5-Star Safety Zelus Hicks Commits to Texas over Georgia, Ohio State, USC

5-star safety Zelus Hicks committed to Texas on Thursday, per Hayes Fawcett of On3.com.

"Just the beginning," Hicks said, via Fawcett.

The Georgia native is considered the No. 3 safety and No. 25 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports' Composite rankings. Hicks also received offers from schools such as Ohio State, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, LSU and USC.

At 6'2" and 190 pounds, Hicks is able to use his size to remain productive as a run defender while showcasing the ability to blitz opposing quarterbacks.

During his sophomore season at Parkview High School in 2023, he recorded 67 tackles as well as 5.5 tackles for loss (h/t Hudson Standish of 247Sports). Hicks also racked up two sacks and two forced fumbles.

His decision to join the Longhorns wasn't a complete shock, as he's made multiple visits to the school since April. Hicks discussed the message he received from head coach Steve Sarkisian after meeting with him in June.

"[Steve Sarkisian's] message was he really likes me, he really likes my character as a person, and he likes that I've got a good family foundation," he said, via Joe Cook of On3.com. "Those were the main things he was pressing on me."

Hicks is the third member of the Longhorns' incoming 2026 class, which ranks No. 7 in the country (per 247Sports). He's joining quarterback Dia Bell and wide receiver Chris Stewart in the class, as both players previously committed to the school in June.

Meanwhile, Texas' first season in the SEC is off to a strong start. The Longhorns are 2-0, recently defeating Michigan by the final score of 31-12 on Saturday.