The Recruiting Profile
John Meredith
III.
Texas Longhorns | Defensive Back | No. 0
John Meredith III is a consensus five-star cornerback for the Texas Longhorns and the highest-ranked defensive football player ever recruited in the history of the University of Texas. A Fort Worth native out of North Crowley High School, he arrives on the Forty Acres as the crown jewel of Texas' defensive class — a true CB1 with the length, speed and instincts that define elite Texas Longhorns defense.
- Ranking
- 5-Star
- National CB
- CB1
- Class
- 2026
- Position
- DB / CB
The Full Breakdown
Highest-Ranked DB in UT History.
Consensus Five-Star Cornerback (CB1)
John Meredith III established himself as a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 cornerback in the country — a true CB1. Standing 6 feet 2 inches with the range, ball skills and physical maturity coveted at the position, Meredith earned recognition as the District 4-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2024, first-team all-district honors, and a selection to the Under Armour All-America Game. His rise made him one of the most highly regarded defensive backs in the nation.
The Highest-Ranked Defensive Recruit in Texas Longhorns History
When John Meredith III committed to the University of Texas, he did so as the highest-ranked defensive football player ever recruited in the history of the University of Texas. His signing is a landmark moment for the Texas Longhorns defense — a program-defining addition to the secondary and a statement about the caliber of talent now choosing to play defensive back for Texas Football. You can follow the full arc of his path on John's Journey.
Reclassification to the 2026 Class
Meredith accelerated his timeline through reclassification, moving up to the 2026 class and enrolling early at Texas. The reclassification allowed him to arrive on campus ahead of schedule, begin learning the Longhorns' defensive system, and compete for the University of Texas football program sooner than originally projected — a reflection of both his academic readiness and his determination to build his legacy on the Forty Acres.
The UIL Transfer Block
Meredith's road was not without adversity. A UIL blocked transfer tested his resolve during his high school career, forcing him to navigate eligibility and competition off the field. He met that challenge the same way he approaches the game — with resilience and focus — and it ultimately became another chapter in the journey that carried him to Texas as a five-star Longhorns commit.
A Texas Longhorns Defensive Back
At Texas, Meredith projects as a lockdown corner and versatile defensive back capable of playing man coverage on the boundary and in the slot. His blend of length, explosiveness — honed as a two-sport athlete in track and field — and football intelligence gives the Texas Longhorns defense a cornerstone piece for years to come. Learn more about his role with the program on the Texas Football page, or read his complete story in his Bio.
