**Austin, Texas – May 16, 2025**([SBNation.com][1])
The Texas Longhorns have secured a significant addition to their 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of three-star safety Yaheim Riley. Riley, a native of Austin, Texas, initially committed to the Houston Cougars in December 2024 but announced his decommitment on April 13, 2025, following an unofficial visit to the University of Texas. ([SI][2], [Yardbarker][3])
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds, Riley is ranked as the No. 63 safety nationally and the No. 111 player in Texas for the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. His decision to flip to Texas over other offers from Ole Miss and Vanderbilt underscores the Longhorns’ growing influence in securing top in-state talent.([Yardbarker][3], [SI][2])
Riley’s commitment adds depth to a defensive backfield that has been a focal point for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff. His versatility and local roots make him a valuable asset as Texas continues to build a formidable defense for future seasons.([Yardbarker][3])
This commitment reflects the Longhorns’ strategic emphasis on retaining local talent and strengthening their defensive lineup as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the competitive landscape of college football.
[1]: https://www.sbnation.com/2024/12/3/24312257/texas-longhorns-football-early-signing-day-five-star-defensive-back-kade-phillips-flips-from-lsu?utm_source=chatgpt.com “What can Texas football expect from early National Signing Day after five-star DB Kade Phillips flips from LSU”
[2]: https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/houston-cougars-decommit-yaheim-riley-flips-texas-longhorns-recruiting?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Houston Cougars De-Commit Flips to Texas Longhorns”
[3]: https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/texas_longhorns_leading_for_former_houston_cougars_commit/s1_16598_42054351?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Texas Longhorns Leading for Former Houston Cougars Commit?”
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AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns are adding a local product to their 2026 recruiting class this offseason.
Per reports from On3’s Hayes Fawcett, three-star safety Yaheim Riley has committed to Texas over Ole Miss, Houston and Vanderbilt. He originally committed to Houston in December before decommitting on April 13.
“Been in my bag, why not keep going,” Riley told Fawcett. “All Glory to God.”
Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns edge rusher Barryn Sorrell (88) celebrates a sack on Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) during the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A product of Austin Anderson High School just 20 minutes from campus, Riley will be staying home to play his college ball. He also received offers from programs like Arizona State, Texas Tech, Maryland, Arizona, Washington, Utah, TCU, North Texas, Baylor, Stanford, Nevada and many more.
Riley still has official visits set with Vanderbilt (June 6) and Texas (June 13).
According to 247Sports’ rankings, Riley is the No. 96 overall safety in the 2026 recruiting class and the No. 139 overall player in Texas.
Over the past two seasons, he’s posted 155 tackles (nine for loss), two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, six pass breakups and seven interceptions.
Riley now joins a Texas 2026 class that features five-star talents like athlete Jermaine Bishop Jr., long snapper Trott O’Neal, four-star quarterback Dia Bell and three-star talents like wide receiver Chris Stewart, cornerback Hayward Howard Jr., offensive lineman Nicolas Robertson and offensive tackle Max Wright.
The Longhorns landed the commitment from Bishop Jr. on Wednesday, instantly giving them one of the top overall players in the class.
Texas will begin the 2025 season on the road against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Aug. 30.
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