John Meredith III committed to Texas amid a ruling that could sideline him for his entire senior season.
Texas landed a prized recruit in the 2027 class on Friday as the nation's top cornerback, and No. 2-ranked prospect overall, John Meredith III committed to the Longhorns.
The 6-2, 180-pounder is, according to numerous recruiting platforms, the highest-rated non-quarterback to ever pledge to Texas, sitting behind Vince Young and Arch Manning. Meredith chose the Longhorns over Texas A&M and Alabama.
Meredith's news comes after earlier success this week on the recruiting trail. Texas landed a commitment from elite offensive tackle prospect Brian Swanson.
Meredith, a Fort Worth native, joins fellow 5-star receiver Easton Royal at the top of Texas' 2027 haul, which ranks among the best in the country at this pivotal part of the calendar.
Though Meredith is committed to the Longhorns for the near future, his senior season is uncertain.
Days before his commitment, the star cornerback was ruled ineligible by the UIL because of transfer violations that alleged that he moved schools for athletic purposes, according to the Dallas Morning News.
In 2025, Meredith starred for Euless Trinity, which finished 8-3 and lost in the first round of the playoffs, on the way to earning All-District First Team honors and an invitation to the Under Armour All-American Game.
"Meredith has been ruled ineligible to play varsity football for North Crowley High School next season after a 5-2 vote in the District 11-6A executive committee in Fort Worth ruled that he only transferred into the program from Euless Trinity due to athletic reasons," said reporter Greg Riddle.
North Crowley won the 6A state title in 2024 and was 12-2, reaching the regional finals, a season ago.
Meredith is thought to appeal the decision and try to receive eligibility back, but Riddle notes that these rulings rarely see an overturn. That means Meredith could sit out his entire senior year before moving down to Austin.
It sounds like the outcome isn't weighing heavily on the athlete.
"It’s fine. It’s nothing too serious," Meredith said to Rivals. "We still have another appeal to go through, but it’s all in God’s hands. I’m not worried at all.”
Nonetheless, Meredith's addition is a major boost of momentum for a new-look defensive staff under Steve Sarkisian. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will be entering his first season back with the Longhorns in 2026.
Young cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey, who was "central to the program's pursuit of Meredith," also continues to recruit elite defensive back talent.
