Predicting Texas's next 2025 commit after EDGE Smith Orogbo

Kade Phillips, DB

Defensive back and defensive line recruiting have become major focal points for the Longhorns on the trail in the last few days. Late last week, Texas missed out on a handful of top defensive back and defensive line targets in the 2025 class.

Another bit of bad news for the Longhorns was the offer that came from the LSU Tigers to three-star cornerback target Aidan Anding. LSU immediately became the favorite in the race to land Anding's commitment after they offered him a few days ago.

The good news regarding Anding trending to LSU this week is what that means for Texas and the recruitment of priority four-star Missouri City (TX) Hightower defensive back Kade Phillips. With Anding now likely to end up at LSU, that is good timing for the Longhorns to get Phillips in the boat in the 2025 class.

Phillips' recruitment was considered to be a big battle on the recruiting trail between Texas and LSU entering summer official visits. But Phillips' official visit to Austin in late June was a big success for him and the Longhorns.

Entering his July 6 decision date, Texas is considered the favorite to land Phillips over LSU. Phillips is arguably Texas's top in-state defensive back priority in the 2025 class at this point of the offseason among the remaining uncommitted recruits for this cycle.

I won't say Phillips' recruitment is a must-win situation for the Longhorns in the 2025 class right now. But this is important for Texas to bounce back with defensive back recruiting for 2025 after a tough few days on the trail since late last week.