Breaking News: Five-Star WR Zion Booker Decommits from Western Carolina, Chooses Texas Longhorns Over Tennessee and Clemson
In a shocking move that has sent waves through the college football recruiting world, five-star wide receiver Zion Booker has decommitted from Western Carolina and committed to the University of Texas. Booker, one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2025 class, made the announcement after considering multiple prestigious programs, including Tennessee and Clemson.
The decision comes as a surprise to many, as Booker had originally pledged to Western Carolina, a program known for producing under-the-radar talent. However, as his recruitment skyrocketed due to his impressive performances in high school, the offers from larger, more competitive programs started to pour in. Texas, Tennessee, and Clemson, all of which had heavily recruited Booker, found themselves vying for his services in the final stages of his recruitment process.
Booker, a 6’2″, 190-pound wide receiver, is known for his rare combination of size, speed, and route-running ability. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to stretch the field have made him a top target for coaches at the highest levels of college football. Many scouts view him as a future star at the next level, capable of contributing early in his college career.
For Texas, securing Booker is a massive win in their recruiting efforts, as the Longhorns continue to position themselves as one of the premier programs in college football. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have worked tirelessly to strengthen Texas’ recruiting class, and adding Booker provides a significant boost to an already talented group of incoming players. Booker’s commitment further solidifies Texas’ reputation for attracting elite skill position players and gives them a dynamic weapon in their future offensive schemes.
Tennessee and Clemson, who were also heavily in the mix for Booker’s commitment, are undoubtedly disappointed by his decision but will likely continue to pursue other top-tier prospects to fill their wide receiver needs. Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has built a high-powered offense that could have complemented Booker’s skill set, while Clemson, under Dabo Swinney, has traditionally been one of the nation’s top programs for developing wide receivers.
The decision is also a significant blow for Western Carolina, which had held out hope that Booker would stay committed to the program and help elevate them to new heights. While Western Carolina has a history of developing talented players, Booker’s decommitment is a reminder of how difficult it can be for smaller programs to retain top-tier talent once it attracts the attention of major programs.
For Booker, the decision to choose Texas over Tennessee and Clemson was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the opportunity to compete at a higher level in the Big 12 and the chance to showcase his talents on a larger stage. Additionally, Texas’ coaching staff, facilities, and overall program stability may have been key factors in his decision-making process.
As the signing day approaches, all eyes will be on Booker as he prepares to make his final official visit to Austin and begin his journey as a member of the Texas Longhorns. This commitment is a game-changer for Texas and has set the stage for a thrilling recruiting cycle leading up to the 2025 season.
