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Get to know 2026 Texas signee Richard Wesley

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook12/03/25josephcook89

Whether you’re a diehard recruiting aficionado in need of a refresher or a casual recruiting fan needing only the particulars, this will be the series for you.

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The first national signing day for college football is Wednesday, December 3. This series will give you the chance to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with keeping Texas near the top of the college football world.

To win at a consistently high level requires talented class after talented class. The top-10 2026 class does that following a No. 1 class in 2025.

On the first national signing day, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2026 signing class. Up next, Richard Wesley.

The Player: Richard Wesley, EDGE, Los Angeles (Calif.) Sierra Canyon

The Rating: 97.42 (five-star)

The Ranking: Wesley is ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect, the No. 4 EDGE, and the No. 2 player in California in the Rivals Industry Ranking. Rivals ranks Wesley as the No. 17 overall prospect, the No. 5 EDGE, and the No. 3 player in California.

The Highlights:

The Recruitment: Texas was in on Wesley as a 2027 prospect but ramped up efforts as Wesley re-classified to 2026. That ramp-up was not as strong as Oregon’s who earned Wesley’s commitment and posted a famous video of Wesley and Dan Lanning jumping into a pool to celebrate. The commitment lasted 17 days, and after Wesley saw Oregon in early June, he visited Texas on June 20 and committed to the Longhorns as the visit ended. Texas A&M, USC, and Ohio State were other schools vying for Wesley’s pledge.

The Quote: “I felt the decision was the best of both worlds. I get to play in the SEC but I also get to walk out with a good degree. God forbid, football is not forever, so if I do get hurt in the long run I’ll still walk out with something good.

The Projection: Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 250 pounds, Wesley is a strong-side defensive end who brings a complete skill set to the table for the Jack position in Texas’ defense. He’s stout against the run, knows how to set the edge, and has pass-rush ability that gives him three-down value. Whether it’s holding his ground on early downs or pinning his ears back on third, Wesley shows he can handle both responsibilities at a high level.

Wesley reclassified—and not many high school players can do that and already be this physically ready. But Wesley looks the part right now. He’s well-built, explosive, and already plays with advanced technique. He reminds me of a bigger Barron Sorrell—long arms, great hand placement, and the ability to disengage and defeat blockers.

He also has real counter moves when rushing the passer, which separates him from most defensive linemen at this stage. Whether it’s a club-rip, swim, or inside spin, Wesley mixes his rushes well. – Charlie Williams

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The Final Word: Wesley gives Texas a premier EDGE at the Jack position. Reclassification or not, Wesley is one of the best players in the country and credit is due to LaAllan Clark for getting Wesley to go from LA to the 40 Acres. Imagine Lance Jackson and Wesley spelling each other at Jack. Yeah, that’ll doo.

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