Five-Star Edge Rusher Richard Wesley Commits to Texas Longhorns in Massive Recruiting Victor
In a major recruiting coup that signals Texas’s rising dominance in the SEC landscape, five-star edge rusher Richard Wesley has officially committed to the Texas Longhorns, giving head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski a game-changing weapon off the edge. Wesley, widely regarded as the top edge defender in the 2025 class, announced his decision via a social media video Monday afternoon, choosing Texas over a final list that included Alabama, Georgia, and Oregon.
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive menace out of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) brings a blend of size, speed, and relentless motor rarely seen at the high school level. Ranked as the No. 3 overall player nationally by multiple recruiting services, Wesley has drawn comparisons to former NFL greats like Von Miller and Myles Garrett thanks to his explosive get-off and ability to disrupt both the pass and run game.
“This is home now,” Wesley said in his announcement video, wearing burnt orange and flashing the Hook ‘Em Horns sign. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the energy, the love, and the belief in what Texas is building. I want to be a part of something special—and we’re going to bring a championship to Austin.”
Texas Builds an SEC-Ready Defense
Wesley’s commitment marks the latest in a series of high-profile defensive signings for the Longhorns, who continue to emphasize elite defensive talent as they transition fully into the SEC. With Wesley now in the fold, Texas boasts one of the nation’s top recruiting classes, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Pete Kwiatkowski, known for producing dominant front sevens, is expected to mold Wesley into an immediate-impact player. Scouts have praised Wesley’s versatility—he can line up in a traditional 4-3 defensive end role or stand up as an outside linebacker in hybrid sets. His bend around the edge, violent hands, and elite closing speed have made him nearly unblockable at the prep level.
Recruiting Momentum Reaches New Heights
Wesley’s decision not only boosts Texas’s class rankings but also sends a message across the SEC: the Longhorns are no longer rebuilding—they’re ready to contend. His commitment could have ripple effects on other top recruits, several of whom have taken official visits to Austin in recent weeks. The possibility of forming a defensive nucleus with other five-stars like linebacker Malik Avery and defensive tackle Zion Richards could form one of the most feared front sevens in the country by 2026.
This marks the second consecutive cycle in which Texas has landed the No. 1 edge defender, following last year’s addition of explosive pass rusher Terrence Barnes.
Looking Ahead
With Wesley on board, Sarkisian’s staff is pushing hard to close out a top-three national class. The Longhorns will now look to build on their momentum as they continue summer workouts and prepare for a pivotal 2025 season—one that now has even higher expectations with a future superstar set to don the burnt orange.
In short, Texas just got a whole lot scarier off the edge—and the rest of the SEC has been put on notice.
