Texas Longhorns Launch Aggressive Push for USC Linebacker

Texas Longhorns have opened a serious pursuit of Josiah Poyer, the three‑star inside linebacker who verbally committed to USC, according to veteran recruiting insider Adam Gorney. The move comes as Texas sits atop a top‑five class and still lacks a linebacker pledge for the 2026 cycle.

Who is the target?

Josiah Poyer hails from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California, and has been a staple of USC’s West Coast recruiting push. He earned a three‑star rating and was slated to join Lincoln Riley’s Trojans before the Longhorns intervened. Poyer’s skill set includes strong run‑stop ability and solid coverage instincts, traits Texas hopes will fill a glaring gap on its defense.

Why Texas is making the move

Inside linebackers coach Johnny Nansen, who spent two seasons on Steve Sarkisian’s staff at USC, is leading the charge. Nansen’s West Coast connections and recent trips to California showcases give him a direct line to Poyer and his family. The Longhorns are reportedly leveraging NIL incentives, with Nansen’s “checkbook coming in hot,” to sway the recruit away from his USC pledge.

How the flip could reshape recruiting

If Poyer signs with Texas, the Longhorns would secure their first linebacker commit for the class, solidifying a balanced defense before the season opener. A successful flip would also signal to other West Coast prospects that Texas can compete with Big Ten powerhouses for talent, potentially opening doors for additional California flips like defensive tackle Kasi Currie, who already committed.

What’s next for the Longhorns?

The Longhorns will continue to press Poyer throughout the summer, while monitoring USC’s response. Recruiting windows remain fluid, and the early signing period in December could see a decisive shift. Meanwhile, the team prepares for its next matchup against Texas State Bobcats on 2026-09-05, a game that could showcase how the new talent integrates into Sarkisian’s scheme.

The pursuit underscores Texas’s broader strategy: leverage West Coast ties, use NIL resources, and fill roster holes quickly. Whether Poyer ultimately flips remains uncertain, but the Longhorns’ aggressive stance signals they won’t settle for a mediocre recruiting finish.