Houston Recruits Heading to Texas State: Next Level with Jeff Power

The Pac-12 move changed the math for Texas State recruiting. With a higher-profile conference affiliation and a head coach in G.J. Kinne who grew up in Texas and understands the talent pipeline this state produces, the Bobcats are pulling commitments from Houston that would have been harder to land just a few years ago.

Jeff Power breaks down five Houston-area prospects committed to Texas State for 2027. Atascocita receiver Brian Manuel, who can also play in the defensive backfield, chose the Bobcats over Iowa State, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh. Westfield defensive lineman Antonio Underwood is a physical presence with strong hands who previously played linebacker and tight end before moving to the line — his head coach Dez Black calls him a gifted athlete still growing into the position. Underwood turned down several Big 12 offers.

Cy Falls two-way player Liam Madkins brings speed and route-running ability on both sides of the ball, picking Texas State over Memphis, Houston, and Baylor. Iowa Colony's Charles Egbo is a 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive lineman with a seven-foot wingspan and a 5.7 GPA, choosing the Bobcats over TCU and UH. And George Ranch receiver Ellison Collins IV — a two-time First Team All-District selection who runs the 100 meters in 10.8 seconds — committed to Texas State over all three major service academies.

It is a deep and diverse group from across the greater Houston area, and a sign that Kinne's recruiting reach in the Bayou City is growing.