Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Took a Helicopter to Visit Nation's No. 1 ATH

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 8:34 PM ET

The Texas Longhorns put together the No. 1 college football recruiting class in 2025, and appear to have a chance of doing so again in 2026. With December's early signing day a few months away, the Longhorns have the No. 6 class in the country with a 21-man class headlined by five-star quarterback Dia Bell.

According to 247Sports' recruiting rankings, the Longhorns have three five-stars in the class, as aside from Bell, the class also features five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson and five-star athlete Jermaine Bishop.

Although these players are already committed, it doesn't mean that other programs aren't aiming to flip them down the stretch. This requires Texas to make sure that their top recruits still feel like a priority, which is something that head coach Steve Sarkisian appeared to do on Thursday for Bishop.

Ranked as the No. 1 athlete in the country, Bishop committed to Texas back in May. The Willis, Texas, product, who ranks as the No. 25 player in the country, chose the Longhorns over the likes of Baylor, Florida, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

In an effort to keep him impressed, Sarkisian flew into Willis on Thursday via helicopter to check in on Bishop.

#Texas checking in on 5-star commit Jermaine Bishop Jr. https://t.co/aTtMyuVl1e
— Hank South (@HankSouth247) September 25, 2025

Although it was likely a quick trip for Sarkisian, pulling out the helicopter surely has to make a recruit feel special.

As for what position Bishop will play at the next level, he is someone who can truly play either position, so it ultimately depends on what Texas needs. Being that they have a wide receiver room filled with young former blue-chip recruits, he may see an opportunity to play sooner at defensive back.

However, he did rack up 83 catches for 1,565 yards and 18 touchdowns last season on offense, while also recording three interceptions on defense.

As for Texas, they are on a bye this weekend, which likely allows for Sarkisian to get on the trail. They'll return to action next week when they head to Gainesville for the first time since 1940.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: