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Texas gets one step closer to landing ideal Gunnar Helm and Ja'Tavion Sanders heir in latest recruiting news

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated May 15, 2025 11:41 PM ET

The perk of having an elite offensive mind at head coach, a sterling program reputation, and unlimited NIL money means that no recruiting battle is over until signing day. The Texas Longhorns recruit as well as anyone, then develop that talent extremely well.

This has become an NFL factory under Steve Sarkisian and recruits are noticing.

One key target in the 2026 class is tight end Mark Bowman. A unanimous top-two tight end recruit and five-star talent looks a lot like the receiving presences Ja'Tavion Sanders and Gunnar Helm were for the Longhorns in recent years. Sarkisian surely wants to replenish his future well of playmakers.

Bowman is now down to his final seven schools, and it's an impressive group of heavyweight programs.

NEWS: Five-Star TE Mark Bowman is down to 7 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’4 228 TE from Huntington Beach, CA is ranked as the No. 1 TE in the ‘26 Class (per On3 Industry)

Where Should He Go?https://t.co/AMo8BpqnxE pic.twitter.com/bAS81dV6yK
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 15, 2025

Here's the latest update Justin Wells of On3 shared on Bowman recently.

"The best tight end prospect in years and the Longhorns are right in the thick of it. But the Georgia Bulldogs are leading this recruitment today, after catching up with sources last night.

Bowman won’t make a decision until late Summer or into his senior year, so the Horns have time."

Going up against Ohio State, Georgia, Miami, Oregon, USC, and Ole Miss will be a tough battle. The Buckeyes and Bulldogs are particularly close to Bowman, and Miami's and Oregon's NIL potential are looming.

But Texas has the best case as a tight end pipeline to the NFL.

He's yet to announce his official visit schedule, so we're all waiting to see how he prioritizes his remaining options.

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

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