Texas Football: 4-Star A&M LB commit taking official visit to UT

A top flip target for Texas football from the Texas A&M Aggies 2024 recruiting class this fall is the touted four-star Jasper (TX) linebacker Tyanthony Smith. After the firing of Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher late last weekend, the buzz has increased for Texas in recruiting many Aggies commits in the 2024 class.

Texas has prioritized Smith’s recruitment since he committed to Texas A&M during the summer. He has remained a top in-state priority at linebacker for Jeff Choate and the Longhorns in the 2024 class despite them not currently holding any commits at the position.

Texas football reportedly scheduling 4-Star Texas A&M LB commit Tyanthony Smith for an official visit to Austin

Given some recent news regarding his potential visit schedule, Texas’ efforts to chip away at Smith’s commitment to the Aggies appear to be working. Inside Texas reported on Nov. 14 (paid content) that Smith is planning to take an official visit to Austin this fall.

Smith’s OV date to Texas still yet to be decided

There reportedly isn’t a specific date for Smith’s official visit yet, as it depends on his playoff schedule with Jasper High School. Suppose Jasper falls short of Waco (TX) Connally in the state playoffs on Nov. 17. In that case, there is reportedly a good chance Smith will take his official visit to Texas on Nov. 24 for the regular season finale at home at DKR in Austin against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

If Jasper beats Connally in the playoffs this week, that would move Smith’s date timeline for the official visit to next month. The next possibility for Smith’s official visit to Texas in the scenario that Jasper wins this week would be Dec. 2. But if Texas makes the Big 12 Championship Game (and there is a good chance they do), Smith’s official visit would probably be a midweek trip to Austin in December.

Smith still has ties to Texas A&M and a few remaining coaches on that staff

Texas has targeted Smith, and five-star Conroe (TX) Oak Ridge product/Georgia Bulldogs commit Justin Williams as their top flip targets at linebacker in the 2024 class this fall. The Longhorns have gained momentum in their quest to chip away at Smith’s commitment to the Aggies in the fallout of Fisher being ousted by Texas A&M on Nov. 12.

A lot of this recruitment now depends on Texas A&M’s next head coaching hire and how they connect with Smith. More specifically, a big factor in the race to win Smith’s commitment and sign him on signing day next month will be which Texas A&M coaches are retained by the next head coaching hire in College Station.

Smith has close ties with Texas A&M defensive coordinator/safeties coach DJ Durkin. He was also recruited by Texas A&M’s interim head coach/defensive line coach Elijah Robinson.

We will continue to monitor this recruitment for updates regarding a specific official visit date for Smith to see Texas this fall.