4-star RB James Simon makes Texas Longhorns commitment for 2025 college football season

The Texas Longhorns have successfully tapped into the talent-rich Bayou State once more by securing a verbal commitment from Shreveport Calvary Baptist (LA) running back James Simon for their Class of 2025. The highly coveted four-star recruit announced his decision today during the 2024 On3 Elite Series.

"It was the best choice for me and my future in all aspects on and off the field," Simon said.

Simon's recruitment was facilitated by Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice. It also had significant contributions from cornerback coach Terry Joseph and new general manager Brandon Harris.

"Coach (Tashard) Choice is real, he's genuine, and he's a great coach, but an even better human off the field. A couple weeks ago is when I knew."

Simon is well aware of the illustrious lineage of running backs at Texas, with recent NFL draftees like Bijan Robinson, and Roschon Johnson. This legacy played a crucial role in his decision-making process.

"Texas is one of those powerhouse schools that's always competing for national championships or being top-five every year," Simon told Rivals. "Being able to be a contributor to a squad with what they have going on intrigues me the most."

James Simon's first encounter with Texas came in January. He returned a few months later for the Longhorns' spring game and felt overwhelmed by their hospitality.

"They treated me just as important this spring as when they first recruited me. They never stopped and only continued to push how much they wanted me to join them and have a role in the offense."

Simon chose the Longhorns over several other high-profile programs, including Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M. He has one official visit scheduled for Austin on June 21.

James Simon predicts the Longhorns as a future college football powerhouse

James Simon's commitment to Texas is shaping up to be a formidable 2025 recruiting class for the Longhorns. He is ranked as the No. 115 overall prospect and the No. 8 running back by On3.

Simon's commitment marks the second four-star running back to join Texas' 2025 class, alongside standout prospect Rickey Stewart. He even envisions Texas as a contender for national championships.

The running back reflected on Texas's recent successes, including a College Football Playoff appearance and a Big 12 Conference championship, and expressed his belief in the program's future.

“I definitely think they’re going to be one of the best programs in the nation,” Simon said. “After making the College Playoff last year, I could say that they already were, but they’re now definitely going to be one of those teams that are contending for a national championship almost every year."

As a junior, James Simon recorded 1,600 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He also added 20 receptions for 214 yards, along with three touchdowns through the air that season.

The running back tallied 343 rushes for 2,763 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns during his three-year high school career. He also recorded 30 catches for 346 yards and six more scores during that time.