Texas beats out Penn State, UCLA and Oregon for OL recruit Lucas Rhoa

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Texas beats out Penn State, UCLA and Oregon for OL recruit Lucas Rhoa

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 25, 2026 8:47 PM ET

Lucas Rhoa, a 3-star interior offensive line recruit from Orange, Calif., had every reason to commit to the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Many in his family, including his father, went to Penn State. He also took an official visit to Happy Valley in mid-June.

Rhoa could have also stuck close to California. He was highly interested in the UCLA Bruins, and he was also considering the Oregon Ducks.

Staying on the West Coast or going to play where his dad went to school were both viable options, but there was something about the Texas Longhorns that stuck out to Rhoa.

On Thursday, he committed to Texas over Penn State, UCLA and Oregon.

BREAKING: Class of 2027 IOL Lucas Rhoa has Committed to Texas, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’5 300 IOL chose the Longhorns over Penn State, UCLA, and Oregon

“HOOK EM”https://t.co/YkXSIMWoqQ pic.twitter.com/a4bXv5mPs3
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 25, 2026

Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood played a big role in Rhoa's decision, as the two bonded during the official visit.

“Just sitting in meetings with Coach Flood, it’s crazy to see.” Rhoa said, per Rivals. “He pulled up a slide. His track record, he really has done it all. He put me on the phone with [New Orleans Saints offensive tackle] Kelvin (Banks) and talking to him, just great insight. These are great players that were developed here and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to be another one.”

Rhoa primarily played left tackle for Orange Lutheran High School in 2025, but he's being called a possible "flex" option as a guard or tackle at the college level.

Right now, he's ranked as the No. 51 offensive tackle in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports. Rivals ranks him as the No. 46 interior offensive lineman.

Either way, he joins a Texas class that is looking elite.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian now has 18 2027 commitments in a class that is ranked No. 6 nationally.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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