Three uncommitted football players from Texas who could be useful to the Longhorns in 2025

In the world of college football, recruiting is one of the most pivotal elements of a program’s long-term success. For the University of Texas Longhorns, the 2025 recruiting class represents a crucial opportunity to continue building upon their resurgence as a national contender. As the Longhorns enter the 2025 season, they will rely not just on their current roster but also on the new talent that will soon arrive on campus. While the team has already secured several key recruits, there are still some uncommitted players who could be game-changers for Texas. These athletes, specifically from Texas, have shown the talent, skills, and potential to make a significant impact in Austin. This article will highlight three uncommitted players from Texas that the Longhorns should prioritize and who could be crucial pieces to their 2025 campaign.

1. Dominic McKinley – Defensive Line (2025, LCA High School, Lafayette, LA)

While Dominic McKinley is technically from Louisiana, his connection to the state of Texas is strong, and he is one of the most sought-after defensive line prospects in the entire country. As one of the top-rated defensive players for 2025, McKinley has attracted attention from schools across the nation, including Texas. At 6’5” and 290 pounds, McKinley has the size, strength, and athleticism to dominate at the collegiate level, making him a high-priority recruit for any program, especially the Longhorns, who are looking to continue building depth along the defensive line.

Playing Style and Impact:

McKinley is a true game-wrecker on the defensive line. He has the ability to control the point of attack, disrupt the pocket, and be a consistent force against the run. His quick first step, combined with impressive upper-body strength, allows him to shed blockers and get to the quarterback with regularity. In addition to his raw power, McKinley also has great hand placement and the agility to change direction quickly, making him a versatile defensive lineman.

For Texas, McKinley could immediately contribute to a defensive line that has a lot of talent but could benefit from an influx of elite talent up front. He would fit perfectly into Pete Kwiatkowski’s defensive scheme, where pressure on the quarterback and disruption in the backfield are paramount. McKinley would give the Longhorns the ability to rotate fresh bodies into the game and create chaos in the backfield against both the run and the pass.

Recruitment and Fit:

The Longhorns are in a battle with several other elite programs for McKinley’s commitment. Texas A&M, LSU, and Alabama are among the schools that are recruiting him heavily. However, the Longhorns have a significant advantage due to their recruiting ties to the state of Texas and the program’s upward trajectory under head coach Steve Sarkisian. McKinley would likely have an immediate opportunity to compete for starting time at a school that is showing strong growth, making Texas an appealing option.

2. Jaray Smith – Wide Receiver (2025, Cy-Fair High School, Cypress, TX)

One of the top wide receivers in the state of Texas, Jaray Smith from Cy-Fair High School has all the physical tools to be a standout playmaker at the collegiate level. Standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 195 pounds, Smith has the size, speed, and ball skills to be an explosive force for any offense. He is a dynamic wide receiver with the ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and create separation from defenders with ease. Smith has been on Texas’ radar for a while, and he could be the kind of game-changing player the Longhorns need on the outside in 2025.

Playing Style and Impact:

Smith’s skill set as a wide receiver is impressive in every facet of the game. He has excellent speed and acceleration, allowing him to blow past defenders on deep routes and stretch the field. His ability to high-point the football in contested situations is another impressive feature of his game. Additionally, Smith has great footwork and agility, which makes him a threat after the catch. He is particularly dangerous on slants, posts, and fades, and his versatility allows him to play inside or outside.

For the Longhorns, adding a receiver of Smith’s caliber would be invaluable. Texas has some talented receivers, but Smith could provide that true number-one option for quarterback Arch Manning (assuming Manning continues to develop at the expected pace). With his ability to make big plays down the field and create separation from defenders, Smith could be the perfect complement to Texas’ offense, which is built around exploiting matchups and taking shots down the field.

Recruitment and Fit:

Smith’s recruitment is still very much up in the air, but Texas is a prime contender for his services. He has a strong connection to the state and is familiar with the program, having visited Austin multiple times. However, schools like Alabama, LSU, and Oklahoma are also pushing hard for his commitment. Smith could be swayed by the opportunity to play for a program with national title aspirations and a coaching staff that emphasizes the development of wide receivers in a modern, high-flying offense.

For the Longhorns, Smith’s decision could be pivotal. If Texas is able to secure his commitment, it would provide a much-needed weapon for the offense, giving Arch Manning or whoever is the quarterback in 2025 a true go-to target on the outside.

3. Jaxon Howard – Edge Rusher (2025, Duncanville High School, Duncanville, TX)

Jaxon Howard, a local product from Duncanville, is one of the most explosive edge rushers in the country. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 230 pounds, Howard possesses the ideal combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles. A highly disruptive player with a relentless motor, Howard is capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and offensive lines. He is one of the top uncommitted prospects in Texas and a player that Texas should target as a priority for their 2025 class.

Playing Style and Impact:

Howard’s ability to get off the line of scrimmage quickly and disrupt the quarterback is his most notable trait. His first step is explosive, and he has an array of pass-rush moves that allow him to beat blockers with both power and finesse. He has great lateral quickness, which enables him to slip past offensive linemen and chase down plays from the backside. Howard’s versatility is another key strength—he can play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense or a traditional defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. His relentless motor and high football IQ make him a threat in both pass-rush situations and against the run.

For Texas, Howard would add to an already talented defensive front, giving the team a dynamic edge rusher capable of pressuring quarterbacks from the outside. With his ability to disrupt plays on the edge, Howard would fit seamlessly into Texas’ defensive scheme, helping the team generate more sacks and tackles for loss in critical moments. His presence would also force opposing offenses to account for him on every play, opening up opportunities for his teammates to make plays as well.

Recruitment and Fit:

Howard’s recruitment is expected to be one of the most hotly contested in the 2025 class. Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and several other national programs are vying for his commitment. However, the Longhorns may have a slight edge given his Texas roots and the familiarity he has with the program. Texas has made a strong push to recruit local talent, and Howard could be the next homegrown star to suit up for the Longhorns.

Given his high potential and the immediate impact he could have on the Texas defense, Howard is a must-recruit for the Longhorns. Securing his commitment would give Texas a dynamic edge rusher who could make an immediate impact on the field and help solidify the team’s defense in 2025.