Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Texas Lands 2026 Four-Star LB Kosi Okpala

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 1:40 PM ET

Fourth of July fireworks started early for the Texas Longhorns.

On Thursday, Texas added the 16th member to its 2026 recruiting class. Four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala announced his commitment to the Longhorns via social media.

The Mayde Creek (Katy, TX) product chose Texas over Penn State and Miami. "It's a new era hook 'em," Okpala said. He becomes the seventh highest-ranked player in Texas' class and the top linebacker commit.

Okpala is ranked the No. 11 linebacker in the nation and No. 27 overall prospect in Texas, according to On3. As a junior in 2024, Okpala recorded 55 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

"Long-levered two-point edge defender who could stay at the line of scrimmage or move to an off-ball linebacker role," 247Sports recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks said. "Projects as a P4/high-major defensive piece whose ultimate positional home could depend on scheme/staff. Owns physical traits and natural athleticism that could lead to long-term NFL Draft candidacy."

Although Okpala also took official visits to Baylor, Miami, and Houston throughout the month of June, several recruiting predictions were entered back in April for the Longhorns to land the versatile linebacker.

Texas now holds the No. 13 recruiting class in the nation for the 2026 cycle per 247Sports.

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

More must-reads: