The Texas Longhorns’ (8-1) modus operandi under head coach Steve Sarkisian is very clear- Defensive domination. They are where they are in the CFB hierarchy on the back of their elite defense. Especially their imposing D-Line’s command of the trenches. However Sarkisian and his unit may not be able to land the player they hoped would carry the mantle.

Edge rusher Javion Hilson has a long list of suitors, longer than most. The no.43 recruit in the nation is still weighing up potential landing spots with less than 3 weeks to signing day. The Longhorns are believed to be in prime position, but cannot afford to rest on their laurels. On3 Recruitment expert Steve Wiltfong certainly believes there is a spanner in the works, courtesy of a familiar foe. Discussing the recruitment of Hilson on the On3 Recruits’ YouTube channel, Wiltfong claimed, “It’s been a very fluid recruitment. Texas is the On3 RPM favourite. But certainly, Texas A&M [are] making that very interesting down the stretch”. The local rivalry has found its way into recruiting. Hilson is one of the most sought-after recruits in his class, so no surprise that other programs are also in the mix. 

“[He] went and took a return visit to Syracuse earlier this month to spend time with Fran Brown and co. UCF has been in there battling for Javion Hilson as well. I still think it’s more than likely he ends up in the Lone Star State as I talk to you today. But always be ready for a twist and turn in the recruitment of Javion Hilson,” said Wiltfong.

Fans following the traversal of Javion Hilson’s recruitment will certainly be ready for drama. Hilson committed to Alabama in late 2023, before flipping to the FSU Seminoles. He then decommitted from FSU as well owing to hesitancy arising from the team’s poor season. The race continues as the 4th December deadline approaches.

The Texas Longhorns flipping a 4-star defensive linemen previously committed to FSU- this may induce some deja vu. That’s because they already did so not too long ago. The Longhorns successfully swayed Myron Charles and lured him to Austin in September. Steve Sarkisian and his team hope lightning strikes twice, and they are able to land Hilson. Their neighbors, albeit, have different ideas.

Texas A&M gaining traction in the race for Javion Hilson

Javion Hilson was reportedly in College Station when the Aggies beat LSU. This visit was a successful one and seemed to turn the tide in Texas A&M’s favor. “It was a great atmosphere for my first game at Texas A&M. The defense made a lot of stops. The fans were crazy. The offense played great, too…they kept fighting to the end. The fans’ energy was crazy. It was so loud it made me want to get on the field and put the cleats on”, he said about the visit. Quite the first impression.

The Aggies (7-2) have managed to come out of the Jimbo Fisher debacle quite positively. HC Mike Elko has taken the negativity surrounding the program and turned it into performances on the gridiron. Now, they are no. 15 in the CFP rankings and will likely need to win out in order to make the postseason. Interestingly, their last game will be for more than just that.

The last weekend of CFB will see Texas take on Texas A&M. As if the matchup needed any stakes on the line, the Aggies will be playing for a CFP berth. Moreover, Javion Hilson is lined up to be in College Station for the game. Talk about the past, present and future being on the line. The age-old rivals will look to inflict damage to their sworn enemy on the day and perhaps win the Hilson sweepstakes and more. Watch this space.