend, explosion out of a stance, and lower-body strength, all critical traits for linemen and pass rushers.

Basketball – Constant movement in basketball builds elite footwork, endurance, and hand-eye coordination. Players must transition quickly between offense and defense, read plays in real-time, and use agility to stay in position—traits that apply to nearly every position in football.

Powerlifting – Strength is fundamental to football, and powerlifting develops brute force, lower body explosion, and core stability. It enhances a player’s ability to drive defenders, shed blocks, and maintain balance under pressure.

Let’s take a look at some of Texas’ top 2026 targets and how their multi-sport backgrounds make them elite football prospects.

Dia Bell, QB, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage

Bell is not only one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class—he is already committed to the Texas Longhorns. His background as a basketball guard plays a massive role in his development as a signal-caller. A guard’s job is to distribute the ball, control the game, and read the defense—just like a quarterback leading an offense.

Playing point guard requires:

• High IQ and decision-making – Recognizing defenses and making real-time adjustments.
• Discipline and control – Knowing when to push the tempo and when to slow it down.
• Leadership and communication – Directing teammates and ensuring the offense runs smoothly.
• Quick hands and vision – Seeing passing lanes and anticipating plays before they happen.

Just like Charlie Ward, Donovan McNabb, and Patrick Mahomes, who also played basketball, Bell’s experience on the court translates seamlessly to football. He commands the offense, makes quick reads, and distributes the ball with precision. Whether it’s calling audibles at the line of scrimmage or making a split-second throw under pressure, his basketball background gives him a unique edge as a field general.

The Longhorns locked in their future quarterback early, and with his skill set, he is set to be a perfect fit for Texas’ offensive system.

Jalen Lott, DB, Frisco (Texas) Panther Creek

Lott is the definition of an elite athlete. While he is projected to play defensive back at the next level, his background in track and field—competing in hurdles, long jump, and relays—sets him apart.

Hurdles train him to run at full speed while maintaining balance and rhythm—critical for staying in phase with receivers and recovering quickly.

Long jump builds explosiveness and body control, allowing him to high-point the football and win contested plays.

Relays develop top-end speed, acceleration, and endurance, ensuring he can cover ground quickly and keep up with the fastest receivers.

Lott’s peripheral vision, situational awareness, footwork, and hand-eye coordination make him a nightmare in coverage. Whether he’s mirroring a receiver, breaking on the football, or tracking deep routes, his background in track and field gives him all the tools to be an elite defensive back. Texas is prioritizing him as a high-level athlete with versatility to impact their defense.

Jamarion Carlton, EDGE, Temple (Texas)

Jamarion Carlton is one of the top edge rushers in the 2026 class, and his basketball background plays a massive role in his dominance on the football field.

Footwork and balance – His basketball agility allows him to stay square, maintain leverage, and quickly change direction to chase down quarterbacks.

Hand-eye coordination and reaction time – Reading plays, reacting to blockers, and adjusting mid-rush are all second nature to him.

Carlton’s peripheral vision, strong base, and ability to use his hands effectively make him a nightmare for offensive linemen. His quick burst and flexibility allow him to bend the edge and get to the quarterback in a flash. Texas sees his explosiveness as a key piece for their future pass rush.

John Turntine, OL, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley

John Turntine III is an anchor in the trenches, and his background in shot put, discus, and powerlifting is a huge reason why.

Lower body strength and flexibility – Essential for anchoring against defenders and driving them off the ball.

Explosiveness out of his stance – Shot put and discus train athletes to generate maximum power from a low base, just like an offensive lineman firing off the snap.

Hand and grip strength – Powerlifting builds the raw strength needed to control and redirect defenders.

His bend, flexibility, and explosion off the line make him a dominant force in the trenches. With his combination of power and agility, he has the tools to develop into a high-level offensive lineman.

Felix Ojo, OL, Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge

Felix Ojo is the perfect blend of strength and agility, thanks to his experience in shot put, discus, powerlifting, and basketball.

Powerlifting and track events develop his core strength, balance, and explosiveness, which are critical for holding his ground and creating space for ball carriers.

Basketball refines his footwork, hand placement, and lateral movement, crucial traits for a left tackle tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blindside.

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At the end of the day, playing multiple sports builds better football players. Texas knows this, which is why they are targeting these elite multi-sport athletes to help build their 2026 recruiting class.