Four-star offensive tackle Payton Kirkland, a highly-touted recruit from Orlando, Fla., committed to Steve Sarkisian and Texas on Saturday, mere days after trolling fans with a social media smokescreen.
The 6’7”, 345 lbs. Kirkland poked fun at college football fans in the final days leading up to his commitment decision, posting a tweet asking, “Now why would I go to Texassss?,” with a classic Russell Westbrook gif.
Kirkland ultimately selected the Longhorns on Saturday, adding to a 2023 recruiting class that already includes consensus 5-star quarterback Arch Manning, the crown jewel of the recruiting cycle.
Steve Sarkisian endured an up-and-down year one with the Longhorns in 2021, but expectations are high this fall, and his staff’s recruiting momentum will ensure that expectations will continue to run high for Texas.