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"I'm ready to be a Longhorn." 2026 Texas commit Yaheim Riley talks Horns pledge, potential position, and more

On3 imageby: Justin Wells05/17/25
Yaheim Riley
(courtesy of Riley)

Austin (Texas) Anderson three-star safety Yaheim Riley committed to the Longhorns’ Class of 2026 today. The 6-foot-0, 175-pound local product chose Texas over Ole Miss, Washington, Stanford, and Houston.

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The former UH commit and Austin LBJ transfer grew up loving the Longhorns and watching Andrew Mukuba have a breakout senior season on the Forty Acres. Now, it’s his turn.

“I’m ready to be a Longhorn,” Riley told Inside Texas. “It’s because it’s just the best place for me to make my dreams come true and become the young man I want to become.”

His versatility in the secondary was one of the reasons Akina was so smitten with the 512 native. What position does the UT staff view Riley long term?

“As an athlete (in the secondary),” Riley said. “I would have to show I can play the Star position first, but that’s easy because I like going against the best on that side of the ball.”

By the clips on his highlight tape, it’s obvious Riley chooses violence on Friday nights in the Fall.

“I’m a competitor, man,” said Riley. “Because only one team can win but I pray over (opponents) before we play and then pray over them after for the battle. My sportsmanship is good after the game because we’re all trying to reach a goal after high school.”

He joins fellow Austinite’s that wore the burnt orange Jahdae Barron, Michael Taaffe, and Mukuba. Riley jumps into the 2026 class with Dia Bell, Jermaine Bishop, Max Wright, Chris Stewart, Hayward Howard Jr., Trott O’Neal, and Nicolas Robertson in Texas’ 2026 class.

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Riley is ranked as the No. 682 overall prospect, the No. 62 safety, and the No. 104 player in Texas in the On3 Industry Ranking. On3 ranks Riley as the No. 56 safety and the No. 139 player in Texas.

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