The Texas Longhorns continue to build a formidable football program with an eye on long-term success. Currently ranked second nationally, the Longhorns, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, are not only competing at the highest level but are also positioning themselves for sustained excellence. Their latest achievement in this endeavor is the commitment of five-star safety Zelus Hicks from Carrollton, Georgia, for the 2026 recruiting class.
On Thursday, Hicks officially announced his decision to join Texas, marking a significant victory for the Longhorns. Hicks, who had drawn attention from several major programs including Auburn, Ohio State, and Georgia, chose Texas over these prominent competitors. This commitment is particularly notable given that Georgia, a perennial powerhouse and one of Texas’s key rivals in the SEC, was heavily involved in the recruitment process.
Hicks spoke about his decision, revealing that Texas made a strong impression on him. “Things moved quickly with Texas. They came out in the spring and offered, they came heavy after me, and after that visit, I felt great about Texas. I liked the school, I meshed with coach Blake Gideon, they just kept applying pressure like no other school and I made my decision. They tell me I am No. 1 on their board and they are No. 1 on my board, so it is a perfect match. Me and my dad have been talking about it and I made my decision earlier this week,” Hicks shared with On3.
The addition of Hicks bolsters Texas’s defensive lineup and signifies a crucial step in their recruiting strategy. Fans of the Longhorns are enthusiastic about this development, with many expressing their excitement on social media. Supporters praised the coaching staff and the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent, underscoring the growing optimism around Texas’s football future.
The recruitment of Hicks reflects the Longhorns’ broader strategy under Sarkisian to assemble a roster brimming with elite players. As Texas aims to establish itself as a dominant force in college football, the focus now shifts to how Sarkisian and his team will leverage this talent to achieve championship aspirations. The continued success in recruiting five-star athletes like Hicks is a testament to the program’s rising stature and its potential to compete at the highest levels in the coming years.
