The Texas Longhorns have suffered another significant setback in their recruiting efforts, losing a coveted prospect to an elite Big Ten team. After falling short in the race for five-star receiver Dakorien Moore, the Longhorns have now missed out on another key in-state target.
According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, five-star 2025 linebacker Riley Pettijohn has committed to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over a final group that included Texas, USC, and Texas A&M. The McKinney, Texas product also had offers from top programs such as Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Florida.
Pettijohn took his official visit to Texas on June 14. Despite the Longhorns’ efforts, the allure of Ohio State proved too strong for the talented linebacker.
Although Texas has seen several recruiting disappointments in the 2025 cycle, their class remains promising, featuring a wealth of talent and the potential for more high-profile additions. The Longhorns’ 2025 class already includes four-star prospects such as defensive lineman Lance Jackson, linebacker Elijah Barnes, quarterback KJ Lacey, tight end Emaree Winston, and running back James Simon.
Five-star receivers Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench, along with five-star offensive tackle Michael Fasusi, have yet to announce their commitments. Texas is a finalist for all three, offering hope that the Longhorns can still secure some of the nation’s top talent.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Pettijohn is a five-star recruit, ranked as the No. 4 linebacker and the No. 9 player in Texas for the 2025 class. His father, Duke, was a standout defensive lineman at Syracuse from 1997-2000, earning two All-Big East selections before the Orange moved to the ACC.
Over the past two years, Pettijohn has amassed 162 total tackles, including 120 last season, along with 15 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups, and one interception. His impressive performance highlights the significant loss Texas faces as they continue their recruiting efforts.
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