Linebacker R.J. Hudson Commits to Texas Football
The three-star linebacker from Richmond rescinds his Clemson pledge to join the Texas 2027 recruiting class.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Football
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Linebacker R.J. Hudson has officially committed to the University of Texas football team. The 2027 recruit flipped his commitment to the Longhorns after previously pledging to Clemson.
Why it matters
Texas prioritized adding talent at the linebacker position to bolster its defensive depth for the upcoming cycle. The staff successfully recruited Hudson by initiating contact during the summer to build a strong relationship with the athlete.
R.J. Hudson stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds as a three-star prospect. He represents the 22nd total commitment secured for the Texas 2027 recruiting class.
The players
R.J. Hudson
He is a three-star linebacker from Richmond, Virginia, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds.
University of Texas
It is a major public research university in Austin that maintains a prominent collegiate football program.
Clemson University
It is a public research university in South Carolina known for its competitive athletic programs.
The details
Hudson is a three-star recruit hailing from Richmond, Virginia, who visited Austin for an official trip last weekend. Texas staff members actively courted the prospect throughout the summer, ultimately convincing him to pivot from his earlier commitment to Clemson.
Timeline
Late spring 2026: Hudson originally committed to Clemson.
Summer 2026: Texas coaching staff initiated recruitment efforts for Hudson.
October 25-26, 2026: Hudson completed his official visit to Austin.
Season Trajectory
This commitment marks a shift in the 2027 college football recruiting cycle as programs compete for top defensive talent. It strengthens the Longhorns' defensive outlook and impacts the overall recruiting standings against national rivals.
Hudson provides depth at the linebacker position for the 2027 class, influencing the projected defensive rotation. His arrival brings the total commitment count for the Longhorns to 22 players for that cycle.
The takeaway
Securing a commitment from a highly-regarded recruit like Hudson highlights the effectiveness of early summer engagement in modern college football. Prospective fans should keep an eye on how these roster additions translate to defensive performance in future seasons.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Football section.
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