Texas Football continued to build toward the future on Wednesday, officially adding defensive tackle Elijah Ali to its 2026 recruiting class. With Ali’s signature, the Longhorns reached 24 total commitments in what is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most balanced classes of the Steve Sarkisian era. The group spans nearly every position group, blending elite national talent with strong in-state recruiting and reinforcing Texas’ emphasis on versatility, athleticism, and long-term roster sustainability.
Ali, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle from Downey, California, gives the Longhorns another interior presence to develop along the defensive line. Rated as a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals, Ali transferred to St. Pius X–St. Matthias Academy for his senior season and is viewed as a player with significant physical upside. While not yet among the nation’s most highly ranked defensive linemen, his frame and power profile fit Texas’ developmental mold for interior defenders who can grow into SEC-caliber contributors.
The headliner of the class remains quarterback Dia Bell, one of the most accomplished signal-callers in the 2026 cycle. Bell is universally regarded as a five-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN and ranks among the top quarterbacks nationally across all major services. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Bell brings a polished pocket presence, high-level processing ability, and leadership traits that have drawn comparisons to recent elite college passers. A former Elite 11 MVP and Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, Bell’s résumé is loaded with production, efficiency, and poise, making him the clear centerpiece of the class.
Defensively, Texas has assembled a group heavy on athleticism and playmaking ability. Samari Matthews, a four-star defensive back from North Carolina, stands out as one of the most decorated defenders in the class. Matthews became the first defensive player ever to win North Carolina’s Mr. Football award and brings size, instincts, and ball skills to the secondary. His ability to contribute in coverage, against the run, and in the return game fits the modern defensive back profile Texas has prioritized.
The Longhorns also added multiple edge and front-seven defenders capable of impacting the game in different ways. Jamarion Carlton, a four-star edge rusher from Temple, Texas, is among the highest-rated defensive linemen in the state and offers a powerful blend of size, explosiveness, and production. His consistent tackle-for-loss numbers and pass-rushing upside make him one of the more college-ready defenders in the class. Richard Wesley, another highly touted edge prospect from California, brings elite athletic traits and a high ceiling, while James Johnson adds interior defensive depth with proven production against top competition in Florida.
Linebacker recruiting was another clear priority, highlighted by the addition of Tyler Atkinson, one of the most accomplished high school linebackers in recent memory. A five-star recruit and the recipient of the High School Butkus Award, Atkinson’s tackling production, instincts, and leadership traits make him a potential cornerstone of the defense. He is joined by Kosi Okpala and Rocky Cummings, both of whom bring size, speed, and versatility to the second level and give Texas multiple developmental pathways depending on scheme and personnel needs.
In the secondary, the Longhorns continued to emphasize length and ball skills. Hayward Howard Jr. and Toray Davis both bring multi-sport athleticism and proven playmaking ability, while Yaheim Riley offers versatility as a safety capable of contributing in coverage and run support. Together, the defensive back group reflects Texas’ push toward positionless defenders who can handle multiple roles.
On offense, the skill-position talent in the class is equally impressive. Wide receivers Kohen Brown and Chris Stewart provide contrasting but complementary skill sets, with Brown offering vertical explosiveness and Stewart bringing polished route-running and return ability. Jermaine Bishop Jr. may be the most dynamic athlete in the entire class, earning five-star status as a true do-it-all prospect. Bishop’s ability to impact games at wide receiver, running back, defensive back, and special teams makes him one of the most intriguing developmental pieces Texas has signed in years.
At running back, the Longhorns secured two productive in-state talents in Jett Walker and Derrek Cooper. Walker brings size and consistent rushing production, while Cooper arrives as one of the nation’s top backs with elite speed, vision, and two-way high school production. Their additions ensure Texas remains stocked at a position that has long been central to the program’s offensive identity.
Up front, Texas continued to invest heavily in the offensive line. John Turntine III headlines the group as a nationally ranked four-star lineman with positional flexibility, while Kaden Scherer and Nicolas Robertson add size, strength, and developmental depth. Together, they reflect Texas’ long-term approach to building the trenches through a mix of immediate contributors and high-upside projects.
Special teams were not overlooked. Kicker Jake Collett and punter Mikey Bukauskas both arrive with five-star ratings from Kohl’s, giving Texas a chance to lock down the kicking game for years to come. Longsnapper Trott O’Neal rounds out the unit, adding stability at a position that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem.
When viewed as a whole, the 2026 recruiting class showcases Texas’ ability to recruit nationally while maintaining a strong in-state presence. It balances elite star power with depth, positional versatility, and long-term development, reinforcing the program’s vision as it continues to transition into a full-time SEC contender.
With Elijah Ali’s addition bringing the class to 24 signees, the Longhorns have assembled a group that addresses immediate needs while laying a strong foundation for the future. While not every player will contribute right away, the breadth and quality of the class position Texas to remain competitive at the highest level for years to come.
