The Texas Longhorns’ 2026 recruiting class got a boost on Thursday when consensus five-star Carrollton (Ga.) safety Zelus Hicks committed to the Horns over the Auburn Tigers, Clemson Tigers, and Ohio State Buckeyes.
It sounds like Hicks is a highly coveted prospect with a lot of potential. His decision to choose Texas after multiple visits and significant attention from the Longhorns reflects the strong relationship he built with the coaching staff and the program’s commitment to him.
Hicks’ physical attributes and playing style make him a versatile and impactful player on the field. His size and athleticism are complemented by a high football IQ and strong tackling skills, which contribute to his effectiveness as a boundary safety. His ability to make plays both in the run game and against the pass is impressive, although there’s room for growth in man-to-man coverage and deep third responsibilities.
BREAKING: Elite 2026 Safety Zelus Hicks has Committed to Texas, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 185 S from Carrollton, GA chose the Longhorns over Georgia, USC, & Ohio State
Ranked as a Top 25 Recruit in ‘26 🤘🏼
“Just the beginning.”https://t.co/aWFLAuTaIC pic.twitter.com/XQXyWUxWrz
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 12, 2024
The fact that Hicks is currently ranked as the No. 25 prospect nationally and the No. 3 safety shows the high regard in which he is held. His potential reclassification to the 2025 class would be a significant boost for Texas, especially after losing Kade Phillips. This move could help solidify their defensive backfield and provide a strong foundation for the future.
Additionally, the recruitment of Hicks, alongside other top prospects like Jonah Williams and Xavier Filsaime, highlights the growing success of Texas’ recruiting efforts under safeties coach Blake Gideon. His ability to secure commitments from high-profile players suggests he’s making a notable impact on the program’s defensive strategy and overall recruiting strength.
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