4-star Pleasant Grove DE Lance Jackson commits to Texas

Pleasant Grove High School (Texarkana) 2025 defensive end Lance Jackson attended the Longhorns’ annual Junior Day on Saturday along with a number of the state’s top prospects. The 6-5, 245 lb. standout for the Hawks held an offer from Steve Sarkisian and Texas since April, as well as offers from programs including Tennessee, Alabama, Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Arkansas and more.

The Arkansas Razorbacks were thought to be the team to beat in Jackson’s recruitment as his brother Landon is a second-team All-SEC defensive end for Sam Pittman’s Hogs. The Longhorns received good news relative to his recruitment on Sunday when he announced his commitment to Texas via social media.

The coaching staff and their ability to develop players were pivotal factors in Jackson’s decision to chose the Longhorns over other programs that offered him, he told Hayes Fawcett of On3.

“I just know they will get me to my full potential. I love the way coach PK and coach Sark coach. Also, I think PK is just a good dude. When my brother was getting recruited by him when he was at Washington it was one of his favorite recruiters as well. I love the town of Austin and just know it’s where I want to be.”

Josh Gibson, athletic director and head coach at Pleasant Grove High School told HornSports that the Longhorns are getting a leader and an impact player on and off the field.

“Texas just landed the jewel of their ‘25 signing class in Lance Jackson. He’s one of the ELITE talents in the country, but what makes him special is that HE IS the total package. He shines on and off the field. Lance is an excellent student that teachers love to have in their classroom,” said Gibson. 

“He’s our captain and leader in football because he sets the standard for his teammates.  He possesses one of the strongest work ethics of any athlete that I’ve coached.  Not many reach their full potential, but Lance will because of his grit and determination. His brother (Landon) is a two year captain at Arkansas.  They are cut from the same cloth. I believe Lance will have the same IMPACT for UT,” Gibson continued.

Jackson is rated a consensus 4-star recruit, the ninth best defensive lineman in the state and the 18th best player in Texas according to the 247Sports Composite Player Rankings.

He becomes the fifth commit and second defensive lineman commit in the Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class, joining Brandon Brown (DL – Melbourne, FL), KJ Lacey (QB – Saraland, FL), Emaree Winston (TE – Calhoun, GA) and Anthony Williams (LB – Pearland, TX).