Is a new two-way star on the rise? College football’s recruiting scene is buzzing with talk of an elite 2026 prospect from Frisco Panther Creek. This Rivals100 playmaker isn’t just good—he’s electric. With 43 offers from college football’s titans, his future is a high-stakes guessing game. Will he follow the lure of a powerhouse program, or will family ties play a crucial role? And that’s not the only burning question. Where does this generational talent belong? He’s a game-changer on either side of the field, a standout wide receiver with sticky hands, or a lockdown corner with shutdown potential. Think Travis Hunter 2.0? Maybe.

And it’s none other than an elite Oregon target, Jalen Lott. In a recent On3 Recruits video, Josh Newberg left no doubt about Jalen Lott’s future. “He is a major priority, but not a wide receiver. Jalen Lott is a cornerback. Now, Jalen Lott played wide receiver in high school, and he does it pretty well, ” said Newberg. However, Lott isn’t just another recruit—he’s a must-have. While top receiver prospects are plentiful, shutdown corners like Lott are rare. That’s why Oregon and other powerhouses are in hot pursuit. Newberg sees Lott’s immense potential on the defensive side of the ball. The question isn’t his talent—it’s where he’ll choose to showcase it. Will he land in Eugene, or will Lott call home?

According to the On3 insider, Lott could follow in his father’s footsteps. “His father, James Lott, was a former football player and track star at the University of Texas in the early ’80s, so he’s grown up around the Burnt Orange,” said Newberg. Well, James Lott isn’t just an athlete—he’s a Texas legend. At the University of Texas, James dominated the high jump, securing three NCAA championships in the 1986 indoor, 1987 outdoor, and 1987 indoor meets. On the football field, he was just as impactful, starting at defensive back in 1984 and 1985 while helping the 1983 Longhorns capture the Southwest Conference title. Not just that! His wife, Fey Meeks Lott, was a standout basketball star for the Longhorns from 1989 to 1993. For the Lotts, sports aren’t just a passion—they’re a legacy. And that Longhorn connection runs deep.

Jalen Lott knows the Forty Acres well, and Texas has a huge shot at landing him. But they’re not the only ones in the mix. College coaches are lining up, eager to add his dynamic skill set. Some programs even see him as a two-way star.

As of now, Lott’s recruitment is heating up. LSU is pushing hard. Texas A&M wants him back on campus, but that won’t be easy. Other SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Florida, and Ole Miss are all in the mix. The competition is fierce, and for good reason—Lott is one of the best in Texas. By 2026, he’ll be a top-five, maybe top-10 player in the state. But right now, Texas might have this one in the bag.

Jalen Lott visited Texas this weekend, and while some see him as a receiver, the Longhorns envision him as a shutdown corner—though they’re open to his offensive talents too. Texas knows Lott’s two-way potential, and now they’re focused on landing him.

Playing for Panther Creek in the talent-rich DFW Metroplex, he racked up over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 20 TDs. The numbers don’t lie—he’s elite. Ranked as the No. 6 WR in his class, the No. 7 overall recruit in Texas, and the No. 47 prospect nationally by 247Sports, Lott is a 4-star prospect. Speed, skill, and star power—he’s got it all. So, will family ties seal the deal for Steve Sarkisian and Co.?

Jalen Lott: The most sought-after two-way star in 2026?

Top programs are lining up for Jalen Lott—and they’re not limiting his potential. Oregon, Texas A&M, LSU, and Miami are all pitching him as a two-way weapon. Even Lott isn’t locking himself into one role. He just wants to make plays. “I’d definitely be open to playing both ways. There’s not really a certain classification, more playing both until I really have to make a decision. Wherever I wind up going, I’ll play whatever they put me at,” said Lott. And Steve Sarkisian‘s Texas? They’re ready to let him shine on both sides.

Moreover, at Texas, cornerbacks coach Terry Joseph has been leading the charge for Lott. The two spent valuable time together during Saturday’s Junior Day, building a connection that could play a major role in Lott’s decision. For Lott, relationships matter. “Definitely just my relationship with coach Joseph. Him being able to sit down and talk with me, take time out of his day, walk me through film, talk about where he sees me playing, that’s just great,” he said. Looks like Texas isn’t just recruiting his talent—they’re building trust.

And for Lott, relationships and trust are key: “It’s one of those things where I’m going to be spending my next three years with you, so having a good relationship with my coach, the person I’m going to be spending the most time with, my position coach, I feel like that’s the most important thing in my recruitment right now.” It’s not just about the name, the tradition, or even family ties. It’s about trust, development, and finding the perfect fit.

Every time he steps on campus, the hospitality is unmatched. “What I remember here is the culture is like no other. It’s one of those things where you step in, everybody greets you. It feels great. Every time I come up here it feels great. I really like it,” Lott said after his visit. As of now, Lott’s recruitment tour is in full swing. Next stop: Oklahoma. After that, he’s set to visit LSU, Georgia, and Alabama this spring. But the biggest dates are locked in—official visits to Texas on June 13 and Oregon on June 20. Two powerhouse programs, both making their case.

In between the travel and big decisions, Lott is focused on himself. At 6-0, 173 pounds, he’s not just taking visits—he’s building his game and his future.