2025 recruiting and why Texas moved up in the rankings

Texas has been lagging behind its rivals in the 2025 team recruiting rankings for months. Boasting an already deep roster, the Longhorns worked the transfer portal hard this year to replenish its skill positions.

But a big commitment this week has moved the Horns up four sports in ESPN’s rankings, from 18 to 14 overall. Texas landed one of 2025’s top wide receivers in Kaliq Locket.

Locket ranks 23rd overall in the class and fourth among receivers in ESPN’s rankings. 247 ranks the Sachse High School star as the No. 2 WR in the country and No. 12 overall player.

As a junior, the 6’2, 180 pound wide out had 59 receptions for 1,299 yards and 13 touchdowns. ESPN says, “Locket gives the Longhorns a target with nice length and good speed with the leaping ability to go up and attack the football and win battles for contested balls.”

“Lockett was a big in-state win as one of top offensive players in the Lone Star state; he is a rangy receiver with good speed that also attacks the ball and can high point and win contested matchups.”

Texas now has commitments from 17 players in the 2025 class, including nine from the ESPN Top 300. Locket is the highest ranked of the group, that includes QB K.J. Lacey. Haubert says, “The Longhorns didn’t sign an ESPN 300 quarterback in 2024, but K.J. Lacey is one of the more promising signal-callers in the 2025 class. He lacks ideal size at 5-11 and 180 pounds, but he throws a good deep ball, can create and also change arm angles. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior.”

Defensive lineman Lance Jackson is Texas’ top defensive commit. Haubert says, “Jackson has coveted size and frame for the position. He could be a disruptive player in the trenches with good initial quickness and agility. Smith Orogbo is an edge defender with an explosive first step, active hands and very good range.”

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