4-star safety picks Texas over Alabama, Oregon

Texas continued its recruiting surge Friday by landing a commitment from four-star safety Junior Tu’upo, who chose the Longhorns over Alabama, Oregon, Auburn and Indiana after an extensive recruitment that included official visits to all five finalists.

The 6-foot-2 defensive back from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, became Texas’ first safety commitment in its 2027 recruiting class. His decision followed an official visit to Austin in June, after which the Longhorns quickly emerged as the favorite. Tu’upo credited the relationship he and his family built with defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach Blake Gideon as a major factor in his commitment. Gideon, who returned to Texas alongside Will Muschamp after serving as Georgia Tech’s defensive coordinator, pointed out Tu’upo’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions in the secondary.

Tu’upo is originally from Florida, making his recruitment different from many Alabama prospects despite strong pushes from both Alabama and Auburn. He also flagged the city of Austin as part of the appeal beyond the football program and the university.

Recruiting rankings vary by service, but Tu’upo is consistently viewed as one of the nation’s top defensive backs. The 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 19 safety and No. 236 overall prospect nationally, while the Rivals Industry Ranking places him No. 22 at his position, No. 256 overall and No. 13 in Alabama.

On the field, Tu’upo produced 66 tackles, five tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and three interceptions during his junior season while helping Thompson win a state championship. His combination of size, athleticism and production made him one of the Longhorns priority defensive targets in the cycle.

Tu’upo is the second Alabama prospect to join Texas’ 2027 class, following four-star edge rusher Jabarrius Garror. He also becomes the third defensive back in the class alongside John Meredith III and Karnell James.

Tu’upo’s commitment continued Texas’ June recruiting success. The Longhorns landed their ninth pledge of the month, pushing the 2027 class to 19 commitments and improving it to No. 5 nationally in the 247Sports Composite team rankings.

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