Justus Terry Chooses Texas: Why the Five-Star Defensive Lineman Made a ‘Business Decision…
The battle for elite high school talent in college football often feels like a chess match played with millions of dollars in scholarships, NIL opportunities, and championship dreams on the line. For Justus Terry, a five-star defensive lineman from Georgia and one of the most sought-after recruits in the Class of 2025, the decision boiled down to a combination of football aspirations, personal growth, and long-term opportunities. On National Signing Day, Terry surprised many by announcing he would play for the Texas Longhorns over programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn.
Terry’s commitment marks a massive win for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff. The Longhorns, preparing to transition fully into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024, are proving they can compete with traditional powerhouses for the top-tier recruits. Here’s a deeper dive into why Terry called this move a “business decision” and what it means for Texas football and beyond.
The Recruitment of a Superstar
Justus Terry is no ordinary recruit. At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, the Manchester (Ga.) High School standout has the size, speed, and versatility to dominate at the next level. Ranked as the nation’s No. 2 overall defensive lineman and the No. 10 overall prospect by multiple recruiting services, Terry has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Aaron Donald and Quinnen Williams for his blend of power and technique.
From the start, Terry’s recruitment was a who’s-who of college football’s elite. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Ohio State were in the mix, and his visits to these schools over the past two years reflected their interest. Georgia, in particular, seemed like a natural fit. The Bulldogs have established themselves as a defensive powerhouse under head coach Kirby Smart, producing NFL-ready talent along the defensive line year after year.
Yet when the time came, Terry chose to head west to Austin, Texas, instead of staying in his home state or joining other SEC bluebloods. For him, it wasn’t just about the prestige of the programs recruiting him it was about the bigger picture.
Why Texas?
In explaining his decision, Terry repeatedly referred to it as a “business decision.” But what exactly does that mean in the context of college football recruiting?
1. NIL Opportunities
One of the biggest factors in modern recruiting is Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Texas has quickly built a reputation as a program that excels in leveraging NIL opportunities for its athletes. The Longhorns have strong financial backing from alumni and boosters, ensuring that top players can maximize their earning potential while still in college.
Terry acknowledged that NIL played a role but clarified that it wasn’t the sole motivator. “It’s not just about the money right now,” he said during his announcement. “It’s about setting myself up for the future both on and off the field.”
2. The SEC Factor
Texas’s upcoming transition into the SEC was another major selling point. While the Longhorns are currently members of the Big 12, they’ll officially join the SEC in 2024. This move means Terry will compete against the best teams in college football, including Georgia and Alabama, while still enjoying the unique atmosphere and traditions of Texas football.
“The SEC is where you want to be if you want to go pro,” Terry explained. “I’ll get to play against the best week in and week out, and I think that will prepare me for the NFL better than anything else.”
3. Player Development
Texas has invested heavily in its coaching staff, including defensive line coach Bo Davis, who has a strong track record of developing NFL talent. Sarkisian’s ability to recruit and retain elite staff has also helped the program climb back into the national spotlight.
“Coach Davis really made me feel like I could trust him with my development,” Terry said. “He’s been there, coached in the NFL, and knows what it takes to get guys to the next level.”
Breaking the Georgia Pipeline
For Georgia fans, losing a player of Terry’s caliber is undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow. Over the last several years, the Bulldogs have dominated recruiting within their state, particularly when it comes to defensive talent. Georgia’s recent success including back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 has made it a near-lock for in-state prospects like Terry.
So why did he buck the trend?
Terry spoke highly of Kirby Smart and the Georgia program, but he emphasized that he needed to do what was best for him personally. “Georgia is an amazing school, and they’ve proven what they can do with defensive linemen,” he said. “But for me, it was about finding the right fit, and Texas just felt like home. I needed to make a choice that was about my future, not just what everyone expected me to do.”
This sentiment highlights a growing trend in college football recruiting, where players are increasingly prioritizing factors like personal branding, player development, and NIL potential over geographical ties or tradition.
What This Means for Texas
Terry’s commitment sends a clear message: Texas is ready to compete at the highest level. For years, the Longhorns struggled to live up to their lofty expectations, cycling through coaches and failing to maintain consistency. But with Sarkisian at the helm and a move to the SEC on the horizon, the program is finally regaining its swagger.
Adding Terry to the roster is a game-changer. His ability to disrupt plays in the trenches will be critical as Texas faces the physicality of SEC opponents. Pairing him with other recent recruits like Arch Manning and Anthony Hill Jr. shows that Texas is building a balanced roster capable of competing for championships.
From a recruiting standpoint, landing Terry also boosts Texas’s credibility with other elite prospects. If a player like Terry who had offers from nearly every top program in the country sees value in Texas, others are likely to follow.
Looking Ahead
As the Class of 2025 continues to take shape, Justus Terry’s commitment to Texas will undoubtedly be one of its defining stories. For Terry, the decision was about more than football. It was about positioning himself for success on and off the field, setting the stage for a future in the NFL while also capitalizing on the unique opportunities that come with being a Longhorn.
For Texas, this is just the beginning. With momentum on their side and the SEC transition looming, the Longhorns have a chance to reestablish themselves as a perennial powerhouse. And with players like Justus Terry leading the way, the future in Austin looks brighter than ever.
