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Kade Phillips named a week 13 True Freshman Standout by On3

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook11/24/25josephcook89

Freshman cornerback Kade Phillips, who earned his first career start on Saturday versus Arkansas, was named a True Freshman Standout for week 13 by On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power.

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Phillips, who attended Missouri City (Texas) Hightower, logged four tackles and two pass break-ups versus Arkansas. This season, he had 14 tackles and five pass break-ups.

“I really like Kade,” Steve Sarkisian said Saturday after the game. “He’s got a great demeanor about him. Even when it’s not perfect, (he has) the ability to bounce back. HE’s got a really good demeanor about him. He’s tough. He tackles well. He’s got good length. I appreciated him at the end. They called pass interference on him but he was trying to pick it.”

“He plays like he’s trying to make plays.”

Here’s what Power had to say about Phillips…

Kade Phillips earned the start against Arkansas and made the most of the opportunity, helping Texas to a 52-37 win over the Razorbacks. The true freshman was a standout on defense, locking down his side of the field and displaying poise and physicality in coverage.

Phillips allowed just two completions on five targets for nine yards, according to Pro Football Focus, while also breaking up two passes and making strong tackles in space. The Houston area native’s blend of size, athleticism, and confidence stood out throughout the afternoon.

The former five-star prospect is beginning to show why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. Phillips teams with fellow true freshman Graceson Littleton to give the Longhorns a promising young tandem at cornerback, one that could emerge as one of the SEC’s best duos as soon as next season.

Other True Freshman Standouts from On3 included Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight, Pittsburgh running back Ja’Kyrian Turner, Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney, and USC wide receiver Tanook Hines.

Phillips was the No. 29 overall prospect, the No. 5 cornerback, and the No. 8 player in Texas in the 2025 Rivals Industry Ranking. Rivals ranked Phillips as the No. 21 overall prospect, the No. 4 cornerback, and the No. 7 player in Texas.

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