Landen Williams-Callis, a five-star running back, announced his commitment to the University of Texas for the 2027 recruiting cycle, placing him among the nation’s top three prospects at his position. The pledge comes as head coach Steve Sarkisian, who took over in January 2021, has made retaining elite in-state talent a cornerstone of his strategy, a policy that has already yielded multiple five-star signees.
A Recruit Who Could Reshape the Backfield
Williams-Callis will join two other five-star recruits in Texas’s 2027 class, including cornerback John Meredith III, who recently re‑classified to the 2026 cohort, and offensive tackle Ismael Camara, alongside wide receiver Easton Royal. The class also features Kemon Spell and David Gabriel Georges, adding depth to the backfield and signaling a broader push to dominate the state’s top talent.
During the 2025 season he led his team to a 15‑1 record, amassing 3,502 rushing yards and 59 touchdowns on 324 carries, numbers that translate to a 218.9‑yard average per game. He enters his senior year with 7,554 career rushing yards and is poised to chase the Texas state record, needing just 2,446 more yards.
National rankings place him at No. 27 overall and No. 3 among running backs in the USA TODAY Sports composite, while 247Sports lists him at No. 37 overall and No. 3 in the state, underscoring the breadth of his appeal. His commitment reflects a trend: since 2022 Texas has secured nine in-state five-star prospects under Sarkisian, a testament to the program’s growing grip on top talent within its borders.