Texas trending for coveted 4-star LB Elijah Barnes
One of the most coveted linebacker prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle, Dallas Skyline four-star Elijah Barnes took a handful of visits to schools around the state of Texas in January. Included on that list was Texas. Now, the Longhorns lead for Barnes in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.
Texas insider Charlie Williams logged an expert prediction with a 60% confidence level favoring the Longhorns in Barnes’ recruitment. Texas now leads with an 89.6% chance of landing Barnes, per the RPM.
Barnes met with head coach Steve Sarkisian and new linebackers coach Johnny Nansen when he visited Austin last month.
“It was a lot of good things at Texas, I really enjoyed it down there like I always to,” Barnes told On3. “I’ve been down there the most — to games there — and it was a great experience to be back down there and be around the new staff. They’re great all-around.”
“Talking to Coach Nansen was great, he knows what he’s doing and he knows a lot about the game and he can teach you a lot about the game of football,” he continued. “I liked how he’s a real genuine guy, a cool guy, down-to-earth guy, and that was cooling talking to him and Sark.”
Barnes is the nation’s No. 86 overall prospect and No. 13 linebacker in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 16 recruit in Texas.
On3 rates Barnes higher than the three other major recruiting services. He ranks No. 77 nationally and No. 13 among linebackers.
More on Texas recruiting
Texas’ five commitments rank No. 8 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Saraland (Ala.) four-star quarterback K.J. Lacey headlines the class and is ranked No. 82 overall.
He’s joined by Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove four-star athlete Lance Jackson, Calhoun (Ga.) four-star tight end Emaree Winston, Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie four-star defensive lineman Brandon Brown and Pearland (Texas) Shadow Creek three-star EDGE Anthony Williams.