Predicting Texas's next commitment after LB Elijah Barnes

Jonathan Cunningham, LB

A surging in-state linebacker target for the Longhorns in the 2025 class this spring is Fort Worth (TX) North Crowley four-star Jonathan Cunningham. The lengthy 6-foot-3 and 190-pound blue-chip linebacker recruit from the DFW Metroplex had his first unofficial trip to Texas since he was offered by the Longhorns a couple of months ago for spring practice on April 11.

Cunningham had a good experience during his unofficial trip to Texas for spring practice on Thursday. He spent time with Pete Kwiatkowski, Nansen, and Sarkisian. Cunningham also got the chance to speak with multiple Longhorns players after the spring practice on April 11.

On Texas Football's Gerry Hamilton reported on April 11 that "Sarkisian left little doubt that Cunnigham is a target" for Texas entering summer officials. Texas likes Cunningham's athletic traits and versatility to play multiple linebacker spots along the defensive front.

Likely the next time that Cunningham will make a return trip to Texas will be for an official visit in mid June. He's also got official visits scheduled to see the TCU Horned Frogs (May 3), Arizona State Sun Devils (June 9), and Kansas Jayhawks (June 21).

What could determine if Cunningham winds up in the Longhorns' 2025 class when it's all said and done for this recruitment is is how much Texas pushes during the June 14-16 official visit.

Texas is looking to take multiple linebackers in the 2025 class after only adding one signee at the position from the high school ranks in 2024. McKinney (TX) high-four-star Riley Pettijohn and San Clemente (CA) four-star/USC Trojans commit Matai Tagoa'i are other top linebacker targets for the Longhorns in the 2025 class this offseason.