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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.
HOT 100: VYPE'S Top 100 H-Town Prospects In The Class 2026
After breaking down film, attending 7 on 7 events, talking with coaches and evaluating previous performances, VYPE Media breaks down the city of Houston's Top 100 prospects for the Class of 2026.
From Galveston to Katy and North Shore to Willis, here are the Who's Who of seniors-to-be as they enter Spring football. The rankings will fluctuate over the summer and fall, but here is the LIST!
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VYPE'S HOT 100 HOUSTON RECRUITS
No. 1 - Keisean Henderson, Legacy SS, Quarterback, Houston-Commit
No. 2 - Jermaine Bishop Jr., Willis, Athlete
No. 3 - Paris Melvin Jr., Cy Springs, Athlete
No. 4 - Chace Calicut, North Shore, Defensive Back
No. 5 - Chris Stewart, Shadow Creek, Wide Receiver, Texas-Commit
No. 6 - Cardae Mack, Atascocita, Running Back
No. 7 - Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu, Katy Jordan, Defensive End
No. 8 - Jayden Warren, Iowa Colony, Wide Receiver
No. 9 - Xavier Harmon, Conroe, Defensive Back
No. 10 - Kosi Okpala, Mayde Creek, Linebacker
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No. 11 - Avery Morcho, Ridge Point, Offensive Lineman
No. 12 - James Scott, Oak Ridge, Wide Receiver
No. 13 - Calvin Thomas, Cy Ranch, Linebacker
No. 14 - Isaiah Williams, Fort Bend Marshall, Defensive Back
No. 15 - Jack Daulton, The Woodlands, Quarterback, TCU-Commit
No. 16 - Michael Brown, Legacy SS, Wide Receiver
No. 17. - Noriel Dominguez, Randle, Linebacker
No. 17 - Joseph Credit, Pearland, Linebacker
No. 18 - Hugh Smith, Ridge Point, Offensive Lineman
No. 20 - Romin Seymour, Ridge Point, Quarterback
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No. 21 - Day’jon Moore, Willis, Offensive Lineman
No. 22 - Daryl Campbell, Paetow, Defensive Lineman
No. 23 - Nicolas Robertson, Klein, Offensive Lineman
No. 24 - Grant Smith, Grand Oaks, Quarterback
No. 25 - Jermaine Santanna-Diaz, Ridge Point, Athlete
No. 26 - Jaden Vaughn, Cy Fair, Defensive Back
No. 27 - Jaylen Stewart, Pearland, Defensive Lineman, Oklahoma State-Commit
No. 28 - Carter Stewart, Shadow Creek, Defensive Back
No. 29 - Reilarean Phillips, Alief Elsik, Linebacker
No. 30 - Damian Horace, Conroe, Defensive Back
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No. 31 - Devan Robison, Pasadena Memorial, Offensive Lineman
No. 32 - Calvin Carter, Dekaney, Athlete
No. 33 - Cullen Thompson, Grand Oaks, Defensive End
No. 34 - Tanner West, Katy Jordan, Athlete
No. 35 - John Hebert, Strake Jesuit, Running Back
No. 36 - Samaritan Cunningham, Dekaney, Running back
No. 37 - Davis Kinney, FB Travis, Wide Receiver
No. 38 - David Brewer, FB Travis, Wide Receiver
No. 39 - Jeremy Garner, Iowa Colony, Defensive Back
No. 40 - Dionne Sims, CE King, Running Back
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No. 41 - Amonte Harris, Summer Creek, Defensive End
No. 42 - Preston Pitts, Clear Falls, Linebacker
No. 43 - Kaleb Maryland, North Shore, Quarterback
No. 44 - Jordan Burnett, Ridge Point, Offensive Lineman
No. 45 - Isaiah McMillian, Katy, Defensive Back
No. 46 - William Mayes, Tompkins, Tight End
No. 47 - Foard Polley, Stratford, Offensive Lineman
No. 48 - Mason Mixon, Randle, Tight End
No. 49 - Kyden Barker, Galveston Ball, Quarterback
No. 50 - Nicholas Tramble, Aldine Davis, Athlete
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No. 51 - Robert Haynes Jr., Ridge Point, Wide Receiver
No. 52 - Zachary Taylor, Katy Jordan, Defensive Back
No. 53 - Josiah Evans, Galveston Ball, Offensive Lineman
No. 54 - Griffin Tillis, Grand Oaks, Defensive Back
No. 55 - Romaire Smith, Ridge Point, Defensive End
No. 56 - Jarvis Spears, Cy Springs, Defensive Lineman
No. 57 - Isaiah Broughton, Cy Ridge, Defensive Lineman
No. 58 - Eddie Lartigue Jr., Klein Collins, Offensive Lineman
No. 59 - Javion Garrett, Katy Taylor, Running Back
No. 60 - Benny Okwura, Katy Jordan, Tight End
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No. 61 - Obinna Umeh, St. Thomas, Defensive End
No. 62 - Jeremiah Smith, Katy, Linebacker
No. 63 - Rodney Thomas II, Episcopal, Defensive Back
No. 64 - Malachi Augustus, Nimitz, Wide Receiver
No. 65 - Zach Johnson, Klein Cain, Quarterback
No. 66 - Ayden Combs, Cy Ranch, Linebacker
No. 67 - Devyn Phillip, Hightower, Linebacker
No. 68 - Xavier Waters, North Shore, Defensive Lineman
No. 69 - Ethan Washington, Ridge Point, Defensive Back
No. 70 - Ty Sexton, Bridgeland, Wide Receiver
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No. 71 - Derek Stevenson, St. Thomas, Wide Receiver
No. 72 - William Blaylock II, Cy Ranch, Athlete
No. 73 - Kaeden Johnson, FB Marshall, Quarterback
No. 74 - Parker Stewart, The Woodlands, Athlete
No. 75 - Jarone Bell, Shadow Creek, Defensive Back
No. 76 - Kah’ni Watts, Iowa Colony, Defensive Back
No. 77 - Marco Beltran, College Park, Defensive Back
No. 78 - Jordyn Crites, Friendswood, Defensive End
No. 79 - Mudassir Abdullah, West Columbia, Defensive Back
No. 80 - Travis Johnson, Episcopal, Linebacker
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No. 81 - Ian Hill, Iowa Colony, Wide Receiver
No. 82 - Jaeden Spelmon, Paetow, Defensive Back
No. 83 - Dazjhon Taylor, FB Marshall, Athlete
No. 84 - Aja Bradford, Lutheran South Academy, Defensive Back
No. 85 - Bryan Brooks, Cy Springs, Offensive Lineman
No. 86 - Preston Hall, Ridge Point, Linbacker
No. 87 - Malcolm Graham, FB Travis, Linebacker
No. 88 - Jaxyn Faldyn, Tomball, Quarterback
No. 89 - Dorian Barnes, North Shore, Wide Receiver
No. 90 - Jayden Johnson, Texas City, Wide Receiver
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No. 91 - Hunter McKinney, Lake Creek, Offensive Lineman
No. 92 - Preston Cloud, Grand Oaks, Wide Receiver
No. 93 - David Nwanodu, FB Hightower, Linebacker
No. 94 - Juwaan Woodbury, Galveston Ball, Wide Receiver
No. 95 - Chaz Oliver, Fort Bend Marshall, Offensive Lineman
No. 96 - Canon Toon, Second Baptist, Quarterback
No. 97 - Tremayne Hill, Katy, Running Back
No. 98 - Samuel Wright III, Paetow, Linebacker
No. 99 - Adam Vessel, Ridge Point, Defensive Back
No. 100 - Hayden Drinkard, George Ranch, Running Back