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'I thought it was Texas': Longhorns receive tough feedback after Steve Sarkisian whiffs on key recruiting target

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 12:14 AM ET

The Texas Longhorns have been on the hunt for a fourth defensive tackle in their 2026 recruiting class, but it won't be Floridian Kendall Guervil. Despite the best efforts from Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive line coach Kenny Baker, the Longhorns couldn't land the four-star 315-pounder. Instead, Florida is keeping him close to home.

The loss of someone who would battle with Corey Wells, Vodney Cleveland, and Dylan Berymon isn't the end of the world, but it does leave the Longhorns in a position to continue search. It hurts when Texas looks back at what Guervil said not long ago.

BREAKING: Four-Star DL Kendall Guervil has Committed to Florida, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’5 315 DL from Fort Myers, FL chose the Gators over Texas and Florida State

“AGTG Go Gators”https://t.co/8SVNeiuWlY pic.twitter.com/WWsMSDvKfa
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 2, 2025

“It was a tough decision, but I followed my heart and Florida is the place for me,” Guervil told Rivals. “When I left Texas, I thought it was Texas, but I came home, I thought about it a lot, I prayed about it and Florida was in my heart.”

Before his commitment, On3 had provided this snapshot of the journey Guervil had been on to get to now. As they point out, Texas was right in it until the end, and a stronger NIL offer might've swung the race their way.

"The Longhorns have been on top since his first-ever visit to Austin in the spring. The Longhorns were the leader following official visits to Florida State, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. This battle has primarily been between UF and UT as the decision date approaches."

It's hard to fault the Longhorns for going overboard for a fourth defensive tackle. They have the prestige, NFL pipeline, and coaching staff to pluck a rotational player out of the portal if need be, or bank on a lower-tier prospect they can develop.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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