Texas is making a serious run at five-star USC safety commit Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, a dynamic two-way 2027 recruit and California's top-ranked prospect.
Texas football recruiting may have another heavyweight battle brewing, and this one centers on Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, the five-star USC safety commit from San Diego.
The 6-0, 175-pound Cathedral Catholic standout is already viewed as one of the premier players in the 2027 recruiting class, and Texas reportedly isn’t backing away despite his February pledge to the Trojans.
That’s what makes this storyline so interesting. Fa'alave-Johnson isn’t just another high-profile defensive back.
He’s the highest-ranked recruit in California, a national blue-chip prospect and a player USC has treated like a foundational piece of Lincoln Riley’s future roster.
But Steve Sarkisian’s staff appears determined to make things uncomfortable.
According to Rivals, Texas has been pushing seriously to flip Fa'alave-Johnson, with multiple Longhorns coaches visiting him this week.
One of them was Will Muschamp, whose defensive resume and recruiting presence could give Texas a real voice in the room. Another Texas coach is expected to visit next week, keeping the pressure on USC.
Fa'alave-Johnson’s appeal is obvious.
As a junior, he totaled 40 tackles and three interceptions from the safety spot. He was just as dangerous on offense, rushing for 1,530 yards and 30 touchdowns.
That two-way production helps explain why USC could use him in multiple roles and why Texas sees him as a potential program-changing addition.
Flipping him won’t be easy. Fa'alave-Johnson chose USC over a loaded group that included Oregon, Texas, Miami, LSU and Notre Dame, and the Trojans have Gary Patterson helping shape their defensive vision.
Still, Texas doesn’t appear to be treating this like a long shot. If the Longhorns can turn Muschamp’s involvement into real momentum, Fa'alave-Johnson could become one of the most closely watched recruitments in the country.
For now, USC still has the commitment, but Texas has clearly decided this recruitment isn’t finished.
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