It feels like every other day there is a new story about the Texas Longhorns and head coach Steve Sarkisian finding success on the recruiting trail, which is exactly where a powerhouse program like Texas wants to be.
That much has continued to be true in the Horns' recruitment of four-star safety James Foster III, a Texas native in the class of 2028.
Foster, the No. 2 safety in his recruiting cycle, has had his eyes on the Longhorns for quite a while, attending various football camps over the last few years. However, in the last couple of weeks, Texas's attention to Foster has only grown.
Most recently, recruiting expert Justin Wells logged an expert prediction that Foster would (eventually) commit to the Longhorns, becoming the first recruiting insider to do so.
Now, Wells logged that prediction with just 60-percent confidence, but Texas has been a point of conversation every time Foster has discussed his recruiting process so far.
Read more: Even recruits know that playing for the Longhorns isn't for the weak or timid
Of course, it does not hurt that Texas has the upper hand as an in-state program for the four-star safety. However, the Horns are not the only team from the Lone Star State to extend an offer in Foster's direction.
Texas outpacing Aggies, Ponies, Horny Toads, and more for James Foster III
The Texas A&M Aggies, Texas Tech Red Raiders, SMU Mustangs, TCU Horned Frogs, Baylor Bears, Houston Cougars, and North Texas Mean Green are also in the race to earn a commitment from Foster, as well as a slew of powerhouse programs outside of Texas.
While Texas seems to undeniably lead the charge, SMU and TCU are the suspected second- and third-place finishers at the moment, followed by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ole Miss Rebels.
One of the biggest reasons that the Mustangs are toward the front of the pack is the fact that Foster has already taken three visits to SMU, all unofficial. However, he has been to the 40 Acres on two occasions, including the Horns' 2025 summer camp and 2026 Junior Day.
So far, Sarkisian and his staff have landed just one commitment from the class of 2028: four-star quarterback Neimann Lawrence. However, Texas is trending in the right direction for quite a few top prospects in the cycle, including five-star wide receiver Brysen Wright (who would pair pretty nicely with Lawrence, if you ask me).
Also read: Texas's blue-chip visitors are another example of why big non-conference games still matter
Currently, Texas's class of 2028 ranks 14th in the nation, even with just one commit in the group. The Ohio State Buckeyes currently lead the national rankings, followed by the Alabama Crimson Tide, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Fighting Irish.
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