Teenage Longhorns Recruit Brings Unique Talent

16-year-old EDGE Richard Wesley joins Texas with sky-high potential

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Richard Wesley, a 16-year-old edge rusher, has joined the University of Texas Longhorns football team. Despite his young age, Wesley comes in with impressive high school stats, including 123 total tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles over three seasons. The Longhorns coaching staff is hoping to add weight to Wesley's 240-250 lb frame while maintaining his pass-rushing ability, which could make him a special player for the team in the coming years.

Why it matters

Wesley is one of the increasing number of high school players "reclassifying" to an earlier graduation year in order to start their college careers sooner. This is an uncommon move, especially for an edge rusher position. Wesley's unique talent and early enrollment could give the Longhorns a major boost on defense in the years ahead.

The details

Wesley is already on campus in Austin and the coaching staff's goal is to get him up to around 270-280 lbs, similar to current Longhorns edge rusher Jamarion Carlton. Despite his young age, Wesley has an impressive high school resume, including 123 total tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles over three seasons. The Longhorns believe Wesley could see some playing time in non-conference games in 2026 before potentially taking over a starting role in 2027 opposite Lance Jackson.

  • Wesley joined the Longhorns in 2026 at the age of 16.
  • He is expected to see limited playing time in 2026 before potentially taking over a starting role in 2027.

The players

Richard Wesley

A 16-year-old edge rusher who has joined the University of Texas Longhorns football team, bringing impressive high school stats and a sky-high ceiling.

Jamarion Carlton

A current Longhorns edge rusher who weighs 270-280 lbs, providing a target weight for the coaching staff to get Wesley to while maintaining his pass-rushing ability.

Lance Jackson

A Longhorns edge rusher who Wesley is expected to potentially start opposite in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“There are two people in this class I believe will suit up early and often for the Longhorns and that's Jermaine Bishop Jr. and Tyler Atkinson. Beyond those, I see Wesley as someone that could flash late in the 2026 season like Justus Terry and head into 2027 ready to take over.”

— Tommy Bresee, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Longhorns coaching staff will focus on adding weight to Wesley's frame while maintaining his pass-rushing ability, with the goal of him potentially taking over a starting role in 2027.

The takeaway

Richard Wesley's early enrollment and unique talent as a 16-year-old edge rusher could provide a major boost to the Longhorns defense in the coming years, though the coaching staff will need to carefully develop him to maximize his sky-high potential.