Chris Stewart Ends Recruitment Saga and Reconfirms Pledge to Texas Longhorns During Official Visit, Cementing Role as a Key Piece of 2026 Class
Chris Stewart has long been one of the most talked-about names in Texas football recruiting circles, and over the weekend, the wide receiver finally made his intentions clear once and for all. The 6-foot, 175-pound pass catcher from Pearland (Shadow Creek) High School returned to Austin for his official visit and used the opportunity not only to take in the sights and sounds of the Forty Acres, but to deliver the final word on his recruiting journey. Stewart, who has been committed to Texas for months, announced that he is completely shutting down his recruitment and will remain 100% committed to the Longhorns.
This decision comes after weeks of speculation and rising interest from other top-tier programs, including Tennessee, LSU, Baylor, Texas A&M, and SMU. Stewart had recently taken visits to some of these schools, leading many to believe that a decommitment or a dramatic recruiting flip might be in the works. However, his return to Austin seems to have only reinforced what he already knew deep down: Texas is home.
“I made the final decision,” Stewart said in an interview following his official visit. “I’m shutting it down. There’s no more talking, no more visits. I’m a Longhorn.”
It was a powerful and decisive statement from one of the nation’s top-ranked wide receivers. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Stewart is the No. 212 overall prospect in the country, the No. 32 wide receiver nationally, and the No. 28 player in the state of Texas. For Texas, keeping a player of Stewart’s caliber in-state and in the fold is not just a recruiting win—it’s a message.
This wasn’t just another weekend visit. Stewart’s trip to Texas was meticulously planned. It was a chance for him to reconnect with the coaching staff, build on relationships, and evaluate the long-term vision of the program. From the moment he arrived in Austin, it was evident that he was a priority for the Longhorns. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and wide receivers coach Chris Jackson made their commitment to Stewart crystal clear, emphasizing how important he is to the team’s 2026 class.
Sources close to the program shared that the coaching staff laid out a detailed development plan for Stewart. They showed him how they envision using him in the offense—primarily in the slot, but also on the outside depending on matchups. Stewart was shown film of former and current Texas receivers, particularly players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, to illustrate the ways he could be deployed and the impact he could make early in his college career.
The presentation paid off. Stewart came away from the visit not only reaffirming his commitment but doing so with a sense of excitement and urgency. “Every time I come here, it feels like home,” he said. “It’s more than just football. The coaches care about me as a person. The players treat me like a brother. This is where I belong.”
Stewart’s recommitment is a stabilizing force for Texas’s 2026 recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation. He becomes a foundational piece of the offense moving forward, a player who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and create mismatches with his speed and agility. Evaluators praise his quick release off the line, smooth route-running, and his ability to change direction without losing speed. With the Longhorns entering a new era of competition in the SEC, landing and locking down versatile, explosive playmakers like Stewart is more important than ever.
Recruiting insiders note that Stewart’s decision to shut down his recruitment may have ripple effects throughout the state. Other top prospects, especially wide receivers and quarterbacks, pay close attention to where players like Stewart commit. His loyalty to Texas despite pressure from other blue-blood programs sends a message that Austin is the place to be. It’s also a testament to the relationships built by Sarkisian’s staff, who have made player development, trust, and culture the cornerstones of their recruiting philosophy.
This visit was also a reminder of what makes Texas unique. Stewart spent time touring the facilities, speaking with strength and conditioning coaches, and meeting with academic advisors. The emphasis on life after football and the resources available for student-athletes left a strong impression. For a player as mature and thoughtful as Stewart, these elements mattered just as much as offensive schemes or game-day atmospheres.
His family played a big role in the decision too. Multiple reports confirm that Stewart’s parents joined him on the visit and were impressed with the holistic approach the Texas staff takes to mentoring young men. They appreciated the transparency, the honesty, and the level of care that Sarkisian and his team showed. Stewart’s parents, like many others, understand that college football is not just a three- or four-year experience—it’s a launching pad for the rest of their son’s life. And they trust Texas to be that launching pad.
While other programs continued to reach out to Stewart throughout the spring and early summer, their efforts ultimately came up short. Tennessee in particular made a strong push, offering Stewart a chance to be the centerpiece of their offense. LSU and Texas A&M, both known for their aggressive in-state recruiting, tried to sway him with early playing time and proximity to home. But none of these pitches matched what Texas offered in terms of fit, vision, and familiarity.
Recruiting experts credit Texas’s ability to maintain Stewart’s commitment not only to their on-field success but to the consistency of their message. The staff never wavered, never pushed too hard, and always made sure Stewart knew he was wanted. It’s a delicate balance in modern recruiting—being persistent without being overbearing—and Texas seems to have struck it perfectly in this case.
With Stewart’s recruitment now over, he plans to focus fully on his senior season at Shadow Creek. He enters the fall as one of the most dangerous weapons in Texas high school football and a surefire candidate for All-State honors. His ability to take over games, combined with his leadership and competitive drive, will make him a player to watch on Friday nights.
Meanwhile, Texas fans can breathe a sigh of relief. One of their prized commitments is locked in, and the offensive future looks a little brighter. Stewart’s decision gives the Longhorns another recruiting win at a time when momentum is crucial. As the SEC transition looms and competition intensifies, keeping elite in-state players is essential—not only for roster strength but for maintaining a stronghold in the fertile Texas recruiting landscape.
There’s still work to do for the 2026 class, but with players like Chris Stewart leading the way, Texas has every reason to feel confident about where things are heading. Stewart’s loyalty, talent, and enthusiasm make him not just a valuable football player, but a cultural cornerstone for a program seeking sustained excellence.
His journey through the recruiting process was filled with twists, temptations, and a flood of attention from across the country. But in the end, Chris Stewart chose what felt right from the beginning. He chose family. He chose fit. He chose Texas. And now, with the noise behind him and the path ahead clear, he’s ready to take the next step—not as a prospect still weighing options, but as a Longhorn through and through.
