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RECRUIT SCOOP: Maybe Creek LB Okpala previews upcoming official visits
Class of 2026 four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala has cemented himself as one of the top prospects in the state of Texas — and nationally — after bursting onto the scene just over a year ago.
Now entering a critical stretch of his recruiting journey, the Mayde Creek standout holds over 30 Division I offers and has lined up an impressive list of official visits as summer approaches.
Okpala’s upcoming schedule includes:
- Penn State – May 30
- Houston – June 1
- Baylor – June 13
- Texas – June 20
One of the most sought-after defenders in the Class of 2026, linebacker Kosi Okpala is locking in official visits ahead of a highly anticipated summer commitment. With a decision expected in July, the four-star prospect is set to visit several major programs, each offering a unique path to the next level.
PENN STATE
Penn State has long been known for producing elite linebackers, from Micah Parsons to projected 2025 NFL first-rounder Abdul Carter. For Okpala, that history of development is a major draw.
“Penn State always brings out the best in their players,” Okpala said. “They’ve developed a lot of guys who play a similar style to me. I feel like I can grow a lot there and reach my goal of playing in the NFL.”
HOUSTON
The Cougars already hold a commitment from five-star QB Keisean Henderson, and landing Okpala would give new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong a game-changer on the other side of the ball.
“I set up the visit with Houston because it’s close to home and I’ve been there a lot over the past year,” he said. “I like Coach Armstrong, Coach Fritz, and what they’re doing with the 2026 class. I think they’re building something special.”
BAYLOR
Fresh off a strong 2025 class, Baylor has made Okpala a top priority. The bond he’s formed with Coach Aranda and Coach Chaney has made an impact.
“Coach Aranda is a legendary linebacker coach, and Coach Chaney is a player’s coach. You can tell he really cares about his guys,” he said. “It’s a great system for linebackers because of how versatile the defense is.”
TEXAS
The Longhorns have turned up the heat on Okpala since offering him last spring, and the visits to Austin have only fueled his interest.
“Texas has a great culture,” he said. “Everyone there—players and coaches—are elite. Competition breeds greatness, and you get that at a place like Texas. I’ve built a good relationship with Coach Nansen and the staff. They show a lot of love.”
With multiple visits locked in and a clear focus on development and culture, Kosi Okpala’s recruitment will be one to watch this summer as programs make their final pitch for the dynamic defender.
LATE TO THE PARTY: Mayde Creek’s Haastrup new to recruiting scene
Every year there always seems to be one prospect in the city of Houston who bursts onto the recruiting scene, late to the party.
This year, look no further than Mayde Creek’s Tobi Haastrup -- a 2025 DE who has picked up 21 offers in the past month -- and went from unknown to a 4-Star national recruit overnight.
How did he get here?
...
Haastrup’s journey to football is more unique than most, starting with living ‘across the pond’ in London.
“I lived in London for nine years and the main sports over their were futbol and and track, so that’s what I played when I moved over to the US," he said. "I really was trying to get a track scholarship originally, but realized if you’re not running a 10.1 or 10.2, there aren’t many schools offering you for track.”
After some convincing from some coaches, Haastrup traded in his spikes for cleats.
“The football coaches came up to me over the offseason and convinced me to give football a shot," he said. "They told me I had the size and the speed, so I decided to give it a shot for my senior year.
“I went to SAC (speed and strength) camp all summer and trained non-stop. I really knew nothing about what I was doing other than getting off the ball, because it was similar to getting a good start out of the blocks in track.”
Many people who have only been playing football for three months might struggle or have a slow start, but Haastrup introduced himself to Texas High School football was a bang.
In his first game playing the sport, Haastrup finished the game with four sacks, seven tackles and two QB pressures, a stat line that even many high-level 5-star prospects might not eclipse in their high school careers.
“Before the first game I really was just leaving it up to God, praying for the confidence in myself to go out there and apply what I had learned so far,” he said.
After that first game stat line, Haastrup got his first taste of the recruiting process picking up 21 offers from some big-time Power 4 programs overnight.
“I always thought that I would get a scholarship to run track, so whenever they started to come in for football I just had to thank God. None of this would be possible without him.”
Haastrup will have a big decision coming around signing day and will be visiting LSU, Boston College, Missouri, Ole Miss and Florida State in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned.