One of California's best defensive players commits to Texas Longhorns
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Add another potential game wrecker on defense to the Texas Longhorns' 2026 recruiting class.
Richard Wesley, one of the highest-rated edge rushers in the class, liked his official visit to Austin so much that he verbally committed over the weekend. According to the 247Sports composite recruiting rankings, he's a 5-star prospect who's the No. 3 overall player in California.
Originally part of the 2027 class at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, Wesley reclassified to move up a grade, essentially skipping his junior year. He first verbally committed to the Oregon Ducks on May 10, but then reopened his recruitment two weeks later. He made an official visit to Oregon following his decommitment. He's set to attend the Texas-Ohio State season opener on Aug. 30 as an official visit with the Buckeyes, and according to On3.com, he'll also visit Texas A&M.
As a sophomore for the Trailblazers in the 2024 season, Wesley was a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American with nine sacks, eight quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles to go with 44 tackles.
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Texas also picked up a commitment from 4-star defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland from Birmingham, Alabama.
Texas jumped to No. 9 in the 2026 recruiting rankings by 247Sports with Wesley's commitment. Texas has 15 commitments for the 2026 class so far. Southern California currently leads the recruiting race for 2026, followed by Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Georgia and Ohio State.