BREAKING: Texas Longhorns Land Program-Defining Commitment from 7-Foot Center Jayden Smith
AUSTIN, TX – In a seismic recruiting victory that instantly reshapes the national landscape for the upcoming college basketball season, the Texas Longhorns have secured a commitment from elite 7-foot center Jayden Smith. The five-star prospect announced his decision live on ESPN this evening, choosing head coach Rodney Terry and the Longhorns over finalists Kentucky and Houston.
Smith, a dominant force out of Duncanville High School and one of the most coveted big men in the class of 2025, gives Texas a transformative talent in the post. His commitment signals a massive momentum surge for the program and establishes the Longhorns as a presumptive preseason favorite heading into their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference.
“First, I want to thank God, my family, and my coaches for getting me here,” Smith said during his televised announcement. “This was the hardest decision of my life, but after talking with my family and building a strong relationship with the coaching staff, I know it’s the right one. I’m staying home. I’m a Longhorn.”
The announcement sends shockwaves through the college basketball world. Smith is universally ranked as a top-10 national recruit, praised for his unique blend of old-school back-to-the-basket prowess and modern athletic versatility. Analysts highlight his exceptional footwork, soft touch around the rim, elite shot-blocking instincts, and improving ability to stretch the floor.
For Head Coach Rodney Terry and his staff, securing Smith’s commitment is a program-altering coup. After a strong finish to the previous season, Terry has been relentless on the recruiting trail, aiming to build a roster capable of competing for a national championship in the brutal gauntlet of the SEC. Landing a local talent of Smith’s caliber is a testament to their vision and recruiting tenacity.
“This is exactly the statement Texas needed to make,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “You don’t just replace a presence like that. You build your entire defensive identity and half-court offense around it. Jayden is a franchise-level center. He’s a day-one starter who impacts winning on both ends of the floor from the moment he steps on the court. This is a home run for Rodney Terry.”
The implications for the Longhorns’ roster are immediate and profound. Smith’s presence will solidify a defense that can now aggressively pressure on the perimeter, knowing a premier rim protector is behind them. Offensively, he provides a reliable, high-percentage scoring option in the paint that will create open looks for the team’s guards and wings.
Social media erupted immediately following the news, with #HookEm and #SmithToTexas quickly trending nationally. Current Longhorn players and commits flooded Twitter and Instagram with celebratory posts, welcoming the big man to the Forty Acres.
“Y’all ain’t ready for this… #LetsWork brother!” tweeted returning guard Tre Johnson.
The commitment also marks a significant win for the state of Texas, keeping a premier homegrown talent from leaving for another blue-blood program. Smith’s decision is seen as a powerful message that the best players in the talent-rich state can build a championship contender right in their own backyard.
With the addition of Jayden Smith, the Texas Longhorns are no longer just a team to watch; they are a team with championship aspirations, poised to make a thunderous introduction to the SEC.
Jayden Smith | 5-Star Center | Duncanville, TX Height:7-foot-0 Weight:240 lbs National Ranking:No. 7 (ESPN 100) Notable Offers:Kentucky, Houston, Kansas, UCLA
