Texas has emerged as a serious contender in the recruitment of Duncanville High School’s four-star EDGE prospect, Landon Barnes, following his impressive first visit to Austin. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound defensive end has rapidly ascended the ranks of the 2026 recruiting class, attracting attention from top programs nationwide.
Barnes’s recruitment journey gained significant momentum after his visit to the University of Texas. During the visit, Barnes expressed his appreciation for the experience, stating, “It most definitely moved them up my list, they’re definitely up there.” This sentiment underscores the positive impact the visit had on his perception of the Longhorns’ program.
The Texas coaching staff, including rising recruiter LaAllen Clark, has been proactive in engaging with Barnes. Clark’s evaluation of Barnes led to an offer from the Longhorns, signaling their serious interest in securing his commitment. This move places Texas in direct competition with other elite programs vying for Barnes’s talents.
Barnes’s high school career has been marked by consistent excellence. In his sophomore season, he contributed to Duncanville’s 2023 6A-D1 State Championship victory, earning All-District 11-6A second-team honors. The following year, he helped his team achieve an undefeated 10-0 regular season record, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier defensive prospect.
As of May 2025, Barnes has narrowed his options to a final eight, which includes Texas, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Arizona State, Washington, SMU, and Ohio State. He has scheduled official visits to several of these programs, including Georgia on June 13, Ole Miss on June 6, and Ohio State on June 20.
The Longhorns’ strong performance in the 2024 season, culminating in a Peach Bowl victory and a College Football Playoff appearance, has bolstered their appeal to recruits like Barnes. With a top-ranked recruiting class and a coaching staff committed to player development, Texas presents an attractive option for Barnes as he evaluates his collegiate future.
As the recruitment process intensifies, Texas’s position in Barnes’s list reflects the program’s growing influence and the potential for a significant addition to their defensive lineup. The coming weeks will be pivotal as Barnes concludes his official visits and makes his final decision.
