It's official, head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns have received a much-needed recruitment win from a defensive powerhouse in the class of 2026, bringing the Horns' commitment count for the class up to six prospects.
Four-star defensive back Hayward Howard Jr., less than a day after being crystal balled to the Longhorns, committed to Sarkisian and Texas.
The No. 11 athlete out of the state of Louisiana and the No. 33 cornerback out of the class of 2026, Howard gave the Horns' recruiting class a massive boost, previously resting at No. 22 in the nation.
In his announcement, Howard shared an incredible phrase, one which Longhorns and their fans will most likely buy into for the entirety of his tenure at Texas.
“Don’t let your circumstance affect your hustle,” Howard wrote.
The defensive back committed to the Horns over the Florida State Seminoles, Miami Hurricanes, and his home-state team, the LSU Tigers.
According to 247Sports, Howard was a "key defensive standout as a junior for an Edna Karr team that went undefeated and won the Louisiana Division I Select state championship."
Which class of 2026 prospects are committed to Texas?
- Dia Bell, five-star quarterback
- Chris Stewart, four-star wide receiver
- Max Wright, four-star offensive tackle
- Hayward Howard Jr., four-star cornerback
- Nicolas Robertson, three-star interior offensive lineman
- Trott O'Neal, three-star long snapper
Howard is the sixth prospect from the class of 2026 to commit to Sarkisian and the Longhorns, bringing Texas's recruiting class up to No. 19 in the nation. The year before, the Texas head coach brought in the nationally ranked No. 1 class in the country.
Losing 16 players to the portal, the Longhorns only earned the No. 18 transfer portal class this spring as Sarkisian recruited just 11 players to the program.