No. 1-Ranked Jeremiah Smith Chooses Texas Longhorns Over Tennessee, BYU & Alabama
In a seismic recruiting win that has stunned the college football world, five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1-ranked recruit in the nation, announced today that he will be committing to the Texas Longhorns, turning down powerhouse programs such as Tennessee, BYU, and Alabama.
The announcement was made during a nationally televised press conference at his high school gymnasium in Hollywood, Florida, where Smith, flanked by his parents and coaches, revealed a burnt orange Longhorns cap under the table, triggering cheers and applause from the crowd.
> “Texas felt like home from the very beginning,” Smith said. “Coach Sarkisian, Coach Jackson—everyone there treated me like family. I believe in their vision, and I want to be a part of bringing a national championship back to Austin.”
A Program-Changing Commitment
Jeremiah Smith, a 6’3″, 205-pound wide receiver from Chaminade-Madonna Prep, has long been regarded as the top prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. With elite speed, precise route-running, and exceptional ball skills, he’s drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Julio Jones and CeeDee Lamb. Last season, Smith racked up over 1,800 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns, solidifying his status as the most sought-after offensive weapon in the country.
His commitment marks the highest-ranked wide receiver to ever sign with Texas in the modern recruiting era and is seen by analysts as a cornerstone addition for head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has now landed top-5 classes in three consecutive years.
> “This is a game-changer,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Jeremiah Smith is not just the best player in this class—he’s a culture-setter. Texas is building something serious, and this move puts them in position to contend for the College Football Playoff.”
The Battle Behind the Scenes
Texas had to beat out stiff competition to land Smith. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers had long been considered favorites, with BYU making a surprising late push. Reports surfaced earlier this month that Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer had visited Smith three times in June, while Tennessee offered him a multimillion-dollar NIL package.
But in the end, it was the Longhorns’ consistent messaging, family atmosphere, and offensive scheme that sealed the deal.
> “I could’ve gone anywhere,” Smith said, “but I want to make my mark somewhere special. Austin is where I see myself winning, growing, and preparing for the NFL.”
Sarkisian’s Recruiting Momentum
Smith’s commitment is just the latest sign of Texas’ resurgence on the national stage. With their move to the SEC now fully underway, the Longhorns have prioritized elite talent acquisition to compete with college football’s best. Smith joins a 2025 class that already includes five-star quarterback Jaden Carter and top offensive lineman Lucas Hill.
> “Jeremiah is exactly the kind of player we want in our program—talented, driven, and humble,” Coach Sarkisian said in a statement. “He’s going to do incredible things in Austin.”
What’s Next for Texas?
With Smith on board, expectations will skyrocket for the Longhorns heading into the 2026 season. Analysts believe he could start as a true freshman, lining up as a key target in Sarkisian’s high-powered offense. Fans are already calling it the most exciting wide receiver commit since Roy Williams in 2000.
Social media erupted following Smith’s announcement, with Longhorn Nation welcoming their new star. Even former Texas legends like Vince Young and Jordan Shipley chimed in, congratulating him on his decision.
> “Welcome to the Forty Acres, young king,” Young wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Time to make history.”
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With Jeremiah Smith’s commitment, the message is loud and clear: Texas is back—and this time, they’re not just aiming for the S
EC title, they’re coming for a national championship.
