Texas Longhorns are now even closer to landing their first defensive playmaker in the 2028 recruiting class after landing in the top-6

Texas Longhorns are now even closer to landing their first defensive playmaker in the 2028 recruiting class after landing in the top-6

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Texas Longhorns are now even closer to landing their first defensive playmaker in the 2028 recruiting class after landing in the top-6
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian 2028 recruit safety Jaelyn Easterling-Flores
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks out of the lockerroom prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Texas Longhorns have landed in the top-6 for elite four-star safety Jaelyn Easterling-Flores out of Arizona.

Jaelyn Easterling-Flores, a highly regarded four-star safety, has identified six finalists in his recruitment. The Texas Longhorns are included among prominent SEC contenders for this standout prospect from the 2028 class.

Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 180 pounds, Easterling-Flores is a defensive back from Desert Edge High School in Goodyear, Arizona. He has received scholarship offers from Texas, LSU, Auburn, Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, and Miami. According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, he is the 66th overall prospect and the seventh-best safety in the 2028 class. But ESPN ranks him at No. 54 nationally. Within Arizona, he is the fourth-ranked player, coming from a high school program known for producing elite talent in recent recruiting cycles.

So far, Easterling-Flores has made official visits to Oregon, Auburn, Texas, Notre Dame, and Florida. The Rivals Industry Rankings currently project Texas as the leading candidate to secure his commitment with a 13.5% likelihood, followed by Auburn at 8.4%. LSU trails with just a 1% chance, though that number may not reflect the most recent developments.

Texas should be eager to add him to their roster

Securing Easterling-Flores would give the Longhorns a much-needed boost, as they currently have only one commitment in their 2028 recruiting class-quarterback Neiman Lawrence. Adding a top-70 prospect would provide the star power and depth Texas is seeking, especially given the stiff competition from other programs.

Oklahoma is one of four SEC schools among Easterling-Flores’ top six choices, joining Texas, LSU, and Auburn, with Georgia Tech and Miami completing the group. The geographic spread of these programs adds intrigue: Easterling-Flores is from Arizona, while all six contenders are in the South or along the East Coast, leaving no school with a clear home-field advantage.

Easterling-Flores brings impressive range at safety, combining sharp coverage skills with a knack for making plays on the ball. His size, athleticism, and football IQ make him a candidate to contribute immediately as a freshman. Whichever school ultimately lands him will add a top-tier player to their roster, making this recruitment one to follow closely in the coming months.

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Texas Longhorns are now even closer to landing their first defensive playmaker in the 2028 recruiting class after landing in the top-6

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