Texas football had the No.1-ranked recruiting class in the country in 2025, with 18 blue-chip players rounding out the bulk of their committments. Though any one of these players could have an opportunity to see the field early depending on the circumstances, three specific prospects appear to be getting overlooked right now.
4-star OT Nick Brooks
Yes, Brooks is a 4-star offensive lineman, but he surprisingly isn't being talked about whatsoever right now. The mammoth (6'7", 350 Lbs.) offensive tackle has the talent and physical ability to see the field early and often depending on the performance of Brandon Baker at right tackle. Brooks' size and strength could allow him to compete with Andre Cojoe in fall camp to be the top backup on the right side.
A look at early enrollee Nick Brooks from his first week of spring practice at #Texas.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) March 28, 2025
Brooks is listed at 6-foot-7 and 353 pounds. pic.twitter.com/DamgXSyWhy
Though he's currently projected to run with the 3rd-team unit this year, that could change during fall camp. It's no secret that Texas' offensive line lacks playable depth as of right now and Brooks could take advantage of that heading into the 2025 season.
3-star OG Jackson Christian
It's unclear as to where Christian's going to settle in at for Texas when it comes to playing offensive guard or tackle. He's got the body and power of a guard, but the athleticism and arm length of a tackle. Whatever the case, Jackson Christian could see the field early on due to the same depth issues that could help out Nick Brooks.
Have to love the way newest #Texas OL commit Jackson Christian climbs to the second level.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) May 14, 2024
Moves very well, and has some very strong hands. It’s over for most defenders when Christian gets his hands on them. Talented future iOL. pic.twitter.com/9LJdiF7u9u
There were also rumors swirling around throughout the tail end of his recruting process that he was on the verge of gaining a 4th star, so scouts were no stranger to his talent and skillset. He could also end up having some positional versatility for the Longhorns as well, potentially being a swing-lineman early on in his career.
3-star LB Jonathan Cunningham
Cunningham is an undersized (6'2", 193 lbs) WILL linebacker who's calling card is his speed and athleticism. He also has a longer frame that could easily add 30 pounds of muscle without losing his above-average agility and closing speed at the point of attack. Depending on whether or not he's able to gain weight quickly in Texas' nutrition and weight room program, he could end up seeing the field in different sub-packages throughout his first two seasons in Austin.
That’s a big time sack from North Crowley LB Jonathan Cunningham, a Texas commit. #HookEm @Deucethegreat4
— Charles Baggarly (@swaggarly) September 20, 2024
Got knocked down and stayed in the play to force a Rockwall FG. North Crowley leads Rockwall 14-10 (0:25 Q1). #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/9ZAChInxCs
He also has loose and fluid hips when backpedaling in coverage and flowing to the football, often times playing "bigger" than he is. Cunningham's surprisingly able to throw blockers off of his frame with a strong upper body despite being a smaller player. It also wouldn't be surprising to see him making a name for himself on special teams as a freshman, considering how well he moves in space.