BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star WR Luther Burden III Decommits from Missouri, Flips Commitment to Texas Longhorns Over Penn State and Tennessee
In a shocking development, 5-star wide receiver Luther Burden III has officially decommitted from the University of Missouri and flipped his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. Burden, who had been committed to Mizzou for nearly a year, cited the appeal of Texas’ storied football program and the potential for a national championship as key reasons for his decision. The move has sent ripples through the college football landscape, as Burden had been one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2025 class.
Burden, a dynamic playmaker from East St. Louis, Illinois, had been a major target for several top-tier programs, and his recruitment had been closely followed by fans, analysts, and coaches alike. His decision to initially commit to Missouri was seen as a significant victory for the Tigers, as he had grown up as a fan of the team. However, after weighing his options and evaluating what other schools had to offer, Burden ultimately chose to make the change, flipping his commitment in favor of the Texas Longhorns.
Texas, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, has been building a formidable program with national championship aspirations. The Longhorns are in the midst of a resurgence, highlighted by a strong recruiting class and a competitive performance in the Big 12. With Burden’s commitment, Texas gains one of the top wide receivers in the nation, bolstering an already impressive offense.
Burden’s decision also came after strong recruitment efforts from other schools, particularly Penn State and Tennessee. Both programs were believed to be in the mix for his services, with Penn State offering a strong tradition and a solid track record of developing wide receivers, while Tennessee’s up-tempo offense and high-scoring attack made it an appealing destination. However, it was Texas’ combination of recent success, coaching staff, and the chance to play for a national title that ultimately swayed Burden.
In a statement, Burden expressed his gratitude for Missouri and its coaching staff, acknowledging their efforts in recruiting him but explaining that he felt Texas was the best place for him to achieve his goals. “I want to thank Coach Drinkwitz and the entire Missouri staff for everything they’ve done for me. Missouri will always have a special place in my heart, but after careful consideration, I believe Texas is the right place for me to develop as a player and compete at the highest level,” Burden said.
Burden’s commitment to Texas is a huge win for the Longhorns as they continue to position themselves as a top contender on the national stage. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver is known for his exceptional speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability, making him a valuable addition to any offense. Texas is expected to use Burden’s talents to add a dynamic element to their passing game, potentially unlocking more scoring opportunities.
For Missouri, the loss of Burden is a significant setback, but the Tigers will now turn their attention to future recruiting efforts to fill the void left by the decommitment. The departure of a top recruit like Burden is never easy, but Missouri remains optimistic about its future and will continue working to build a competitive program. As for Burden, his journey to Texas has officially begun, and all eyes will be on the talented receiver as he looks to make an immediate impact in Austin.