A Top Recruit Pulls Back
Cade Haug, a three‑star linebacker from Humble, Texas, has officially withdrawn his commitment to the University of Texas, sending a shockwave through the program’s 2026 recruiting class.
The 6‑foot‑1, 220‑pound prospect had been rated the 56th best linebacker nationally and the 86th overall player in the state, and his decision follows a season in which he amassed 108 tackles, 19 for loss, and three sacks, while also contributing 139 offensive yards and two touchdowns.
His departure comes at a time when Texas has been courting a wave of high‑profile pledges, including John Meredith III, Kasi Currie, Jabarrius Garror, Brian Swanson and Briceson Thrower Jr., making his exit a notable pivot in the roster construction.
Ripple Effects on the Longhorns' Class
Coach Steve Sarkisian, now in his second year leading the Longhorns, has emphasized an aggressive approach to securing top talent, yet the decommitment underscores the volatility that still defines college football recruiting.
Analysts note that while the loss of a local prospect is a setback, the coaching staff’s ability to attract multiple elite players suggests that the program remains a formidable contender in the national landscape.