Despite initially being absent during the recent rush of commitments, Texas Longhorns emerged victorious in another recruiting battle on Saturday when Kade Phillips, cornerback from Fort Bend Hightower, chose Texas over LSU.
Phillips, a highly sought-after four-star prospect, made his decision after narrowing down his choices from 30 offers in April, which included Baylor, Michigan, Missouri, TCU, Oregon, and Texas A&M, alongside Texas and LSU. Additional offers came from prominent programs such as Arkansas, Auburn, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Penn State, Stanford, and Utah.
The Longhorns entered Phillips’ recruitment relatively late, extending an offer in mid-February. Despite the timing, Texas managed to secure one of three official visits Phillips took last month, competing with Baylor and LSU for his commitment.
In an interview with On3, Phillips explained his decision: “I chose Texas because of the opportunities they have for me. Being around Austin and all the successful people there was big for me. I like how Texas sees me as versatile and someone who can play multiple positions, so they can find a way to get me on the field as fast as possible. Then, I like the family feeling I get from UT. It’s from all the staff and all of the coaches, including coach Steve Sarkisian. They are always checking in on me every day.”
Phillips, standing at 6’0 and weighing 170 pounds, excels not only as a cornerback but also demonstrates versatility by playing safety when necessary. His athleticism is evident as a two-way standout at Hightower, contributing as both a wide receiver and defensive back. Additionally, he boasts impressive achievements in track and field, including a bronze medal in the 6A long jump and a swift 200m dash time of 21.50 seconds this spring.
Ranked as the No. 24 cornerback nationally and the No. 207 player overall according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Phillips adds depth and skill to Texas’ 2025 recruiting class. His commitment marks the 13th pledge for the Longhorns in this cycle, joining forces with fellow Fort Bend Marshall cornerback Caleb Chester. This recruiting haul has propelled Texas to the No. 18 spot in national rankings.
With Phillips’ decision finalized, Texas continues to bolster its roster for the future, aiming to leverage his talents and versatility to strengthen their defensive capabilities in the seasons to come.
