Texas' top 2026 defensive commit shuts down recruitment, reaffirms pledge to Longhorns

5-star DE Richard Wesley confirmed his commitment to the Texas football program today by officially shutting down his recruitment.
Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski sits own to speak to media at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Texas Longhorns will face the Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2024.
Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski sits own to speak to media at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Texas Longhorns will face the Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2024. | Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Sierra Canyon HS (Chatsworth, CA) 5-star DE Richard Wesley has officially announced on social media that he's shut down his committment for the 2026 cycle.

This is huge news for the Longhorns because it's a show of confirmation by Wesley, who also happens to be the No.1-ranked defensive end in the nation and currently Texas' highest-ranked defensive commit in the 2026 class.

Adding Wesley to a defensive end room in 2026 that'll most likely consistent of star pass rusher Colin Simmons and other young players to push him such as Lance Jackson, Smith Orogbo, and Zina Umeozulu will allow him to (hopefully) develop into a dominant player for Texas.

Aside from Wesley, Texas is also bringing in Kosi Okpala as a potential Trey Moore-like hybrid DE/LB in the 2026 class.

The Longhorns are going to have an absolutely stacked group of young pass rushers to terrorize opposing offenses with over the next four years.