Felix Ojo, the No. 2 prospect in the DCTF Rising 100, is one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in the 2026 class. Standing at 6’6″ and 285 pounds, the Mansfield Lake Ridge star has locked in official visits to Texas (June 13), OSU (May 30), Michigan (June 6), and Oklahoma (June 20). On top of that, he’s also eyeing unofficial spring stops at Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Florida. However, “Texas and Ohio State have been the most consistent teams in my recruitment. Texas has been steady since day one,” stated Ojo. But now, with his future taking shape, Steve Sarkisian is on high alert. So, will Texas lock him in, or will another powerhouse steal the show?
On March 23, On3’s Chad Simmons dropped a major update on Felix Ojo’s recruitment. The five-star OT, called Alabama a “sleeper,” signaling a potential shift in his decision-making. Well, the Crimson Tide is heating up in his recruitment, and a visit to Tuscaloosa could be on the horizon. However, this summer, Ojo will take official visits to Texas, Michigan, OSU, and Sooners, with Ole Miss getting its turn in April—his first time in Oxford. While several powerhouse programs are in the mix, Texas remains the team to beat. And for now, a great Austin opportunity is apparent to Ojo, with the Longhorns maintaining their lead.
And why not? Landing Felix Ojo, the eighth-ranked prospect in Texas would be a massive win for the Longhorns. Moreover, he’s visited Austin multiple times, and there’s a clear connection to his future coaching staff. On junior day, he was impressed by Texas—especially O-line coach Kyle Flood, who made a lasting impact. Right now, his list is stacked with SEC powerhouses, with five of his eight finalists coming from the conference. But when asked about a potential wildcard, Ojo didn’t hesitate, stating, “Colorado could be one of those schools that creeps out of nowhere.” Could the Buffaloes HC Deion Sanders make a late move? That’s only time will tell.
But Steve Sarkisian can breathe easy—at least for now—knowing Texas remains a top contender for elite talent. But as the saying goes, one man’s gain is another man’s loss. And for Sherrone Moore, that reality is setting in. While multiple-day visits can turn casual interest into full-blown commitment, Michigan is hoping to make that happen. Although Ojo leans toward Texas, his interest in the Maize and Blue is real. Right now, the Wolverines can change the tide, and Sherrone Moore is banking on it.
However, the rising star from Lake Ridge High School is a top name in the 2026 class. ESPN ranks him as the No. 18 OT nationally and No. 14 overall in Texas. On the flip script, On3 places him even higher at No. 19 overall and No. 3 among OTs. As of now, with 40+ offers, his recruitment is heating up—but why is Texas the frontrunner? That’s a million dollar question.
Why does Felix Ojo prefer Texas?
While Texas has emerged as a strong favorite among Ojo’s top eight schools—the reason is clear. “What makes Texas a top school is the relationships I built with the whole offensive staff and even Coach Sark. They made it known early when they offered me back in the summer that they wanted me. I’m just a top priority for them, and they show it,” said Ojo. As of now, in recruiting, effort matters, and Texas is making sure he feels the love.
We already know Felix Ojo’s connection with Texas keeps growing stronger, and his conversation with Coach Kyle Flood only reinforced it. “Not only that, we have some plans for me in the future if I do decide to come to Texas. He says I’m a top priority for Texas, like I’m probably the number one priority for the offensive line group in the class of 2026 cycle,” stated Felix Ojo. To be honest, when a program makes you feel like the guy, it’s hard to ignore.
For any true freshman, the chance to start early is a game-changer, and Felix Ojo knows it. “What continues to excite me about my opportunity with Texas is how Coach Flood sees me fitting in their offense and the chance of coming in early to compete for the starting job,” said the standout OT. Now, with an official visit to Austin locked in, the Longhorns could be closing in on their next elite offensive lineman.
The post Steve Sarkisian on High Alert as 5-Star Felix Ojo’s College Football Future Announced Amid SEC Rival’s Intense Push appeared first on EssentiallySports.