No. 1 Recruit Commits to Texas Longhorns Football, Says He Chose the Longhorns for Two Key Reasons**Read More **

The Texas Longhorns have landed a massive recruiting victory with the commitment of Justus Terry, the No. 1 defensive tackle and one of the top overall players in the 2025 recruiting class. The five-star prospect from Manchester High School in Georgia officially pledged to the Longhorns, giving head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff another elite piece in what has quickly become one of the most dominant recruiting classes in the nation.

Terry, who was heavily recruited by Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State, made his announcement surrounded by family and teammates at his high school gym. Wearing a burnt orange hat, he made it clear that Texas had won his heart — and said there were two key reasons behind his decision to commit to the Longhorns.

“I chose Texas because of the culture and the relationships,” Terry said during his announcement. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. The coaches care about me as a player and as a person, and I know this is the place where I can become the best version of myself.”

While he didn’t go into deep detail about his two reasons, insiders close to the program revealed that his connection with defensive line coach Bo Davis and the vision Sarkisian has for Texas’s defense played crucial roles in his decision. Terry’s family also reportedly loved the supportive atmosphere in Austin and the academic opportunities available to him.

At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Justus Terry is a physical powerhouse with the combination of size, athleticism, and motor that makes him one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in high school football. He dominates the line of scrimmage with his quick first step and natural strength, consistently overwhelming blockers and collapsing pockets. His ability to stuff the run and pressure the quarterback makes him a game-changer on every snap.

During his junior season, Terry recorded 83 tackles, 17 sacks, and 25 tackles for loss — a stat line that turned heads across the country. Recruiting analysts have compared his skill set to former Texas star Malcolm Brown, who went on to play in the NFL, noting that Terry’s explosiveness and technique are far beyond his years.

“Justus Terry is an absolute difference-maker,” said one 247Sports recruiting expert. “He has the power of a college upperclassman and the agility of a linebacker. He’s the kind of player that defensive coordinators build their schemes around.”

For Texas, Terry’s commitment solidifies their standing as one of the elite recruiting forces in college football. The Longhorns’ 2025 class already features several five-star recruits, and Terry’s addition sends a strong message across the SEC: Texas is here to compete for championships.

“This is a huge moment for our program,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said in a brief statement. “Justus is not only one of the best players in the country, but also one of the best young men we’ve ever recruited. He fits exactly what we’re looking for — talent, toughness, and leadership.”

The Longhorns have been steadily building momentum on the recruiting trail since moving to the SEC, and Terry’s commitment represents another major step in that process. Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis played an instrumental role in the recruitment, maintaining constant communication with Terry and his family. His reputation for developing NFL-caliber linemen was reportedly one of the biggest factors in sealing the deal.

“Coach Bo is a legend,” Terry said. “He knows what it takes to get to the next level, and I trust him completely. I can’t wait to get to work with him.”

Terry’s commitment also strengthens Texas’s growing recruiting presence in the Southeast, an area traditionally dominated by SEC powers like Georgia and Alabama. Landing a top Georgia prospect like Terry shows that the Longhorns are more than capable of competing nationally for elite talent.

Off the field, Terry is known for his humility, discipline, and leadership. His coaches describe him as a “team-first” player who motivates his teammates and leads by example. “Justus is the kind of kid every coach wants,” said Manchester head coach Evan Gordon. “He’s respectful, he works hard, and he’s hungry to get better every day. He’s going to thrive at Texas.”

The news of Terry’s commitment spread quickly across social media, with Texas fans flooding timelines with excitement. Hashtags like #HookEm and #TerryToTexas trended nationwide within hours of his announcement. Former players and alumni chimed in to welcome the five-star recruit to the Longhorn family, while national analysts called it one of the biggest recruiting wins of the 2025 cycle.

Terry’s arrival in Austin could have an immediate impact once he steps on campus. With Texas looking to establish itself as a defensive powerhouse in the SEC, adding a dominant interior lineman like him could be the key to taking the next step. His combination of raw power, intelligence, and drive gives the Longhorns a cornerstone to build around for years to come.

For Justus Terry, though, the decision was about more than just football. “This is about family and legacy,” he said. “I want to make my mark, and I want to do it wearing burnt orange. Texas is home now.”

As the Longhorns continue to build one of the most talented rosters in the country, Terry’s commitment serves as both a statement and a promise — that the future of Texas football is bright, and the road to championships runs straight through Austin.