Texas is on track to sign a top-10 2025 recruiting class in a few months. Steve Sarkisian’s staff knows, though, that it never hurts to recruit beyond the next class to sign.

The Longhorns landed a big-time commitment for 2026 on Thursday. Blue-chip defensive back Zelus Hicks has announced that he plans to play for Texas.

Out of Carrollton (Georgia) High School, Hicks is listed as measuring 6-2, 190 pounds. On the 247Sports Composite, Hicks is rated 5-stars, the No. 3 safety, No. 5 player in the Peach State and No. 25 prospect overall in the Class of 2026.

Elite talent out of Georgia attracts interest all over. Hicks has picked up scholarship offers from 32 programs, including Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and others.

Hicks told Hayes Fawcett of On3 that he was also considering Georgia, USC and Ohio State before committing to Texas.

 

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With Hicks on board, Texas has 3 early pledges in its 2026 recruiting class, which ranks No. 16 nationally on the Composite. Fans can get a preview of what Hicks brings to Austin by checking out his highlights in the video below, via Hudl: