No. 1 Player in America Commits to Texas Longhorns Over Tennessee, LSU, and Georgia
In a massive recruiting victory, the Texas Longhorns have secured a commitment from the No. 1 high school football player in America. Five-star phenom defensive end Darius “DJ” Anderson announced his decision on Wednesday afternoon, choosing Texas over other powerhouse programs including Tennessee, LSU, and Georgia.
Anderson, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound wrecking ball out of Buford High School in Georgia, is widely regarded as a generational talent. With elite size, speed, and football IQ, he has dominated high school competition and drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Myles Garrett and Chase Young. His recruitment has been a national spectacle, with college football fans and analysts alike speculating for months where he would land.
“I felt like Texas was home,” Anderson said during a live-streamed commitment ceremony. “Coach Sarkisian and the staff have been consistent from day one. I believe in the vision they have for the program, and I want to be part of building something special in Austin.”
The commitment is a major win for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who continues to elevate the Longhorns’ recruiting profile as they prepare for their transition into the SEC. Landing Anderson sends a strong message that Texas can now compete with and beat traditional SEC powers for top-tier talent.
Anderson made official visits to all four finalists over the past two months. Tennessee and LSU were considered strong contenders, especially after hosting him for high-profile game weekends, while Georgia, the home-state powerhouse and back-to-back national champion in recent years, was expected to have a significant edge. However, Texas ultimately sealed the deal with what sources describe as a combination of long-term development plans, NIL opportunities, and a strong personal connection with the coaching staff.
“This commitment could be a program-changer,” said recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “When a player of DJ’s caliber chooses Texas over SEC giants like Georgia and LSU, it shows that the Longhorns are serious contenders on the national stage.”
Anderson is expected to enroll early in January 2026 and could compete for immediate playing time as a freshman. His commitment propels Texas to the No. 2 spot in the national 2025 recruiting class rankings, with momentum growing as they continue to target other elite prospects.
For Texas fans, Anderson’s commitment is more than just a headline—it’s a statement of intent. The Longhorns are not just back—they’re building something big.
