In a stunning development that is sure to send shockwaves through the world of college football recruiting, Zelus Hicks, the nation’s top-ranked safety prospect in the class of 2026, has announced his intention to reclassify into the 2025 recruiting cycle. The four-star commit to the University of Texas will now enroll in Austin a full year ahead of schedule, adding yet another elite talent to the Longhorns’ already impressive haul for the upcoming season.
A Game-Changing Decision
Hicks, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defensive back from Carrollton, Georgia, has been turning heads since his freshman year at Parkview High School. After transferring to powerhouse Carrollton High for his junior season, the gifted safety helped lead his team to the top ranking in Georgia’s highly competitive 6A classification. Now, with his sights set on making an immediate impact at the collegiate level, Hicks has made the bold choice to accelerate his academic timeline and join the Longhorns in 2025.
“I’ve been debating this decision since my sophomore year after starting as a freshman and playing against the best talent in the nation. With prayer and talks with my family, I decided it was the best move to make.”
– Zelus Hicks, on his decision to reclassify
Bolstering the Longhorns’ 2025 Class
Hicks’ reclassification is a massive coup for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff. The Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class, which already boasted an impressive 14 ESPN 300 pledges, now adds a potential superstar in the secondary. Hicks joins fellow top-100 prospects like athlete Jonah Williams, defensive ends Lance Jackson and Smith Orogbo, and outside linebacker Elijah Barnes, giving Texas a formidable foundation on the defensive side of the ball.
A Versatile Defensive Weapon
Known for his physicality and downhill playing style, Hicks projects as a versatile asset in defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s scheme. While he may require some time to develop after skipping his senior year of high school, the talented safety possesses a rare combination of size and speed that could make him a difference-maker at the collegiate level.
“I’m excited about being coached by coach Gideon and the rest of the Texas staff.”
– Zelus Hicks, on his future at Texas
The Road Ahead
As the early signing period approaches, the Longhorns find themselves in an enviable position. With Hicks set to join an already loaded 2025 class, Texas appears poised to make noise not only in the Big 12 but on the national stage as well. The addition of the nation’s top safety prospect is a testament to the program’s resurgence under Sarkisian and a sign of the bright future that awaits the Longhorns faithful.
For Zelus Hicks, the journey is just beginning. As he prepares to take his talents to Austin, the football world will be watching closely to see how this young phenom adapts to the rigors of the college game. If his high school career is any indication, Hicks has the potential to be a special player – one who could help lead the Longhorns back to the pinnacle of college football.
