Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns lands commitment from four-star CB Kade Phillips

Fort Bend High School's four-star cornerback Kade Phillips committed to Texas' 2025 recruiting class on Saturday. He is a highly sought-after prospect who received over thirty offers from top programs across the nation.

By April, he had narrowed his choices to Baylor, Michigan, Missouri, TCU, Oregon, Texas A&M, LSU, and Texas. His decision came down to Texas and LSU before the Longhorns sealed the deal.

Phillips' commitment is a timely morale boost for Texas, following a string of disappointments in their recruitment efforts. The Longhorns missed out on five-star prospects Dakorien Moore, Dorian Brew and Riley Pettijohn, as well as four-star recruits Zion Williams and Josiah Sharma. Meanwhile, four-star defensive tackle Brandon Brown decommitted from the program earlier in the week to pledge to LSU.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian now has 13 commitments for the 2025 class, with Phillips being the second cornerback commit alongside Caleb Chester.

During his junior season, Phillips caught 15 passes for 423 yards and five touchdowns. He also excels in track and field, earning a Texas 6A bronze medal in the long jump with a leap of 23-11.5. As a sophomore, he was a Texas 6A regional qualifier in the long jump.

Kade Phillips opens up about his commitment to Texas

Phillips primarily lines up as a cornerback but has also excelled at safety. This flexibility was very attractive for the Longhorns.

“I chose Texas because of the opportunities they have for me,” Phillips said in an interview with On3. “Being around Austin and all the successful people there was big for me. I like how Texas sees me as versatile and someone who can play multiple positions, so they can find a way to get me on the field as fast as possible."

His multiple visits to Texas played a crucial role in strengthening his commitment. Safety coach Blake Gideon and the rest of the Longhorns' staff made a lasting impression, having the final official visit last month to make their pitch.

"Then, I like the family feeling I get from UT. It’s from all the staff and all of the coaches, including coach Steve Sarkisian. They are always checking in on me every day.”

According to 247 Sports, Phillips is the No. 241 player nationally, the No. 26 cornerback and the No. 33 prospect in Texas. On3 ranks places him as the No. 105 player nationally, the No. 11 cornerback and the No. 20 prospect in Texas.