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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.
STORY-BOOK ENDING: Mayde Creek shocks state, wins cheer state gold
Megan Montgomery left her corporate job at Academy Sports and Outdoors in product development three years ago… to become a State Champion?
In one of the most inspiring stories in Houston high school sports this year, the Mayde Creek cheer team won the Class 6A DI UIL State Championship earlier this month.
Why so inspiring?
Montgomery is in her first year as the Rams’ head coach. She cheered at The Colony High School in the DFW-area and worked National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Camps as a teenager. She didn’t cheer in college and learned how to navigate the high school hallways and lead new-age teenagers in a matter of months.
“I didn’t love the corporate life,” the University of Arkansas grad said. “I just wasn’t making an impact in other people’s lives. When I saw this job open up, I went for it. It was a complete 180 from what I was doing, but it was a calling.
“I just built a personal relationship with each girl and figured out how to coach them as a team and individually,” she said. “I’m a big detail person, and they started to trust me and bought in. When they started believing they could compete at a high level, their confidence grew very quickly.”
Montgomery leaned on the likes of Trinity Jackson, MacKenzie Espinoza, Camila Rodriguez and Ashayla Phillips along the way.
“Camilla just has that infectious energy and keeps everyone up, while Mackenzie battled back pain and just killed it,” she said. “Ashayla was an alternate and on JV much of the year, but stepped up when we needed her. Trinity is just a star. She was so coachable and led by example.”
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The State Cheer event is usually won by schools loaded with all-star cheerleaders who work daily on their craft at well-known gyms, and travel nationwide to compete against other elite-level teams in a multi-million-dollar business.
“God is good,” Montgomery said. “For some programs, a win is just another win… it means much more at Mayde Creek.”
The Rams, who have one all-state competitive cheerleader, battled through routine changes, injuries, and position substitutes every step of the way this fall and winter.
“We were changing our routine between the prelims and the finals at State,” Montgomery laughed. “That brought me back to my NCA Camp days when I was given a team from somewhere in Texas, and I had to create and clean up their routines on the fly. That experience helped.
“We had JV cheerleaders step up when the lights were the brightest. We have a girl getting an MRI on her knee even today after leaving it all on the mat.”
Mayde Creek (89.77) edged out Seven Lakes (89.40) and Katy Jordan (88.73) to win the title, which is even more story-book. All three are Katy ISD programs.
“When they announced our name, we just paused,” she said. “We didn’t realize they said Mayde Creek. We just cried on that mat, just stunned. What was so encouraging was that the other Katy ISD schools were so excited for us. They cheered us on all the way and had our backs. Our kids will never forget that.
“It is still sinking in. We are still so grateful for the experience,” she said. “It’s truly a God thing.”