Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Texas Longhorns are already trending for two of the best 2028 prospects

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Berry | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Rivals' Adam Gorney is already going out on a limb and making some commitment predictions.

The initial 2028 rankings were released last week and many of the top prospects on the west coast have some early front-runners. And the Texas Longhorns are trending for a few as the college football season gets underway this weekend.

Let's take a look at who Gorney thinks is already leaning Steve Sarkisian and Texas' way.

To no one's surprise, Texas is already trending for another No. 1 overall prospect.

"Wade is playing at IMG Academy in Florida but he is from California, still has roots there and while his recruitment has gone national, there could be a link to his future home since Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is also from California as well.

"The Longhorns are not necessarily the leader in his recruitment because Oregon is right there as well along with Ohio State, Georgia, Florida and Michigan rounding out his early favorites but Texas does set up well," Gorney said. "The offense is humming, it’s not out of the question Wade could reclassify to 2027 and compete for early playing time after Arch Manning leaves and Sarkisian’s system seems like a perfect fit for Wade’s abilities."

Jayden Wade connects with Eric McFarland III over the middle for 6️⃣

IMG Academy strikes first in the second half to make this a 20-point game. pic.twitter.com/YkPZ95Exfp
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) August 23, 2025

Texas already has a commitment in the 2026 class from California. Now, it's looking to get another one at the same program.

"Texas has caught his attention early on and the Longhorns might not relinquish their grip on his recruitment especially if he gets even more exposure to the program," Gorney said. "The Longhorns have jumped out front for Ciechanowski and it doesn’t hurt at all that five-star teammate Richard Wesley is already committed to them.

"The 2028 offensive lineman is going to visit USC this season possibly multiple times and if his recruitment really takes off as expected then Texas could have significant competition but the Longhorns were there first and they are always tough to beat on the recruiting trail."

Here are some drills and 1 on 1 reps at the university of Texas big man camp @bruce_bible @BrandonHuffman @PGregorian @GregBiggins @SierraCanyonFB pic.twitter.com/IwQOlmNnzk
— Lance Ciechanowski (@Tater_ski) June 7, 2025

Steve Sarkisian and Co., have yet to receive a verbal commitment in the 2028 class. But, if history serves and continues to trend in this direction, underclassmen are committing earlier and earlier these days. A lot of it is to secure a spot in a class but also to go ahead and get the NIL conversations started in order to secure a deal.

If Texas is in store for the year I think they're capable of, the 2027 and 2028 classes could potentially be a few more Top 5 classes to continue to propel Texas "back".

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

More must-reads: