Join our VYPE Live crew for this Texas High School Soccer match-up on Tuesday, December 1:
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Join our VYPE Live crew for this Texas High School Soccer match-up on Tuesday, December 1:
The Texas Longhorns have landed a commitment from one of the top defensive players in H-town in 2026 Mayde Creek (Texas) four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala.
Okpala commits to the Longhorns over Miami, Baylor and Penn State among others.
The four-star linebacker is now the 16th commit in Texas’ 2026 class.
“The connection and relationship at Texas that I have built with the coaches over there was stronger than every other school recruiting me,” Okpala said. “I feel like Texas was the best option for me to play on a big stage and that’s why I chose them.”
Okpala took his last official visit to Texas on June 20th and what he saw on his visit really solidified his decision in committing to the Longhorns.
“I loved everything about my visit,” he said. “The fit, NIL opportunities, building relationships with the players, everything just was the right fit for me and that’s when I knew it was home.”
Okpala makes his commitment ahead of his Senior year and he’s ready to focus in and have a big year hoping to lead the Rams back to the playoffs.
“It means a lot to commit before my senior year and start focusing in on getting ready for the season,” Okpala said. “I really just want to have another productive year this year, add more to the stat sheet and take home the Defensive player of the year and District MVP but the main goal is to just go out there and help my team win.”
The talented Mayde Creek star is officially off the board and look for him and the Rams to have a big season, but Okpala had one last message to Longhorn fans as he is now committed.
“I’m going to come in there ready to win, ready to compete. The goal is to win, one thing at a time… I’m ready to get to work!”
The Heavenbound Christian League (HCL) kicks off its Silver Legacy Week on Friday with a high-profile Exposure Camp, headlined by Super Bowl champion Ainias Smith.
A product of Dulles High School and Texas A&M, Smith recently wrapped up his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles. But before the NFL spotlight, he was deeply rooted in a mission that hits closer to home—HCL, the faith-based organization founded by his parents.
The Heavenbound Christian League serves the Greater Houston area, empowering student-athletes and their families through mentorship, character development, and athletic training—all grounded in faith.
Smith, joined by fellow HCL alumni Ross Blacklock and Leon O’Neal, sat down with VYPE’s Matt Malatesta to reflect on their football journeys—and the impact that HCL has had on their lives, both on and off the field.
From little league dreams to NFL realities, the trio credits HCL not just for athletic guidance, but for shaping their values and vision for the future.
For information on the camp, fund-raiser and dinner, please go to Heavenbound Christian League.
There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar.
Our team traveled to Fort Bend ISD for their 2025 Fall Media Day recently. Check out the Athletic Trainers behind-the-scenes hype video below!
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