Texas Predicted to Lose Nation's No. 1 OT to Unexpected Big 12 Program

Texas Predicted to Lose Nation's No. 1 OT to Unexpected Big 12 Program originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns were listed as one of Felix Ojo's four finalists ahead of his commitment on Friday. Along with Ryan Day's Ohio State Buckeyes, they were said to be the leaders in the clubhouse to earn his pledge.

On Thursday night, Rivals experts predicted that the Texas Tech Raiders would blow by Texas, Ohio State, the Florida Gators, and the Michigan Wolverines for the five-star offensive tackle's services.

"NEW: Rivals' @samspiegs and @SWiltfong_ have logged expert predictions for Texas Tech to land 5-star OT Felix Ojo," Rivals wrote on X.

Last month, Ojo had told one of those insiders, Sam Spiegelman, "Texas and Ohio State are the top — and they are pretty even regarding my recruitment. Those are my main two right now."

Ojo is tabbed as the No. 1 recruit in Texas for the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. He'd officially visited the Longhorns, Wolverines, Buckeyes, Gators, Ole Miss Rebels, Utah Utes and Colorado Buffaloes.

"Owns a lean, athletic look and plays with impressive functional athleticism and movement ability," 247Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote in a January scouting report. "Live evaluation during 2025 Navy Army All-American Bowl revealed a consistent mean streak in pads. Stood out physically, athletically, and in field demeanor despite being among the youngest competitors in the event.

"Looks like one of the top OT prospects in the 2026 class with potential to become a multi-year high-major tackle with ample pro potential."

Losing Ojo would be a huge swing and miss for Sarkisian and Texas. He'll make his choice on Friday around 1 p.m. CT.

Related: Perennial Powerhouse Takes Pole Position In Felix Ojo’s Recruitment

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.