Texas is going all-in for 2025, with over $40 million projected in roster spending—more than any other program. Moreover, the Texas One Fund alone is set to contribute $22 M, leading the nation in NIL backing. Following that, after opening at No. 14 in the 2026 class rankings, the Longhorns surged to No. 4 this week by landing 5-star LB Tyler Atkinson and flipping 4-star DL James Johnson from Georgia. So, with momentum and money on their side, Texas is heating up fast. Still, it’s not all smooth sailing for Steve Sarkisian.

The Longhorns were one of the favorites to land the nation’s No. 1 cornerback of the 2026 class until this Monday. When talking about his recruitment, the 6-0, 187-pound CB did include Sarkisian’s program in his final five. Per Hayes Fawcett of On3, Benjamin is down to Texas, Oregon, North Carolina, Washington, and Michigan before finally announcing his commitment on August 2. However, there are only two programs that actually stand out for the elite cornerback.

When asked which schools are leading, Davon Benjamin Jr. didn’t hesitate: “I’d say Michigan and Oregon,” he told On3. And his praise for the Wolverines ran deep. “Michigan, I’d say, just the fact that who they are, they’re going to preach that to you every day, it’s going to show up in their work,” he said. But what stands out most? The people. “I love the fact that Michigan has great people in the building,” added Benjamin. “A new head coach, great dude, and he obviously cares for this football stuff. But at the end of the day, he’s going to make sure you’re taken care of off the field.” And it is not just football and a great program that Benjamin has high praise for.

“You can walk around with that Michigan degree anywhere in life and be successful with it,” he said. “So, really, I love the care that they’ve got on and off the field,” Davon added. The Wolverines’ winning tradition, daily grind, and relentless drive stood out. “It isn’t a cakewalk… every day you got to grind.” However, since Michigan clearly lacks coaching stability, the Ducks are another program Davon highly values.

“I can see myself enjoying really just being there,” he told On3. “For me, it’s a place with no distractions,” he said. “A place where you can be yourself off the field, have great people around you that’s going to push you every day at practice.” However, what really gives Oregon an edge? Trust and familiarity. “The coaching stability up there,” added Benjamin. “It’s been the same people I’ve been talking to ever since my freshman year.” So while the Ducks may fly under the radar for some, they’re soaring near the top of his list.

And yes, the Longhorns are not leading the race right now, but Benjamin still had high praise for Sarkisian’s program. “Texas, I enjoyed them,” he said. Per the versatile CB, to be a Longhorn, one has to carry the SEC mindset. “It’s a simple standard that they go about, and they say you have to bring that work every day,” Davon concluded.

Now, with his announcement barely ten days away, who do you think will win the recruiting battle between Oregon and Michigan, or the Longhorns still stand a chance?