Texas Longhorns have scored a game-changing win by securing the last-minute flip of five-star defensive back Kade Phillips. The standout cornerback, previously committed to LSU, recommitted to Texas

𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝑯𝒊𝒕 𝑨 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒑𝒐𝒕 𝑨𝒔 5-𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 2025 𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑭𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑻𝒐 𝑻𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒔—𝐀 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑾𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕-𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒖𝒔 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏’𝒔 𝑹𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 — 𝑮𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑶𝒏

 

 

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Austin, TX – August 11, 2025

 

In a stunning development that reverberated through college football recruiting circles, the Texas Longhorns have scored a game-changing win by securing the last-minute flip of five-star defensive back Kade Phillips. The standout cornerback, previously committed to LSU, recommitted to Texas on December 3, 2024, just before early signing day—a move that delivered one of the most dramatic swings of the 2025 cycle.

 

 

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The Flip That Rocked Signing Day

 

Kade Phillips’ decision to return to the Longhorns was not only unexpected but also tremendously impactful. Originally a Texas commit in early July, he flipped to LSU by mid-August before reopening his recruitment late in the season. His recommitment back to Texas just before signing day marked a coup for Sarkisian’s staff—securing a top-tier talent in the defensive backfield with elite athletic upside.

 

According to 247Sports and On3, Phillips was ranked among the nation’s top defensive back prospects (No. 23 overall in On3, and No. 6 at his position in 247’s rankings), underscoring the significance of his addition to the Longhorns’ class.

 

 

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Why Phillips Chose Texas

 

In his own words, Phillips credited the Longhorns’ player development—especially seeing the success of DBs like Jahdae Barron—as a significant factor:

 

> “Everything they have and just seeing what they’re doing with Jahdae. I have a very good relationship with coach Gideon and coach Joseph… Those relationships and love they show me made it easier to [flip].”

 

 

 

This emphasis on relationships, elite development environment, and trust in the coaching staff reflects a broader recruiting narrative for Texas—one that blends personal connection with on-field preparation and growth.

 

 

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Piling On Defensive Prowess

 

Phillips is the latest in a string of high-profile defensive commitments that have fortified Texas’s 2025 class:

 

Jonah Williams, a five-star safety with hybrid size and versatility, bringing elite coverage and playmaking ability.

 

Other five-star marksmen like Lance Jackson (edge), Kaliq Lockett (WR), Jaime Ffrench (WR), and standout safeties Zelus Hicks and corner Graceson Little—all combining to construct one of the most imposing defensive rosters in the nation.

 

 

These additions contribute to Texas’s dominance in 2025 class rankings—holding spots in top national recruiting standings across On3, Rivals, and 247Sports.

 

 

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Lasting Impact and Next Steps

 

Defensive Depth & Future Success: Phillips’ arrival strengthens a secondary that already ranks among the nation’s best in pass defense. His talent adds firepower to a group anchored by rising stars and experienced defenders like Barron.

 

Recruiting Momentum: High-profile flips generate buzz. Texas’s ability to recapture a five-star from a perennial Power 5 power signals program momentum that could snowball across the remainder of the cycle.

 

Recruiting Strategy Reinforced: Building around relationships, elite development, and a strong defensive identity remains a clear formula for Texas’s recruiting coups.

 

 

 

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In summary, Kade Phillips’ flip/join is more than just a commit—it’s a statement. It underlines how Texas, under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, is locking down elite defensive talent and reinforcing the program’s standing in the national elite—and especially in the SEC.