Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian is facing one of his toughest recruiting challenges yet. Reports suggest that the Texas Longhorns’ prized offensive tackle commit, Nick Brooks, is reconsidering his commitment amid interest from some of Texas’ fiercest rivals. The potential decommitment of Brooks, one of the top-rated offensive tackles in the 2025 class, could be a significant blow to the Longhorns, especially as they prepare to enter the competitive environment of the SEC.
Nick Brooks, a towering 6’7″ and 320-pound offensive tackle, is highly regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Known for his powerful frame and exceptional athleticism, Brooks has all the tools to become an elite lineman at the college level and beyond. His commitment to Texas was celebrated as a key recruiting win for Sarkisian, who has prioritized building a formidable offensive line to compete in the SEC.
Brooks’ skill set aligns with Texas’ goals of establishing a strong, physical offense. His power in run-blocking situations and his nimble footwork in pass protection make him a versatile and reliable presence on the offensive line. For Sarkisian, retaining Brooks is not only about keeping an individual talent; it’s about building a cohesive, powerful front that can control the line of scrimmage against the top defenses in college football.
Texas’ recruiting success has brought the program renewed attention, but it has also made it a target for rivals who are just as hungry to secure top talent. Recently, it’s been reported that some of Texas’ fiercest competitors — notably Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and even new SEC foe LSU — are aggressively pursuing Brooks, hoping to sway him away from his commitment to the Longhorns.
For Texas A&M, Brooks would be an invaluable addition to a roster that is seeking to strengthen its trenches. Head Coach Jimbo Fisher has made the offensive line a priority, and adding Brooks would both fortify Texas A&M’s line and weaken Texas’ roster. Similarly, Oklahoma sees Brooks as a critical recruit as it prepares to make the transition to the SEC alongside Texas. Losing Brooks to either of these teams would mean that Texas’ in-conference rivals have gained a player who could directly challenge them on the field.
A significant factor influencing Brooks’ decision could be the opportunities offered through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. NIL deals are becoming a central part of college recruiting, and players with high profiles like Brooks can command substantial offers that often influence their commitment choices. Texas has built a strong NIL infrastructure to support its athletes, but other programs, especially Texas A&M, have also positioned themselves as leaders in this space, offering recruits compelling endorsement opportunities.
Texas’ ability to retain Brooks might come down to how well Sarkisian and his staff can demonstrate that the Longhorns offer not just a competitive NIL program but also the developmental support and resources to prepare him for the NFL. If rival programs are offering comparable — or even superior — NIL deals, Texas will need to make a convincing case that the Longhorns are the right choice for his long-term future.
Steve Sarkisian has made recruiting a cornerstone of his vision for the Texas program. He knows that retaining elite talent is as important as initially recruiting them. In the case of Brooks, Sarkisian will likely employ a hands-on approach, emphasizing Texas’ success in developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen and the opportunity for Brooks to play a central role in Texas’ entry into the SEC.
Sarkisian and his staff are also expected to reinforce Texas’ overall appeal, from its facilities to the unique experiences the program offers. Additionally, Sarkisian can use Texas’ recent on-field success and its upcoming transition into the SEC as a major selling point, highlighting the chance for Brooks to face elite competition regularly, which can be critical to his development and NFL aspirations.
Losing Brooks would represent a significant setback for Texas, not only in terms of their 2025 class rankings but also in terms of future team dynamics. An offensive line anchor like Brooks has the potential to elevate the entire unit, which in turn affects the success of the team’s quarterbacks and running backs. Brooks’ presence would create more stability in Texas’ offensive line, giving the team a solid foundation as it transitions into a challenging new conference.
For Sarkisian, retaining Brooks is also about messaging. A successful retention would communicate to other recruits and the broader college football world that Texas can fend off challenges from rivals and keep elite players within its program. This, in turn, could influence other highly sought-after recruits to stick with or join the Longhorns, creating a ripple effect that benefits the program’s recruiting efforts.
As Texas looks toward a future in the SEC, building a roster capable of competing in the nation’s toughest conference remains paramount. Nick Brooks is a critical piece of that vision, and his potential flip to a conference rival adds a layer of uncertainty to Sarkisian’s plans. For the Longhorns, keeping Brooks would signal the program’s resilience in retaining top talent and set a strong foundation as they enter the SEC.
For now, the Texas fan base and Sarkisian’s coaching staff await Brooks’ decision, hoping that the allure of playing for Texas, combined with Sarkisian’s player development promises, will keep this elite offensive tackle in burnt orange.