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The 2026 recruiting scene is exploding, and top prospects are starting to show their cards! Four-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, a 6-foot-7, 274-pound mountain of a man from Mansfield Lake Ridge, has just dropped his top eight. And it’s a who’s who of college football powerhouses. Ole Miss, Michigan, Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas, Florida, Ohio State, and Oklahoma all made the cut. The list is SEC-heavy, with 5 of the 8 schools hailing from the conference. While Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines are definitely in the mix, they’ve got some serious competition, especially from a certain burnt-orange giant down in Texas. 

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Steve Sarkisian is about to win big in the 2026 recruiting class. Take it from On3 Recruits Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons in his latest report on February 17. Per the latest recruiting intel, among his top eight schools, the No.5 OT of the 2026 class has a strong inclination for Texas, and the reason is clear. “What makes Texas a top school is the relationships I built with the whole offensive staff and even Coach Sark,” the No. 46 overall prospect stated. “They made it known early when they offered me back in the summer that they wanted me. I’m just a top priority for them, and they show it.” Nothing beats recruiting effort!

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Winning Felix Ojo will be a huge win for Texas, who’s the state’s No. 8 prospect. He’s already been to campus multiple times, and the connection with his potential to-be coach is undeniable. The 6’7, 279-pounder visited Austin on junior day, where the Longhorns made a lasting impression, especially their O-line coach Kyle Flood

I’d say the highlight was really just talking with Coach Flood, seeing where I stand with Texas and with him,” Ojo revealed. “Not only that, we have some plans for me in the future if I do decide to come to Texas. He says I’m a top priority for Texas, like I’m probably the number one priority for the offensive line group in the class of 2026 cycle.” 

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The promise of an early start is a big opportunity for any true freshman, and Felix Ojo is no different. “What continues to excite me about my opportunity with Texas is how Coach Flood sees me fitting in their offense and the chance of coming in early to compete for the starting job,” he said. He’s locked in an official visit to Austin on June 13. Steve Sarkisian can sleep easy knowing an elite talent is trending towards his program. But as they say, one man’s pleasure is another man’s pain. And that pain is Sherrone Moore’s to bear. 

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Felix Ojo gives Michigan a recruiting setback

Michigan continues to recruit elite offensive linemen to complement Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top-ranked quarterback prospect. And that hunt extends beyond the 2025 class, as their interest in Felix Ojo is no secret. The Wolverines’ primary recruiter for the elite OT is O-line coach Grant Newsome

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Michigan already compiled a solid 2025 recruiting cycle under Newsome, particularly in the O-line. They’ve brought in 5-star OT Andrew Babalola, 4-star OTs Ty Haywood and Avery Gach, and 3-star IOL Kaden Strayhorn. Another explosive playmaker like Felix Ojo in the next cycle would have upped their recruiting game to the next level. But for now, the inclination towards Texas is very high, likely unshakable. 

Can Sherrone Moore pull off a wild flip like he did with Bryce Underwood? Michigan isn’t out of the race yet, but with Texas turning up the heat, the Wolverines may need a miracle to pull this one off. 

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Khosalu Puro

3,342 Articles

Khosalu Puro is a Primetime College Football Writer at EssentiallySports, keeping a close watch on everything from locker room buzz to end zone drama. Her journalism career began with four relentless years covering regional football circuits, where she honed her eye for team dynamics on the field. At EssentiallySports, she took that foundation national, leading coverage across the college football space. For the past two seasons, she has anchored ES Marquee Saturdays, managing live weekend coverage while sharing her expertise with the team’s emerging writers. She also plays a key role in the CFB Pro Writer Program, a unique initiative connecting editorial storytelling with fan-driven content. Khosalu ensures her experience is passed on to the rest of the team as well.

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M.R. Jenifer

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