Remember when some schools owned their backyard? When snapping up talent was just a click away from the big-name programs without breaking a sweat? Well, things are changing, and that too really fast. A powerhouse program under Lincoln Riley, which had his finest picks of in-state stars, is witnessing a tough time with talents slipping away. Steve Sarkisian, a rival coach, is making stunning moves, turning heads and flipping commitments across the country. So what’s happening behind the curtains, and why are some top prospects packing their bags instead of staying loyal to their homes? Let’s break it down. 

Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Longhorns, is making a strong impression on top recruits, specifically one five-star prospect. The five-star tight end (as per 247Sports Composite) Mark Bowman from Mater Dei High School in California is one of the best players in the 2026 class. For the Longhorns, Bowman is one of the main targets on their wishlist. He is also being pursued by some of the top programs in the country.

The 6’5” player with an earth’s gravitational weight of 225 lbs has exceptional skills. His blocking skill can weaponize him for passing games and opening up spaces for his teammates. How do we know? Well, his high school performances have shown that. In 2024, he made it to the MaxPreps All-America second team.

Stats? 32 receptions for 435 yards. Just like every tight end who is a physical force, his real strength can be seen in his yards per catch numbers. In 2024, he averaged 13.6 YPC. Add to that eight touchdowns—an improvement from his 4 touchdowns in 2023. Originally, Mark Bowman was in the 2027 class. However, he reclassified to 2026 in January this year. 

2023: Earned MaxPreps Freshman All-American honors after hauling in 11 passes for 125 yards and 4 TDs.

Bowman’s positive relationship with Jeff Banks (assistant coach and special teams coordinator) and with the state has put Texas in a leading position over competitors like Oregon and USC. 

Apart from Bowman, Steve Sarkisian is also locking on to other prominent prospects, strengthening their team for the upcoming games. With the best record in the SEC in 2024, they are chasing top prospects to remain on top. Some of the other major targeted prospects are top RB Ezevier Crowell. He is a 2026 RB reclassified from 2027 and is in Austin for an unofficial visit. Chad Scott, the running back coach, is working on re-engaging Crowell. 

In addition, Edge Recruiting is focusing on Richard Wesley and JaReylan McCoy as top targets. Wesley is open to many schools. While McCoy was initially inclined towards Texas A&M, he now considers Texas high on his list, with an official visit scheduled for June.

Another top prospect is Felix Ojo, one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in the 2026 class. “Texas and Ohio State have been the most consistent teams in my recruitment. Texas has been steady since day one,” said Ojo. He has an official visit scheduled on 13th June. Well, these give a fair perception of how Texas is being personified in the eyes of top prospects. However, on the contrary, the strategies of a rival coach are falling apart. 

Once a talent magnet, USC Trojans are now watching stars walking away

Recent recruitment struggles and team performances have raised doubts about Lincoln Riley’s ability to meet expectations as a head coach. Analysts are asking whether inconsistency in on-field results and recruiting approaches are undermining the team’s future. USC 2026’s recruiting class is currently in the 2nd position nationally, which is a promising sign. However, there’s a catch: they have seen similar situations before. Like only in the previous year, the Trojans have secured commitments from top-tier recruits only to end up with de-commitments and joining other programs. Analysts fear that history can again be repeated if USC’s struggles continue. 

Currently, USC has a mix of talent from California and players from other key regions. However, the consistency of developing a stable program is still uncertain. Analysts have pointed out that the team’s inability to lock in local talents in Southern California has indeed been in the process of developing a strong recruiting base. Historically, the state used to produce top-tier talents but recently has chosen other programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Oregon over USC. One of the team’s key losses was Emmanual Pregnon, a standout lineman who transferred to Oregon. 

The team has built their identity around elite quarterback plays from Caleb Williams to Matt Leinart. However, the era of Williams came to an end. The Jersey No. 13 retired after spending two seasons with the program and winning the eighth Heisman Trophy in the history of the Trojans. With this, uncertainty prevails when taking over the position with such a strong numerical level as Williams. Jaden Maiava and other successors lack the potential that the fans are accustomed to witnessing over the years. Analysts have highlighted that unlike the previous years, when Trojans could have relied on a star quarterback, the absence of a clear leader can prominently impact the recruiting efforts and team performance. 

Without a definite answer to getting commitments from top prospects, the once-feared offense now faces questions on whether they would be able to maintain their reputation for making explosive plays and ensuring the long-term success of Riley’s program. The new GM, Chad Bowden, has made it a priority to improve their recruitment of in-state talent. Coach Liley would hope to see some results soon.