Skip to main content
Texas

Recruiting Intel: More action in the portal for Texas? Longhorns after elite talent

On3 imageby: Justin Wells04/22/25
Maraad Watson, Syracuse Football
Maraad Watson, Syracuse Football

Texas is after important players in both the portal and in high school. Get the latest details.

[Join Inside Texas TODAY and get FOUR MONTHS for just ONE DOLLAR!]

Use the code TEXAS20 on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off for all new customers through the end of this week. That’s spelled R-H-O-B-A-C-K .com. That’s 20% off all Performance Polos, Shorts and more with code TEXAS20

Texas hosted elite Syracuse DL transfer Maraad Watson, a freshman All-American. Known for explosiveness and flexibility across multiple D-line spots, Watson’s potential is viewed as NFL-bound with proper development. Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio State are also interested, but Texas appears to be his final visit.

Texas aims to backfill recruiting misses with portal talent. Watson would replace the spot vacated by D’antre Robinson. The Longhorns value Watson’s multi-year eligibility and view him as a future anchor on the defensive front, not just a short-term fix.

Texas is in the top tier for 2026 RB Amari Latimer alongside Michigan and Wisconsin. At 210 lbs, he’s being recruited as the “thunder” complement to speedster KJ Edwards. He’s impressed by Texas’ NFL development track and has an official visit set for June 13–15.

Coaches envision Latimer as a bruising interior back paired with outside threats like Edwards. Though his top-end speed is limited, his power, acceleration, and build (possibly reaching 220+ lbs in college) make him ideal for SEC play.

Texas prefers athlete Jalen Lott as a CB, despite his WR talent. Oregon is recruiting him as a WR and has the edge due to track facilities. Justice Fitzpatrick, brother of NFL star Minkah, visited from Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. Despite interest, Texas faces stiff competition from Alabama.

Texas is aggressively building O-line depth with top targets like Felix Ojo, John Turntine, Maximus Wright, and possibly Zaden Krempin. Coaches emphasize versatility but promise opportunities at preferred spots. Krempin’s recruitment will likely extend into summer through official visits.

Join Inside Texas for Market-Leading Texas Longhorns Football coverage!

InsideTexas.com provides just what passionate Texas fans expect: Market-leading coverage of Longhorns athletics and recruiting.

Join the best Texas fan community and receive all the benefits that come with it:

  • Elite team and recruiting coverage of the program you love
  • Immediate access to any Longhorns break news
  • Exclusive insider practice reports and year-round team info as well as board Q&A’s with IT staff
  • High level discourse with the most passionate and informed Longhorns fans across multiple board forums.
  • Market leading team analysis for those who are looking to increase their understanding of Steve Sarkisian and Pete Kwiatkowski’s preferred concepts
  • So much more!

SIGN UP and ensure no Longhorns information gets by you: Join Inside Texas community today!

Talk about this story and many more with fellow Longhorn diehards on the Members Only forum.

You may also like