Around Texas: A round-up of recruiting news in the Lone Star State

The action never stops on the Lone Star state recruiting trails, and with that in mind, it is time to dive into the latest news, notes and headlines from around the state of Texas.

Big Gets

2026 TE Xavier Tiller‍ commits to Texas A&M
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Adrian Wilson‍ chooses Colorado

Headlines

DLs Flipping – A couple of defensive linemen recently had a change of heart. Duncanville 6-foot-2, 285-pound defender Antwon Brown‍ decommitted from Louisiana Tech and opted to stay closer to home at North Texas. Brown originally pledged to Louisiana Tech in July. In the Houston area, Cy Ranch defensive end Niklas Fisher‍ decided he wanted to spend his college days a little farther away from home as he flipped from Texas State to Oregon State. Fisher had been committed to Texas State since June.

Getting Offensive – A few in-state programs added some offensive firepower. SMU is quietly building a national program by staying local, and the Mustangs tapped into emerging DFW power North Crowley for running back Daniel Bray‍. The explosive Bray chose SMU over Utah and Arizona. Houston ventured a little farther from home, tapping into Oklahoma and Mississippi for a couple of wide receiver targets. First 6-foot-4, 190-pound Bixby (OK) standout with an awesome name, Blake Hogshooter‍, announced his commitment, and then Flowood (MS) 6-foot, 180-pound playmaker Kenzy West‍ opted for the Cougars.

Okie bound no more – Changing direction can be a difficult decision, and when it comes to recruiting, it typically comes with a heavy heart and much thought. With that in mind, a few Texas standouts pledged to Oklahoma schools have decided to re-open their recruitments. Bryan Rudder ATH Jaquise Martin‍ announced his decommitment from Tulsa, while Waco Midway LB Donovan Jones‍ and Killeen Shoemaker TE Isaiah Butler-Tanner‍ announced their decommitments from Oklahoma State.

New Name to Know

ATH Brendyn Jackson‍ , Midlothian – 2028

At 6-foot and 165 pounds, Jackson is Midlothian’s leading receiver, and he has proven to be a clutch performer over the course of the 2024 season.

He describes his style as unexpected, mainly because he is only a freshman but plays with the effort and intensity of an upperclassman. He prides himself on his hands, footwork and all-around playmaking ability. His body control, smooth stride and ability to adjust on the fly are quick to jump off the tape.

Jackson has played only offense this fall, but he does have experience on both sides of the ball and looks up to Travis Hunter as his football role model.

As a freshman, the recruiting process is in the incredibly early stages, but a buzz is already being generated. Jackson does not have any offers at this time, but he camped at TCU this summer, visited a Texas Tech game this fall and mentioned Oregon, Texas, Ole Miss and TCU as programs he would like to visit in the future.

In addition to football, he is also known for his abilities on the basketball court.  

What’s up with the top

Top 10 LBs
1. Riley Pettijohn‍, McKinney – Ohio State
2. Bo Barnes‍, Dallas Skyline – Texas
3. Charles Ross‍, Galena Park North Shore – LSU
4. Kelvion Riggins‍, Forney – Texas A&M
5. Kaleb Burns‍, Cypress Falls – Baylor
6. Jayden Shelton‍, Dallas South Oak Cliff – Arkansas
7. Anthony Williams‍, Pearland Shadow Creek – TCU
8. Dillon Arkansas‍, Denton Ryan – TCU
9. Jonathan Cunningham‍, Crowley North Crowley – Texas
10. Richmond Ugochukwu‍, Richardson Berkner - Houston