Texas Longhorns Lose Multiple Top 2026 Recruits to In-State Rivals Amid NIL Competition

The Texas Longhorns' 2026 recruiting class has experienced notable setbacks despite a strong June that included seven commits and multiple high-profile visits. Key losses include four-star athlete Jalen Lott, a legacy recruit who committed to Oregon, and five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, who chose Texas Tech after a lucrative NIL offer. Texas also lost linebacker Bryce Perry-Wright to in-state rival Texas A&M, which further highlights the increased competition within Texas and the evolving recruiting landscape influenced by NIL deals and revenue sharing. Texas A&M, meanwhile, suffered a recruiting loss when linebacker Malik Morris committed to Florida, but still boasts one of the SEC's top classes. Coach Steve Sarkisian remains confident in Texas' recruiting approach and NIL management, emphasizing a forward-thinking strategy and the program's overall attractiveness. However, the recent nine recruiting losses in a week underscore challenges in retaining top talent amid intensified in-state competition and changing recruitment dynamics.