The Texas Longhorns just received an unexpected advantage for their 2025 recruiting class as four-star safety commit Zelus Hicks, previously committed for 2026, announced his re-classification. The standout from Carrollton, Georgia, chose Texas over powerhouse programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and USC, initially ranked as a top-25 national prospect. Although re-classifying dropped him in the rankings, Hicks’ addition fills a key gap for Texas in the secondary, which has struggled to secure high-impact commitments this cycle. While it may take time for Hicks to physically develop and adapt to college-level play, his long-term potential is expected to significantly elevate the Longhorns’ defensive depth.
Alongside Hicks, Texas has commitments from other promising secondary recruits in the 2025 class, including cornerback Caleb Chester and top-rated safety Jonah Williams. Williams, ranked No. 6 nationally, is anticipated to bring an immediate impact to the defensive unit. While Chester has been a lower-rated pledge, Hicks’ re-classification strengthens the Longhorns’ defense, providing the team with additional depth and versatility.
For head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, the addition of Hicks represents a strategic win, especially as Texas aims to build a dominant defense to compete at the highest levels of college football. Hicks’ skills—though in need of refinement and physical development—signal a promising future for Texas, which looks to build upon an already competitive 2025 recruiting class.
As Hicks heads to Austin sooner than expected, the Longhorns are optimistic that, with the right development and adaptation, his presence will contribute to Texas’ ambitions to rise as a formidable force in the NCAA.
