Texas football is mere hours away from one of its biggest games of the 2023 season. Before the No. 11 Longhorns kickoff against the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, though, burnt-orange fans across the country can calm their nerves by basking in some positive news on the recruiting front.

Brandon Baker, arguably the top senior offensive tackle prospect in football, could be giving Texas some extra consideration as his September 24th commitment date looms.

“I think this thing comes down two final two. When he's sitting at the dinner table with his family, Texas is gonna be in that final two. The question is, is it gonna be Oregon as many expect, or could it be Ohio State,” On3 senior recruiting analyst Gerry Hamilton reported on Thursday. “I still think this one is trending towards a Texas-Oregon decision from everything I hear, but I'm not gonna count Ohio State out.”

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Baker currently attends prep football powerhouse Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California. At 6'5, 285 pounds, Baker is a gifted athlete with quick feet and impressive overall dexterity. He combines that natural athleticism with a mean streak used to overpower defenders in the run game.

Could Baker be a fixture on Texas' offensive line in the future, perhaps protecting star freshman quarterback Arch Manning once he takes the reins under center? It seems increasingly likely. With programs like Oregon and Ohio State still firmly in the mix, though, Baker remains far from a surefire get for the Longhorns.

“I think Texas continues to receive some positive feedback there,” Hamilton said, “but this is a long way from over.”