Steve Sarkisian's search to improve his class of 2026 prospects continues as he and the Texas Longhorns fight for a commitment from one of the top linebackers in the class.
Alongside the Houston Cougars, UNC Tar Heels, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Baylor Bears, the Horns are looking to secure four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala for their upcoming class. The Texas native has received dozens of offers as one of the top linebackers in the class, as well as being the No. 47 athlete in the state.
This summer, Okpala plans to visit the Longhorns (June 20), the Nittany Lions (May 30), and the Bears (June 13). He has already visited Texas six times, nearly double the number of visits he has made to any other program.
Where is Kosi Okpala projected to commit?
Currently, both On3 and 247Sports have Okpala crystal-balled to join the Longhorns next year, but they also both give the Nittany Lions a fighting chance to pull the Texan away from his home state.
Baylor, Houston, North Carolina, Penn State, and Texas are jockeying for position for touted four-star LB Kosi Okpala -- and a return to the Forty Acres has the Longhorns moving in the right direction 🤘
— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) April 16, 2025
More from Okpala: https://t.co/pi6UWOxJzG pic.twitter.com/50HNFOoW3u
During his junior season, Okpala amassed 55 total tackles (39 solo), five sacks, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery for nine yards. He also played on the offensive side of the ball for his high school team last year, earning 76 yards on 11 rush attempts.
In his sophomore season, he also played varsity, but only played on the defensive side of the ball. Okpala earned 66 total tackles (48 solo), two sacks, and one pass deflection as an underclassman.
Sarkisian and the Longhorns currently have the No. 13 class of 2026 recruits following their No. 1 class of 2025 prospects. Yet, Texas continues to bring in some of the top recruits in the nation and is frequently mentioned by prospects who have yet to commit to a program.