Around Texas: A round-up of recruiting news in the Lone Star State

Recruiting never stops, but this week, it was the 2026 class leading the headlines. As October nears an end, it is time to once again take a look at the latest news, notes and headlines from the Lone Star state recruiting trails.

Big Gets

2026 QB Helaman Casuga‍ commits to Texas A&M

Headlines

Back on the market – A few Texas prospects have re-opened their recruitments as we near November. Lubbock Coronado S Allen Gant‍ announced his decision to decommit from Arizona. The hard-hitting defender with the 4.28 laser time in the 40-yard dash and a 10.48 in the 100m also holds P4 offers from TCU, Texas Tech, Houston and Georgia Tech. Longview offensive playmaker Kelvin Washington‍ also announced his decommitment. He originally committed to Lamar in July. He re-opened his decision shortly after a record-setting performance against Rockwall, where he posted 491 yards of offense and eight touchdowns. Pflugerville Weiss receiver Adrian Wilson‍ re-opened his decision on Wednesday. He is ranked No. 59 in the TexAgs Texas Top 100.

Big Game Weekend – It is a full college slate across the Lone Star landscape this weekend, with none bigger than the Texas A&M Aggies’ home match-up with the LSU Tigers. It will be a battle of SEC unbeatens in a night game at Kyle Field. Without a doubt, the list of recruits on hand will be a long one. The Big 12 is also bringing a strong line-up to the table this weekend. Baylor hosts Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas Tech face off in Fort Worth, and Houston will welcome Utah. In the G5 ranks, North Texas has a big one with Tulane coming to town.

New Name to Know

RB Christian Rhodes‍, Dallas Lake Highlands – 2026

6-foot-1, 200 pounds with track speed?? Yes, please.

In his first year of varsity action, Rhodes is quickly making his presence felt. Averaging over 9.0 yards a carry with 100 carries for 906 yards and 10 touchdowns, he is one of the most productive runners in DFW. He also brings a 36-inch vertical, a 405-pound squat max, a 4.5 40-yard dash and another 150 yards on 12 receptions.

Rhodes describes his style of play as consistent because. whether he has the ball or not. he wants to finish every play moving forward. It shows on the tape. In addition to the speed and explosion, he brings a violence and physicality to the field.

Most of the time, he is running past defenders, but he has been known to stiff-arm a defender or two as his legs are always moving as he takes on contact.

As a bigger back, it comes as no surprise he studies and looks up to former Palestine (TX) and Oklahoma standout Adrian Peterson, and it also is not a surprise college coaches are beginning to take notice.

Rhodes has yet to visit any schools, but the offers are starting to trickle in. Oklahoma State was the first to offer, followed by Houston, North Texas and Coastal Carolina. He plans to take his first college visit this weekend with a trip to North Texas on his schedule, and as his video makes the rounds, it is safe to say his schedule could fill up quickly.

In addition to football, he also showcases his talents on the basketball court and on the track. He likely will not play basketball this offseason. However, on the track, Rhodes is a member of the Lake Highlands’ sprint relay team, and he competes in the high jump and shot put.

He had a PR of 11.30 last spring with only a couple of runs under his belt, and the rest of his times are splits from the 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m teams. He also had a PR of 5-6 in the high jump and 42 feet in the shot put, and the 4x100m and 4x200m teams finished sixth in an area with PRs of 42.34 and 1:28.09.

What’s up with the top

Top 10 DLs
1. Lance Jackson‍, Texarkana Pleasant Grove – Texas
2. DJ Sanders‍, Bellville – Texas A&M
3. Landon Rink‍, Cypress Cy-Fair – Texas A&M
4. Tobi Haastrup‍, Katy Mayde Creek
5. Chace Sims‍, Richmond Randle – Texas A&M
6. Kamauryn Morgan‍, Dallas South Oak Cliff – Baylor
7. Michael Riles‍, Port Arthur Memorial – Oklahoma State
8. Smith Orogbo‍, Alief Hastings – Texas
9. Zion Williams‍, Lufkin – LSU
10. Chad Woodfork‍, Humble Summer Creek – TCU