Texas earns spot in coveted recruit's top five despite something being not looking right as July 4 decision nears

Ruffin, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle, is one of the most coveted interior linemen in the 2026 class, known for his exceptional movement skills and polished technique. His recruitment has heated up, with Texas joining the race relatively late but making enough of an impression to earn a spot in his top five. 

Ruffin’s official visit to Texas is scheduled for June 20, following earlier visits to LSU (March) and Alabama and Florida (April). He has yet to visit Ohio State, but the Buckeyes extended an offer through defensive line coach Larry Johnson, adding to their momentum.

LSU has been a strong contender, with defensive line coach Kyle Williams maintaining consistent communication and emphasizing Ruffin’s potential to make an immediate impact. Alabama, as the in-state program, offered Ruffin in January during his first campus visit and has continued to prioritize him, leveraging its proximity and SEC pedigree. 

Ohio State, despite entering later, is a serious threat due to its reputation for developing defensive linemen. Georgia rounds out the top five, also hosting Ruffin for an official visit.

Ruffin’s performance at the Under Armour Next+ Camp in Nashville showcased his dominance, earning praise from On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, who noted Ruffin as having the second-best showing among defensive linemen, behind only fellow Alabama prospect Jamarion Matthews. 

His blend of size, agility, and technical prowess makes him a prized target for Texas, but the Longhorns will need a standout visit to shift the momentum away from Alabama and Ohio State.

For Texas, securing Ruffin would be a major coup for head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive line coach Kenny Baker, who are looking to bolster the Longhorns’ defensive front. Texas has been aggressive in recruiting defensive tackles for the 2026 class, aiming to build depth and maintain its reputation as a defensive powerhouse in the SEC. 

While Ruffin is a top priority, the Longhorns are not putting all their eggs in one basket, as Alabama and Ohio State currently hold the edge in his recruitment.

Texas has also been in the mix for other high-profile defensive tackle prospects. One notable target is four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy from Tupelo, Mississippi, who included Texas among his finalists and has an official visit scheduled with the Longhorns. 

McCoy, ranked as a Top 100 prospect, recently added Texas to his list, signaling the program’s growing appeal among elite defensive linemen.

Additionally, Texas is pursuing other defensive tackles to complement their 2026 class, which already includes 18 commitments, split evenly between offense and defense. The Longhorns have been linked to prospects like four-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson, also from Mississippi, who has Texas among his top three schools. Wilson’s versatility and athleticism align with Texas’ defensive scheme, making him a key target alongside Ruffin and McCoy.

Texas’ pitch to Ruffin will likely center on their recent success in the SEC, their state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to compete for championships in a conference known for producing NFL-ready defensive linemen. Coach Baker’s track record of developing talent, combined with Texas’ upward trajectory under Sarkisian, could resonate with Ruffin during his June 20 visit. However, Alabama