Five-Star Plus+ cornerback John Meredith was the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2027 cycle, but the Texas commit shocked the recruiting world on Thursday.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian announced at SEC Media Days that Meredith has reclassified up to the 2026 cycle, will enroll early in Austin and will play for the Longhorns this fall. This comes after Meredith was ruled ineligible by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) after transferring to North Crowley ahead of what would’ve been his senior season this fall.
“I’m more than ready,” Meredith told Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett, confirming the news. “Looking forward to getting to campus and am ready to compete.”
Texas beat out Texas A&M for Meredith’s commitment last month. Just over a month after making his college decision, the elite defensive back is now making the quick shift to the college rankings.
“He provides great length, great speed, tremendous man-to-man ability. Very confident, very aggressive. All the attributes you want in a defensive back,” Sarkisian said of Meredith on Thursday.
Meredith slots in at No. 32 overall in the 2026 Rivals300, keeping five-star status. He also ranks as the No. 4 cornerback and No. 4 player in the Lone Star State in his new cycle.
This story will be updated.
