In a major recruiting win for the Texas Longhorns, elite 2026 interior offensive lineman John Turntine III has officially committed to the program, choosing to stay in-state over offers from Michigan, Texas A&M, and Stanford. The announcement, made on July 4th, adds a powerful cornerstone to Texasโ offensive line future and reinforces the Longhornsโ dominance on the recruiting trail.
Turntine, a standout from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas, is ranked as the No. 2 IOL in the 2026 class and the No. 4 overall prospect in the state. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, heโs a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility. Heโs played across the offensive frontโleft tackle, right tackle, and both guard spotsโmaking him a plug-and-play weapon for any college system. His agility and explosiveness have drawn comparisons to tight ends in a linemanโs body, and scouts project him as a future multi-year starter and potential NFL Draft pick.
What makes Turntineโs commitment even more compelling is his loyalty to his roots. โI ainโt never been an out of state kid,โ he told Rivals, a statement that resonated deeply with fans and recruiters alike. His decision wasnโt driven by flashy NIL deals or national prestigeโit was about family, familiarity, and a belief in Texasโ vision for his development. With siblings attending college in Austin and a sister who recently graduated from UT, Turntineโs ties to the city run deep.
The relationship between Turntine and Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood was pivotal. From early camp visits to in-home meetings, Flood and the staff built trust through transparency and genuine care. They didnโt over-recruit or oversellโthey laid out a clear plan for Turntineโs growth, both on and off the field. That approach, combined with Texasโ academic strength and proximity to a major medical center (a nod to Turntineโs interest in medicine), made the Longhorns the complete package.
Turntineโs commitment comes at a crucial time for Texas. After losing five-star OT Felix Ojo to Texas Tech earlier in the day, the Longhorns needed a winโand Turntine delivered. His pledge stabilizes the 2026 class and sends a message to other top recruits: Texas is still the place to be. With Turntine joining fellow linemen Max Wright and Nicolas Robertson, the Longhorns are building a formidable front for the future.
For head coach Steve Sarkisian, this is more than just a recruiting victoryโitโs a cultural affirmation. Turntine embodies the values Texas wants in its athletes: toughness, humility, and a commitment to excellence. As the Longhorns prepare for another run in the SEC, having a player like Turntine anchoring the trenches is a game-changer.
In the end, Turntineโs decision is a celebration of homegrown talent, family ties, and a program thatโs doing things the right way. Texas didnโt just land a top recruitโthey landed a future leader.
