Texas Longhorns Named Finalist for Top-Rated 2026 Defensive Lineman
The Texas Longhorns have continued their recruiting surge into the 2026 cycle by being named a finalist for one of the most highly coveted defensive linemen in the nation. With a reputation already solidified for luring top-tier offensive prospects to Austin, the Longhorns are now making major waves on the defensive side of the ball. The latest confirmation of this momentum came when five-star defensive lineman DeAndre “Tank” Sullivan—widely regarded as one of the top two overall defensive linemen in the 2026 class—announced his list of finalists. Among the names were Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, and, notably, the Texas Longhorns.
This is no small feat, as Sullivan is being courted by virtually every powerhouse in the country. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds with elite quickness, power, and technique, Sullivan is the type of player who can transform a defensive front. He has drawn comparisons to past greats like Quinnen Williams and Chris Jones for his ability to dominate in both the pass rush and run defense. Being a finalist for such a player signals more than just interest—it confirms that Texas is in the inner circle for elite defensive talent, something that has not always been a given for the program in recent years.
Sullivan hails from Buford, Georgia, a town that has produced its fair share of elite football talent over the years. Playing for a nationally ranked high school program, Sullivan has gone up against the best of the best and consistently come out on top. Coaches at Buford rave about his work ethic and his football IQ, which are said to be as impressive as his physical tools. He posted 15.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in his junior season, dominating in a way that makes scouts confident he can make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, has been emphasizing the importance of building a defense that can thrive in the rugged SEC. The move from the Big 12 to the SEC has changed the Longhorns’ recruiting strategy, making it clear that they must be able to win in the trenches if they want to compete with the likes of Alabama and Georgia. Landing a player like Sullivan would be a statement not just about Texas’s ability to recruit, but also about their defensive philosophy and ability to develop NFL-caliber talent.
The Longhorns have already begun putting together one of the strongest 2026 recruiting classes in the country. Their recent defensive haul includes four-star linebacker Jaden Harris and cornerback Xavier Banks, both top-100 recruits nationally. But Sullivan would be the crown jewel, a player who could anchor the defensive line for multiple seasons and serve as the disruptive force every elite defense needs. Texas has been selling Sullivan on that exact vision—that he could come to Austin and immediately be the face of the defense, just as Arch Manning has become the face of the offense.
Sullivan visited Austin for the spring game earlier this year and reportedly came away impressed. Sources close to the recruitment say he was blown away by the atmosphere, the facilities, and, most of all, the coaching staff’s vision for his role in the defense. The Longhorns laid out a detailed plan for his development, including film sessions that showed how he could be used in multiple fronts, both as a three-technique and as a five-technique in different packages. The visit reportedly strengthened Texas’s position, making them a legitimate threat to pull off what would be a stunning recruiting victory in the heart of SEC territory.
Recruiting experts note that Texas’s pitch has evolved in recent years. Where the program once relied largely on tradition and NFL pipeline potential, Sarkisian and his staff have developed a much more focused and individualized recruiting approach. With Sullivan, they’ve emphasized immediate impact, tailored strength and conditioning regimens, and a realistic path to being a top-five pick in the NFL Draft. They’ve also pointed to the recent success of players like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, who used their time at Texas to vault into draft consideration and become forces along the defensive line.
Beyond the football pitch, the Longhorns have leveraged Austin’s appeal. The city offers the culture, media exposure, and lifestyle that elite recruits find attractive. NIL opportunities, though not the sole focus, are another factor. Texas’s strong NIL infrastructure has allowed players to benefit financially without compromising their development. For a high-profile athlete like Sullivan, who already has the potential to be a household name by the time he arrives on campus, the support system in Austin is a major draw.
The competition, however, is fierce. Georgia, the in-state powerhouse, has a dominant defensive legacy and a pipeline to the NFL that is hard to ignore. Alabama continues to reload annually under Kalen DeBoer and remains a major destination for elite linemen. LSU and Ohio State have each presented compelling development pitches as well, showcasing defensive coordinator relationships and recent player development. But what separates Texas in Sullivan’s eyes, according to several recruiting insiders, is the sense that he wouldn’t just be another cog in a machine—he would be the guy.
Texas’s recent on-field success is also aiding their cause. A strong 2024 season followed by an impressive 2025 spring has changed the perception of the program from pretender to contender. Arch Manning’s presence, in particular, has shifted national narratives and helped establish Texas as a team with staying power. Sullivan has spoken about his desire to win championships, and the Longhorns have sold him on the belief that Texas can go toe-to-toe with the SEC’s elite over the next several seasons. That includes the goal of reaching and winning the College Football Playoff, something that no longer seems like a pipe dream.
During interviews following his finalist announcement, Sullivan kept things diplomatic but gave a few subtle hints about his impressions of Texas. “They’re building something big,” he said. “You can feel the energy around the program. They’re putting a lot of emphasis on defense, and that matters to me. I want to go somewhere that takes both sides of the ball seriously.” While he did not reveal a timeline for his final decision, he did confirm he plans to take official visits to each of his finalists, with Texas expected to get one of the final two visits.
Defensive line coach Bo Davis has been instrumental in Texas’s pursuit. Widely regarded as one of the best developers of talent in the country, Davis has a reputation for producing NFL-ready linemen and commanding immense respect from recruits. His relationship with Sullivan dates back to his sophomore year, and the mutual trust they’ve built is a key part of Texas’s strategy. Davis has consistently outlined how Sullivan’s skill set fits into the Longhorns’ system, and how his versatility would allow him to flourish in multiple roles. Davis’s track record has already begun paying off on the recruiting trail, and Sullivan could be the crown jewel of his current cycle.
The Longhorns have also made sure to involve current players in Sullivan’s recruitment. During his visit, he spent time with multiple defensive linemen and upperclassmen who spoke candidly about their experience in the program. They discussed the demands of playing in the SEC, the expectations from coaches, and how the staff balances accountability with player support. By all accounts, Sullivan appreciated the honesty and felt that he would fit in well with the culture being built in Austin.
There’s also a strategic element at play here. If Texas can land Sullivan, it not only strengthens their defensive front for years to come, but also sends a message to other elite defensive recruits that the Longhorns are serious about defense in the SEC. Sullivan’s commitment would likely have a ripple effect, influencing other top targets at linebacker, edge rusher, and even safety. It would be the kind of foundational piece around which Texas could build an elite SEC-caliber defense.
For now, Texas will continue its all-out push to secure a commitment. The recruiting staff has made Sullivan a priority, keeping up constant communication and making him feel like more than just a prospect—they’ve made him feel like a future cornerstone. Whether that effort will be enough to pull him away from the likes of Georgia and Alabama remains to be seen, but the fact that Texas is firmly in the mix speaks volumes about how far the program has come.
As the summer heats up and official visits begin in earnest, all eyes will be on Sullivan’s recruitment. A decision could come before the start of his senior season, or he may choose to wait until after his official visits wrap up in the fall. Either way, the Texas Longhorns are in prime position to make one of their biggest recruiting statements in years.
Landing DeAndre “Tank” Sullivan would not just bolster the defensive line—it would signify that Texas has fully arrived in the SEC era, capable of competing with and beating the best programs in the country for the best players available. It would be the kind of win that reverberates throughout the recruiting world and signals that the Longhorns, under Sarkisian, are building not just a contender, but a potential juggernaut.
Until the final decision is made, the recruitment battle will rage on. But Texas is in deep, and they’re not letting up. For Longhorn fans, the hope is that Sullivan sees what so many others have begun to believe—that Austin is the place to become a star, to win championships, and to leave a legacy. If that message sticks, the Longhorns might soon land one of the most impactful commitments of the decade.
