Texas Longhorns Finally Add Running Back To 2027 Recruiting Class

The Texas Longhorns have landed their first running back commit in the 2027 cycle.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks out of the lockerroom prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Texas Longhorns are adding to their 2027 recruiting class once again as the program heads into the summer.

Per reports from On3's Hayes Fawcett, Texas landed a major commitment on Friday from four-star running back Noah Roberts, who announced his verbal pledge to the Longhorns despite heavy interest from teams like Oregon, Arizona State and more. He now becomes the first running back commit for the Longhorns in the 2027 class.

A program that's taken pride in producing elite running back talent over the years, Texas will now look to Roberts as the potential future face of the team's backfield once Derrek Cooper inevitably heads off to the NFL in three years.

Noah Roberts Following Similar Path to Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson celebrates after a victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

A product of Basha High School in Chandler, AZ., Roberts is taking a similiar path as Atlanta Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson. Both play running back, both are from Arizona and both are Longhorns. You can even add former Texas running back and Phoenix native Christian Clark to this list, though he is now playing at South Carolina.

Robinson was a five-star running back out of Tucson, AZ. in the 2020 recruiting class before picking Texas over elite programs like Ohio State and more. Roberts will likely be asked about that somewhat notable tie once he steps foot on the Forty Acres.

Roberts received offers from programs like Ohio State, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Miami, Florida State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arizona, Tennessee, USC any many more.

He is set to join a Texas 2027 recruiting class that already features five-star wide receiver Easton Royal and four-star talents like edge rusher Derwin Fields and Cameron Hall along with cornerback Karnell James. The Longhorns also hold commitments from three-stars players like offensive lineman Keyon Hemphill-Woods, tight end JT Geraci, quarterback Ty Knutson, offensive lineman Jackson Cook and linebacker Cade Haug.

Over the past three seasons, Roberts has put up some impressive numbers. From 2023 to 2025, he has combined to post 321 carries for 2,168 yards and 20 touchdowns along with 99 catches for 1,196 yards and 13 more scores.

According to 247Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks, Roberts' ability to play receiver and catch passes out of the backfield gives him intriguing upside.

"P4-caliber running back with valuable experience at receiver," Brooks wrote. "Provides a quality piece to a higher-end RB room as a big-play threat who can play all downs."

If Roberts can up growing into a versatile role at Texas, he could quickly become a fan favorite on the Forty Acresas as another memorable Longhorns running back.

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