Texas’ 2022 recruiting cycle was off to a hot start in Steve Sarkisian’s two months in charge. The discussions of how good the class was going to end up were reaching maximum hype levels, but it all came crashing back down to reality on Thursday afternoon.
Four-star wide receiver Evan Stewart announced his decommitment, citing his desire to take in-person visits as the main reason. The speedster was the biggest pledge Sarkisian had gotten. Stewart’s ability and quickness were projected to change Texas’ wide receiver room for the better. It’s a rather big loss for the Longhorns.
With Stewart now reconsidering his options, Texas has taken a dive on the 247Sports composite team rankings. Texas A&M rose above the Longhorns with a commitment from Isaiah Sategna and bumped them down to No. 5 in the country. Now without Stewart, Texas has dropped to No. 8, behind Oklahoma.
Texas’ average score is 95.03, only behind Ohio State and Georgia. Every other team ranked inside the top 10 has at least seven commitments, while Sarkisian has reeled in six so far.
Maalik Murphy remains the headliner of the 2022 class from a rating standpoint. Running back Jaydon Blue may be the best overall player, being a burner himself. The Longhorns have plenty of options at wide receiver, but Stewart projects as the top receiver of the cycle. It stings.
There will still be an opportunity for Sarkisian and Andre Coleman to get Stewart back in the class. Alabama and Oregon were seen as the biggest competitors before his original commitment in February. However, going against Nick Saban in a recruiting battle usually ends poorly for everyone not named Alabama.