BOOM: Mater Dei Tight End Stuns College Football with Shocking Decommitment, Flips to Texas Longhorns Over Powerhouse Programs
In one of the most surprising recruiting twists of the year, Mater Dei High School’s star tight end, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation, has officially decommitted from his hometown school and flipped his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. The decision sent shockwaves through the college football world, as the blue-chip recruit turned down perennial powerhouses including Oregon, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and LSU.
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound tight end, whose athleticism, route running, and blocking ability have made him a coveted prospect, had previously been committed to Mater Dei’s pipeline program — a verbal nod to continuing the tradition of elite prospects choosing top West Coast schools. That all changed this weekend in a dramatic social media announcement that featured the player draped in burnt orange, flashing the “Hook ‘Em Horns” hand sign, with the caption: “Everything’s bigger in Texas. Let’s work.”
The recruit’s decommitment came as a major blow to schools like Oregon and Alabama, who had invested significant time and effort into landing the standout from Santa Ana, California. He had recently taken unofficial visits to LSU and Auburn, and insiders had long believed Oregon or Florida would land his signature. However, a late push by Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and tight ends coach Jeff Banks appears to have swayed the young star.
“Coach Sark and Coach Banks made me feel like family. They showed me how I would be used in the offense and how they’re building something special in Austin,” the tight end said in an exclusive interview. “This wasn’t an easy decision. I have nothing but love for Mater Dei and the programs that recruited me, but Texas just felt like home.”
Texas fans have every reason to celebrate. With this commitment, the Longhorns continue their momentum on the recruiting trail, stacking talent in anticipation of their upcoming SEC debut. The tight end adds a crucial piece to Texas’s offensive puzzle, offering a rare blend of size, speed, and agility that has drawn comparisons to former NFL stars like Vernon Davis and Kyle Pitts.
Recruiting analysts have lauded the move as one of the most significant flips of the 2025 class so far. “This is a massive pickup for Texas,” said 247Sports analyst Greg Biggins. “Not only does he bring elite talent at the tight end position, but he also brings a winning pedigree from one of the most storied high school programs in the country. This is the type of player who can change the dynamic of an offense.”
The decision also signals a changing tide in recruiting dynamics, with Texas reasserting itself as a national destination for elite talent—even from California, traditionally Pac-12 territory. It raises questions about the future of West Coast programs in retaining homegrown talent, especially with the increased competition from SEC schools and a shifting landscape influenced by NIL opportunities and media exposure.
For now, though, the Longhorns are the big winners. As the recruit prepares to finish his senior year at Mater Dei, all eyes will be on him as he takes the field, now as a future Longhorn. And if his high school career is any indication, Texas fans can expect big plays—and even bigger headlines—from their newest star.
One thing’s clear: Texas just got a whole lot stronger.
