Texas Longhorns Secure Commitment from Top Defensive Lineman Vodney Cleveland
AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Longhorns continue to strengthen their recruiting class with the latest commitment from Vodney Cleveland, a highly regarded defensive lineman ranked among the top five in the nation, according to 247Sports. The announcement was made by Hayes Fawcett from On3. Cleveland, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 305 pounds, was previously committed to Alabama but chose Texas after his recent official visit.
Cleveland’s decision marks a significant coup for the Longhorns, especially considering he was also courted by prestigious programs like Miami, Florida, and North Carolina. Defensive line coach Kenny Baker played a pivotal role in securing this commitment, as Cleveland is a top-10 recruit from Alabama.
During his visit to Texas, Cleveland expressed enthusiasm about the program’s camaraderie, stating, “Texas is definitely different from any atmosphere I’ve seen. Everyone is together, everybody is on the same page, strong family vibes. That’s what you want in a program.” This sentiment seemingly played a critical part in his decision to join the Longhorns.
Cleveland becomes the third defensive line commit in Texas’s 2026 recruiting class, joining fellow recruits Dylan Berrymon and Corey Wells, with Cleveland being the highest-ranked among them. As it stands, the Longhorns’ 2026 recruiting class ranks 21st nationally, with expectations of further improvements, especially after Dia Bell earned the Elite 11 Finals MVP award.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff appear poised to elevate Texas’s status in college football through strategic recruiting efforts, with Cleveland’s commitment serving as a significant boost for the future of the program.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
