Four-Star Edge Luke Waffle’s Visit to Texas: What to Expect
The Texas Longhorns continue to assert themselves as a powerhouse on the recruiting trail, and their next big opportunity comes with the upcoming visit of four-star edge rusher Luke Waffle. As one of the top edge defenders in the 2025 recruiting class, Waffle’s visit to Austin is highly anticipated and could carry significant implications for both Texas and the national recruiting landscape.
Luke Waffle, currently ranked as a four-star edge rusher by multiple recruiting services, has become one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the 2025 cycle. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 240 pounds, Waffle brings a combination of length, speed, and football IQ that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His explosive first step and relentless motor have drawn comparisons to some of college football’s most disruptive pass rushers.
Hailing from the Southeast, Waffle has garnered interest from nearly every top-tier program in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Ohio State. However, Texas has positioned itself as a legitimate contender for his commitment, and this visit could play a critical role in shaping his final decision.
Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have made significant strides in recruiting elite defensive talent, particularly on the defensive line. The combination of strong coaching, elite facilities, and a program on the rise in the SEC makes Texas a compelling option for any top recruit.
Waffle is particularly intrigued by the defensive scheme being implemented by defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. Texas’s hybrid front gives edge defenders like Waffle the freedom to attack quarterbacks while also showcasing versatility in coverage and run support. The system is designed to maximize the skill sets of explosive edge rushers, and Waffle could be a perfect fit.
This visit to Texas will be more than just a tour of the campus—it will be a crucial step in Waffle’s decision-making process. Here are a few things he’s expected to evaluate during his time in Austin:
1. Coaching Staff Relationships: Developing trust and rapport with the coaching staff will be essential. Waffle has spoken highly of his early interactions with Kwiatkowski and Sarkisian, and this visit will allow him to deepen those relationships.
2. Player Development: Texas’s recent success in sending defensive linemen to the NFL will be a major factor. Waffle wants to see how the staff develops talent and how they plan to prepare him for the next level.
3. Campus and Culture Fit: As with any top recruit, comfort off the field is just as important as success on it. Waffle will be gauging the locker room atmosphere, academic support, and overall vibe of the university.
4. Immediate Impact Opportunity: Waffle is expected to be an early contributor wherever he lands. Texas’s current edge depth and opportunity for playing time in the SEC could be a persuasive factor.
Texas enters the summer with strong momentum on the recruiting trail. After securing commitments from several other top-tier defensive recruits, the Longhorns are building what could be one of the best defensive classes in the nation. Adding a player like Waffle would solidify their standing as a top-5 recruiting program in 2025 and help lay the foundation for an SEC title run in the coming years.
While Texas is a serious contender, Waffle’s recruitment is far from a one-horse race. Georgia, Alabama, and LSU remain strong players, each offering elite development and winning traditions. Waffle has plans to visit several of these schools before making a final decision, and the race is expected to go deep into the fall.
Following his visit to Texas, Waffle is expected to trim his list and begin official visits. A commitment timeline hasn’t been set, but many insiders believe a decision could come before his senior season begins.
For now, Texas has a golden opportunity to impress one of the top defensive prospects in the country. If Sarkisian and company can make the right impression, they could take a major step toward landing a program-changing talent in Luke Waffle.
