Texas Longhorns Targeting 5-Star Recruiting Flip During Ohio State Game

The Texas Longhorns could land a big win against the Ohio State Buckeyes on, and off the field

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (18) tries to tackle Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 season is right around the corner for the Texas Longhorns, who will embark on a long journey to bring back a national championship to Austin, supporting one of potnetially the best rosters in the sport.

For head coach Steve Sarkisian, while his eyes lie on the season ahead, he must also see the big picture, including landing some of the top talent around the country on the recruiting trail to ensure his program is set up for long-term success.

That includes checking in on flip candidates, ones the Longhorns could find an opening with to add to their 2027 class. No name stands out more than Ohio State five-star defensive lineman commit Marcus Fakatou, who will now be in Austin when the Longhorns take on the Buckeyes on Sept. 12, per reports from On3.

Why the Longhorns Are Pushing For Fakatou

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Fakatou is one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, and for good reason, too. He comes in as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the class, the No. 1 player in the country, and the No. 12 overall prospect in the country.

At 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, he has primarily played as an edge defender, but has the frame and raw potential capabilities to slide inside and be just as disruptive along the interior of the defensive line if needed as well.

He's a true bull-rush pass rusher, but has also shown great ability to use finesse moves to get into the backfield. Fakatou has all the metrics and technical capabilities of being a key impact player at the next level.

Can the Longhorns Flip Him?

Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier (3) runs the ball against Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Alex January (97) in the second half at Sanford Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the Longhorns are getting him on campus for a visit, flipping his commitment won't be easy as he is committed to the Buckeyes, who will be lined across from the Longhorns when he comes to Austin.

The Buckeyes have long been the favorite to land Fakatou. Still, the Longhorns were in the running for a while in his commitment, especially after a series of spring visits in Austin and house visits from Sarkisian and LaAllen Clark.

Muschamp has continued to make a strong push to flip his commitment, and now, with Fakatou wanting to show love back to the coaching staff and get on campus, the door is open for the Longhorns, and a win against the Buckeyes could go a long way in the race.

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