The Lone Star State is a hotbed of football talent. The quality of athletes that this conveyor belt keeps spawning is unparalleled. Florida and Cali can hold down the rest of the podium, but Texas is definitively numero uno. Naturally, the no.2 ranked recruit in the state is a sought-after prospect. That would be Felix Ojo, also ranked 2nd amongst offensive tackles in the class of ‘26. This 6’6 man-mountain has just dropped a massive revelation around his recruitment. 

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are building a fence to keep the in-state blue-chip recruits from escaping their grasp. They’ve been successful to a certain extent, but it’s no easy task. Well, it seems like this proverbial fence has just punctured a Natty-contending school’s efforts of snagging Felix Ojo. Through his recruitment process, 2 schools created some separation from the 49 scholarship offers Ojo possesses. That would be Texas and Notre Dame. Turns out that Texas has just taken a massive stride forward and now leads what’s slowly evolving into a one-horse race.

Felix Ojo made the short trip from his native Mansfield to Austin over the weekend for an unofficial trip. His activity on X suggested the visit was a positive one, with Ojo posting pictures and hashtags galore. Now, his latest post has fanned the flames of the belief Sark may just have his man. Felix Ojo had an imminent unofficial visit to South Bend on his itinerary for this week. However, he’s called it off. “I will no longer be Visiting Notre Dame on the 10th,” he wrote. While the reason is uncertain at this juncture, the events that preceded this announcement don’t bode well for Marcus Freeman and the Irish.

Notre Dame didn’t receive an official visit in the summer, meaning this was their only shot at having Felix Ojo on campus. It’s presumably curtains for their chances at landing him. Conversely, Texas’ chances have shot through the roof. Ojo has already explicitly said they’re his no.1 option, so to bury a competitor within hours of him being on UT’s campus is a statement.

Felix Ojo still has OVs planned to Ohio State, Ole Miss, Michigan, Oklahoma, and, indeed, Texas. Whether these turn out to be an exercise in going through the motions or can actually sway his decision remains to be seen. On3’s prediction model currently gives the Longhorns a whopping 92% chance to add Ojo to the line of scrimmage. With Notre Dame out of the reckoning, Ohio State is now the 2nd favorite. However, the gulf is rather unassailable. Ojo’s own comments in the aftermath of this weekend’s visit to Austin facilitate that notion.

Felix Ojo reflects on his unofficial visit to Texas

Speaking to Steve Wiltfong of On3, Felix Ojo said, “My latest visit [to Texas] was great. [It’s] always nice to go back and see the coaches and players.” He proceeded to expand upon why Texas is his top school heading into a crucial summer of OVs. “What continues to excite me about my opportunities is the ability to play early with the situation they have over there. Also just how the whole staff sees me as a top priority with Sark saying I’m their franchise player and the No.1 player they have to get in the class, and that means a lot to me,” said Ojo.

As a Texan, Ojo didn’t need much introduction or selling on the school’s stature within the college football paradigm. “What makes Texas a great program is just the culture they have there, and their ability to keep that culture as the years move on. And they’re having so much success because of that and the standard they hold the players to,” he said. That burnt orange jersey with his name on it has got to be an enticing prospect. Alongside, of course, the added benefit of staying close to home.

It does seem like all roads lead to UT with this one. A late spanner in the works is always on the cards though, with fellow bluebloods like Ohio State and Michigan in the fray. Sarkisian and co. are looking to make Felix Ojo the poster boy for their 2026 class, and faltering this close to the finishing line would be disastrous. From Ojo’s POV, he’s tasked with making a career and potentially life-altering decision. No pressure!