Three-star edge rusher RJ Hudson from Varina High School in Richmond, Virginia, committed to the Texas Longhorns on Monday, becoming the program’s first linebacker pledge in the 2027 class.
Hudson, listed at 6-foot-2 and between 205 and 215 pounds, made the decision after an official visit to Austin over the weekend. The Longhorns hosted Ole Miss during that trip, and the atmosphere left an impression on the prospect.
The commitment adds a productive high school defender to a Texas class that has drawn national attention. Recruiting services project Hudson as a versatile piece who can contribute on the edge or at linebacker.
As a junior in 2025, Hudson recorded 45 tackles and 13 sacks for Varina. He also forced two fumbles, recovered two more, broke up two passes and returned an interception for a touchdown. Those numbers helped the team reach a Virginia state championship game.
Rankings place him as a solid three-star prospect. Rivals lists him around the No. 509-511 overall spot nationally, the No. 42 linebacker and the No. 15 player in Virginia. Earlier 247Sports composite marks had him in a similar range as an edge rusher.
Hudson first committed to Clemson on June 19 after an official visit there. He had also visited Maryland and held offers from programs including Penn State, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Texas extended its offer in mid-September.
On Oct. 9, Hudson decommitted from the Tigers and scheduled the Texas visit as his only remaining trip. The Longhorns had no linebackers in the 2027 class at the time and had already secured several edge prospects.
Hudson told reporters after the visit that the trip sealed his choice.
“It is Texas — everything is bigger, and the state is set to do big things. I like that,” he said. He also noted the program’s tradition of developing standout players.
Texas defensive staffers have viewed him as an outside linebacker type who tracks plays well and shoots gaps. His speed, which once drew track interest, fits the scheme’s emphasis on pursuit.
The addition comes as Texas continues building one of the stronger 2027 classes nationally. The Longhorns sit near the top of several rankings and have emphasized defensive depth under their current staff.
Clemson had counted on Hudson as one of three linebacker commits alongside higher-rated prospects. His departure marks the second decommitment from that class after an earlier safety left.
Hudson’s high school production stands out for a player his size. Multiple scouting reports highlight his acceleration off the edge and ability to create negative plays consistently.
He joins a Texas group that already includes four-star edge commitments. The program’s recent on-field success has helped it compete for out-of-state talent across positions.
Recruiting analysts described the process as a late push by Texas after Hudson’s initial Clemson pledge. The official visit and game-day experience proved decisive.
Hudson’s move shifts him from the ACC to the SEC. He becomes an early piece for Texas’ linebacker room heading into the 2027 cycle.
