TLDR: With the Texas football team gearing up for the February late signing period, a few critical recruits remain in their sights, specifically to fill positions on the defensive line and at wide receiver. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have set their focus on a major prospect, Ryan Williams, a five-star wide receiver from Saraland, Alabama, currently committed to the Crimson Tide. Recently reclassified from the 2025 to 2024 class, Williams has become one of the nation’s top recruits. He is now scheduled to visit Texas officially, along with Alabama and Auburn. The UT recruiting team, including wide receivers coach Chris Jackson, anticipates the potential to sway Williams, who is also the high school teammate of 2025 UT commit KJ Lacey. Despite Auburn’s push to keep Williams in-state, the Longhorns see an opportunity for a pivotal commitment flip as signing day approaches.

As the University of Texas football program approaches the late signing period this coming February, coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad sharpens its focus on a small group of outstanding remaining prospects for the 2024 recruiting class. Filling positions on the defensive line and enhancing the wide receiver lineup are crucial as the team looks toward fortifying its ranks.

At the top of the Longhorns’ list for wide receiver prospects is none other than Ryan Williams, the esteemed five-star athlete from Saraland, Alabama. Despite being initially a part of the 2025 recruiting cohort, Williams made the leap to the 2024 class and quickly distinguished himself as one of the premier talents in the nation.

Key recruiting rankings have acknowledged Williams’ climb, with On3 Industry Ranking and 247Sports Composite listing him as the highest-ranking unsigned wide receiver in his class. Interest from top-tier programs is heating up, with Williams already having pledged allegiance to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Yet, the opportunity for other schools to leave their mark remains. The young talent has charted a course for official visits to a trio of prestigious football programs. After visiting Alabama on January 20th, Williams is slated to explore what the Longhorns have to offer on January 27th, followed by a visit to Auburn on February 3rd.

The inclusion of Texas in his itinerary is heartening for Longhorns fans and the recruiting team alike, indicating a window of possibility for altering his current commitment. Armed with the influence of quarterback KJ Lacey—a high school teammate slated to join Texas in 2025—the push to pivot Williams’ decision is stronger than ever.

Despite Auburn’s insistence on keeping Williams within the borders of Alabama, the connection he has with his future Longhorn teammate could be a game-changer. As the clock ticks down to signing day, the Longhorns remain hopeful, prepared to extend their best Texas welcome in a bid to secure a future star for their roster.