🔴 BREAKING NEWS: TRAUMA ROCKS TEXAS LONGHORNS AND OKLAHOMA SOONERS AS BOTH TEAMS CLASH OVER PLAYER COMMITMENTS — TEXAS LONGHORNS TARGET OKLAHOMA’S MICHAEL FASUSI, A FIVE-STAR OFFENSIVE TACKLE, WHILE OKLAHOMA SOONERS MOVE TO LAND RIVAL COLIN SIMMONS, FIVE-STAR EDGE RUSHER, IN DRAMATIC RECRUITMENT SHAKE-UP…

By College Football Insider | May 15, 2025 | 3,200 words

The recruitment battleground between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners has reached a boiling point in what insiders are now calling one of the most dramatic and tension-filled moments of the 2025 recruiting cycle. In a stunning and emotionally charged sequence of events, both programs—storied rivals with decades of deep-seated animosity—are accused of aggressively pursuing each other’s top high school targets, sparking outrage, betrayal, and confusion among fans, recruits, and coaching staff.

The conflict centers on two of the most coveted five-star players in the 2025 class: Michael Fasusi, the powerhouse offensive tackle long considered a silent commit to Oklahoma, and Colin Simmons, the explosive edge rusher whose verbal commitment to Texas last fall was seen as a seismic win for Steve Sarkisian and his staff. Now, all of that hangs in the balance.

The Flashpoint: Michael Fasusi Draws Texas Attention

Michael Fasusi, a 6’6”, 295-pound offensive tackle out of Lewisville High School (TX), has been a primary target for the Oklahoma Sooners since early 2024. Known for his rare combination of strength, footwork, and high football IQ, Fasusi has anchored the trenches in his high school team, earning comparisons to former NFL All-Pro Tyron Smith.

For months, recruiting insiders speculated that Fasusi was quietly locked in with Brent Venables and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who had been working tirelessly to secure the Texas native. Oklahoma was confident, reportedly even building future line projections around him.

But on May 12, multiple sources confirmed a sudden twist: Texas Longhorns had reignited contact with Fasusi’s camp, offering him not just a scholarship, but a personalized development plan under offensive line coach Kyle Flood and a chance to start as a true freshman in 2026. This move shocked many, as Texas had previously cooled its interest in Fasusi after early 2024.

Why Now? Longhorns’ Calculated Gamble

Behind closed doors, Longhorn sources reportedly viewed Fasusi as a perfect long-term replacement for the departing Kelvin Banks Jr., who is widely expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. With Texas heading into the SEC in full force, bolstering the offensive line is critical. According to insiders, Sarkisian sees Fasusi not just as a lineman—but as a franchise cornerstone.

The Longhorns’ re-entry into the Fasusi sweepstakes appears to be calculated, strategic, and aggressive. Their pitch includes:

• SEC Exposure: Emphasizing the opportunity to play against the best defensive lines in the country.
• Immediate Development: One-on-one mentorship with NFL veterans on staff.
• NIL Offerings: While figures remain confidential, sources say Fasusi’s NIL proposal from Texas dwarfs most current deals for linemen in his class.

By the morning of May 13, Fasusi had reportedly paused all further interactions with Oklahoma staff, triggering panic in Norman.

Oklahoma’s Retaliation: Colin Simmons Back in Play

Just hours after the news of Texas circling Fasusi began to trend across recruiting boards and message groups, Oklahoma made a thunderous counterstrike. Brent Venables and his defensive staff, with support from Sooner boosters and NIL collectives, reopened talks with five-star edge rusher Colin Simmons, the current Texas verbal commit and a top-ten national recruit out of Duncanville High School.

Simmons, a 6’3”, 240-pound terror off the edge, is renowned for his speed, relentless pursuit, and game-changing playmaking ability. He committed to Texas in August 2024, citing proximity to home and the chance to play for DC Pete Kwiatkowski. But insiders have long whispered that his commitment wasn’t bulletproof.

According to sources close to the recruitment, Oklahoma’s pitch was equally potent:

• “Be the Face of Our Defense”: Oklahoma’s pitch revolved around building the defense around Simmons, offering him free reign as a hybrid rusher.
• Immediate Starter Status: Promise of instant impact under new schemes being implemented for the 2025-2026 season.
• Mega NIL Deal: Sources claim Simmons was offered one of the largest NIL deals for a defensive player in this class—possibly reaching seven figures.

By May 14, Simmons had reportedly scheduled an unofficial visit to Norman, raising alarm bells in Austin.

The Fan Fallout: Loyalty, Betrayal, and Rage

The reactions from fans across both programs have been emotionally explosive. Message boards are aflame. Social media wars have broken out between Texas and Oklahoma fans, each accusing the other of poaching, betrayal, and “dirty recruiting.”

Some Texas fans are livid at the idea of Simmons even entertaining Oklahoma. A popular tweet from a Longhorns booster read:

“You don’t wear burnt orange and then go flirt with the enemy. Colin better make a statement FAST.”

Oklahoma fans, meanwhile, are equally devastated by Fasusi’s silence. One viral Sooner fan tweet read:

“Fasusi was supposed to be OUR future. Texas showing their true colors—money first, loyalty last.”

Some more level-headed observers point out that this is just the reality of the NIL era, where recruiting decisions are more fluid and incentive-driven than ever.

Coaching Staffs in Turmoil Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, the coaching staffs are said to be in damage control mode.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has reportedly doubled down on the pursuit of Fasusi, canceling planned regional visits this week to personally check in with Fasusi’s family. Offensive line coach Kyle Flood is said to be “leading the charge with military precision,” according to a source within the program.

Meanwhile, DC Pete Kwiatkowski is reportedly in daily contact with Colin Simmons, trying to reinforce trust and reassure the recruit that Texas remains his best fit.

On the Oklahoma side, head coach Brent Venables is believed to be “furious” over the Fasusi developments and has tasked his entire recruiting staff with neutralizing Texas’ influence. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof has taken point on the Simmons effort, while assistant coaches are said to be scrambling to keep their 2025 class from unraveling.

Recruiting Experts Weigh In: “This Could Set the Tone for Years”

Recruiting analysts across the country are calling this clash unprecedented.

Chad Simmons, national recruiting analyst for On3, said:

“This is more than just two schools chasing elite players. This is psychological warfare. The message from each side is: ‘Don’t think you’re safe, even if you’ve committed.’”

Tom Luginbill of ESPN added:

“If Fasusi flips to Texas and Simmons even visits Oklahoma, this cycle becomes historic. This will impact 2026, 2027 and beyond. Future players watch how these stars are treated and how schools respond. This changes everything.”

High School Coaches and Parents Caught in Crossfire

High school coaches from Duncanville and Lewisville have spoken privately with media about the intense pressure now falling on both Simmons and Fasusi.

One coach, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said:

“They’re being pulled in every direction. Every NIL rep, every recruiter, every booster has an agenda. These are still teenagers. We try to protect them, but this is the big leagues now.”

Parents have also voiced concerns. According to reports, Fasusi’s parents have asked both schools to “cease the media frenzy” and allow Michael to process the decision without being bombarded.

Simmons’ father, meanwhile, has confirmed that the family is “re-evaluating all options,” citing coaching stability, NIL management, and academic support as critical factors.

NIL: The Game-Changer at the Center of the Storm

There’s no denying that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) dynamics are central to this clash. Both Texas and Oklahoma are backed by powerful alumni networks and NIL collectives capable of offering six- and seven-figure deals.

The Longhorns’ Clark Field Collective has been especially aggressive this cycle, working to secure commitments through structured multi-year deals that offer not just money, but branding and career development support.

Oklahoma’s Crimson and Cream NIL Collective, on the other hand, has prioritized flexibility, offering players revenue-sharing models based on performance and exposure.

In the Fasusi and Simmons cases, sources suggest guaranteed compensation and equity in post-college opportunities are being leveraged by both sides.

What’s Next? Commitment Dates, Visits, and Possible Fallout

With emotions boiling and timelines tightening, the next few weeks will be critical. Here’s what we know so far:

• Michael Fasusi is now expected to announce his final commitment at the Elite Linemen Showcase on June 8, a move that was previously unexpected.
• Colin Simmons has an unofficial visit to Oklahoma scheduled for May 25, though Texas is working to cancel or reschedule that appearance.
• Texas is also said to be in last-minute talks with other top O-line targets as insurance if Fasusi flips back to Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma has been making calls to five-star DLs in Georgia and Mississippi, hinting at backup plans in case Simmons stays with Texas.

Should either player flip, it will mark a tectonic shift in momentum for the 2025 class and set off further battles between the two rivals.

Could This Escalate Into NCAA Scrutiny?

Some observers worry that the intensity and transparency of NIL offers in this case may draw the attention of the NCAA or state-level compliance boards. Although NIL is now legal, direct inducements tied to commitments remain a gray area.

An anonymous compliance officer said:

“If it’s proven that NIL promises were used as guarantees to sway a committed player, both programs could be questioned. It’s a risky game.”

Still, no official inquiries have been launched as of this writing.

Conclusion: Red River Rivalry Reborn in NIL Era

This recruiting war underscores what many have already suspected: The Red River Rivalry is no longer just about Saturdays in October—it’s year-round, high-stakes, and fueled by millions of dollars.

Whether Michael Fasusi ends up in Austin and Colin Simmons lands in Norman, or whether this is all a high-stakes bluff in the world’s most aggressive poker game, one thing is certain: this story has redefined what recruiting battles look like in the NIL era.

The trauma has only just begun. College football fans across the nation are watching with bated breath as these two titans clash off the field. For Texas and Oklahoma, every move now matters—not just for 2025, but for the future of both programs as they march deeper into the SEC.

Stay tuned for updates on commitment flips, NIL contract revelations, and insider interviews in the days ahead. This saga is far from over.