Texas Longhorns have 're-engaged' their efforts on key prospect who has Bill Belichick acting as 'major catalyst' in recruitment

The Texas Longhorns are clawing their way back into a fight for a dynamic defensive prospect who has some of the best schematic minds in college football wanting him. 2026 four-star Calvin Thomas, from Houston, Texas, is set to announce his decision this week. The Longhorns are finalists for the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder.

However, so are Michigan, Nebraska, SMU, and North Carolina. It's an interesting mix of schools and quality of programs for someone ranked as highly as a top 10 linebacker in the country. The latest intel has North Carolina as the team to beat, but Texas is working to swing things their way.

While Michigan and Nebraska seem to be out of the chase, the two in-state schools are trying to play spoiler for Bill Belichick's Tar Heels.

"SMU and Texas continue to swing away in this one.

The Longhorns, in particular, have re-engaged Thomas recently and are maintaining an open line of communication with the in-state 2026 target," per On3. 

That said, Thomas has seen a lot that checks boxes with his wishlist at North Carolina. They have a unique history, and the addition of Belichick gives players a rare chance to learn from an NFL legend. Even if things are strange in Chapel Hill with Jordon Hudson's presence looming over Belichick's tenure, you can only learn from an NFL Hall of Famer so many times.

"North Carolina has garnered the most buzz over the past week and change. Confidence in Chapel Hill continues to mount about the Tar Heels’ chances with Thomas, who raved about his time with Bill Belichick to Rivals: “I definitely loved the scenery there and the academics,” he said in May. “Michael Jordan went there. It’s a great school.”

Texas has a ton of positives in its corner, as well. Steve Sarkisian is an excellent coach with an amazing staff, so the stability and prestige of the Longhorns' program are major forces. Staying in Texas could also be a deciding factor, but Thomas could also want a new experience that even Austin offers.

If he commits, Thomas will join four-star Kosi Okpala as the second 2026 linebacker to join the program since July.

We'll update you with more information as Thomas makes his announcement later this week.