As NIL continues to play a massive role in the recruiting process of college football, the University of Texas is making sure that everybody knows it has money. Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns flashed their finances during a star-studded official visit weekend!
They broke out all of the luxury cars for a show-stopping, way over-the-top welcome on Friday.
Interestingly enough, this specific weekend features a rather small number of visitors. Texas narrowed down its list to a little more than a half dozen, even though at least 45 recruits in total will visit this summer. Most of this weekend’s list is on the defensive side of the ball.
- Four-star edge rusher Javion Hilson (committed to FSU)
- Three-star defensive back Caleb Chester
- Four-star defensive lineman Josiah Sharma
- Four-star defensive lineman Myron Charles
- Five-star athlete Michael Terry III
- Four-star defensive lineman Brandon Brown (committed to Texas)
- Four-star tight end Kaleb Edwards
This particular effort is targeted. Defensive line and defensive back are major positions of need for every school in the country. Especially the former! By scaling down their invite list, Sarkisian and his staff can give extra attention to each individual prospect without making them feel like the Longhorns cast a wide net. Each player in town this weekend is a top priority. They are being treated as such.
Texas flexed its money!
Texas famously spent a small fortune on Arch Manning during his trip to Austin back in 2022. Although this weekend’s visit might not be quite as extravagant, no expense is being spared!
The Longhorns and their NIL collective have a partnership with Lamborghini Austin. Multiple current players are driving a luxury whip around town as part of an NIL deal with the dealership.
It is a big push, clearly…
Recruits were greeted by a fleet of Lamborghinis upon arrival to the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic Center.
Sarkisian even met Sharma at the door to make it more personal. Kendrick Lamar played over the speakers because the Class of 2025 recruit is from the West Coast.
The Lamborghinis are out on display at #Texas this afternoon as the first batch of official visitors enter Moncrief. Sarkisian at the front door to greet Josiah Sharma here.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) June 7, 2024
Nice touch with the Kendrick x Not Like Us blasting for the west coast DL.
Via: drizzy.suge / IG pic.twitter.com/15oyTXQ2Pc
If somewhere between eight and 12 Lamborghinis and a couple of G-Wagons didn’t make it clear, NIL is a big selling point for Texas. Money plays a big role in success in college football.
There is a lot of money down in Austin!