Steve Sarkisian isn’t just recruiting—he’s putting on a show. He’s got a flair for the dramatic, and he’s at it again, pulling out all the stops for his 2026 4-star OT. We’ve witnessed a similar scenario before—just ask Arch Manning. We’re talking $280k dropped in a single weekend to woo that 5-star blue-blood talent. And last year? Lamborghinis in burnt orange lining the streets, helicopter visits—Sark’s not playing around. So, who’s the lucky target this time? Pretty obvious, right? But a surprising twist has emerged. Georgia Tech crashed the party. Out of nowhere, they’re in the mix, turning this into a high-stakes chess game. Sark’s gotta play his cards right if he wants to keep his prize OT locked down.

Leading the charge is Texas’ own Zaden Krempin, a highly touted 4-star offensive tackle prospect who’s making a name for himself. Now, who wouldn’t want a player like him? Ranked as the No. 11 offensive tackle in the 247Sports composite rankings, he is a formidable force with a determined mindset. Need a path cleared for the running game? He excels at opening up lanes. Dealing with a pass rush? He is a reliable anchor. Thriving under pressure in big games? That’s where he shines. Plus, in his sophomore year, he hit 50’4.25″ in shot put and 152’6″ in discus, up from 47’3″ and 153’9″ as a freshman.

Now Krempin has reached a significant milestone—his 52nd college offer, this time from Georgia Tech’s Brent Key. And Krempin made it official, sharing a picture of the team’s logo with a heartfelt message that says, “Very grateful to have just earned my 52nd offer from @GeorgiaTech.” Giving out the special thanks to Coach Alex, saying, “Thank you @CoachAlexMathis for the phone call.”

So Steve Sarkisian’s definitely feeling the heat trying to land this Prosper, Texas, lineman. Well, look at the competition: Michigan, Bama, Texas A&M, Florida State, Oklahoma State, and even SMU’s in the mix. College football is a dogfight these days. And LSU’s not messing around either. They’re making Krempin their number-one priority. First, O-line coach Brad Davis rolls into Texas to scout him out. Then Brian Kelly and Joe Sloan show up too. Three visits in five days? They’re serious. It’s clear Kelly, Davis, and Sloan are putting all their chips on Krempin.

But making your presence felt among numerous other programs is not that easy. As a highly-ranked talent in the 2026 class and the 14th-best Offensive Tackle in the nation, Krempin is attracting attention from major schools. Coaches recognize his power, size, and versatility, viewing him as a key player for their team. The competition for Krempin’s commitment is not just tough—it’s an all-out battle among programs, making this recruitment process an intense arms race.

Other powerhouses eyeing Steve Sarkisian’s priced recruit

Look, one thing is evident: Zaden Krempin is not just a highly sought-after player—he’s the top choice that every major program is eager to recruit. Let’s be real, getting 52 offers is not a joke. But he’s carefully navigating his options. So far, he has taken 10 official visits to schools like Arkansas, Baylor, LSU, Michigan, North Texas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. However, this doesn’t mean he has made a final decision, as his recruitment process is still wide open and gaining momentum as spring approaches.

And now, Clemson joins the list of schools vying for Krempin, securing an official visit with the 6-foot-5, 255-pound lineman for the weekend of March 7th. LSU’s banking on making a strong impression, but Texas A&M already has. They’ve been laying the groundwork with their in-state target for years, and now they’re all set to reap the rewards. The Aggies O-line coache Adam Cushing and HC Mike Elko didn’t just sit back—they pulled up in person to show their desperation to land him. As Krempin hits X, saying, “My family and I got to spend some time with Coach Mike Elko and Coach Cushings this morning. Looking forward to visiting again in March.” That’s definitely not looking good for Sark.

Moreover, Mike Gundy from Oklahoma State is actively recruiting in the Southwest to keep his team in contention, while SMU has extended an invitation to Krempin for an exclusive Junior Day event. Michigan has already scheduled an official visit from June 20-22, with a possible unofficial visit during spring practice. It’s clear that the competition for Krempin’s commitment is heating up, and every coach involved understands the challenge of securing his commitment.